Wailuku, Hawaii

Located in Lahaina, Hawaii, this family-owned sailing company has been providing exceptional ocean experiences around Maui for over five decades. With roots dating back to the 1920s and a legacy shaped by a pivotal shipwreck in 1969, the company operates a fleet of first-class sailing vessels departing from Maalaea Harbor and Kaanapali Beach. Renowned for their knowledgeable and attentive crew, they offer a unique blend of comfort, safety, and personalized service that distinguishes them from other tour operators. Their commitment to quality is evident in their well-maintained boats, premium equipment, and carefully curated itineraries that explore some of Maui’s most stunning marine environments. The company specializes in a variety of tours including snorkeling excursions to Molokini Crater, West Maui reefs, and the pristine waters of Lana’i, as well as sunset sails, dinner cruises, whale watching, and SNUBA adventures. Guests can expect a full-day experience featuring gourmet meals such as plantation-style BBQ lunches and continental breakfasts with signature cinnamon rolls, alongside premium beverage options for adults. The tours cater to a wide range of customers, from families and casual snorkelers to more adventurous travelers seeking underwater exploration. Each outing includes snorkel instruction, reef-safe sunscreen, and access to protected marine preserves, ensuring an immersive and environmentally conscious experience on the waters of Maui.

PacWhale Eco-Adventures, located in Maui, Hawaii, offers marine ecotours grounded in nearly four decades of research and conservation efforts. As a social enterprise owned by the nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation, the company is dedicated to protecting Hawaiʻi’s humpback whales and promoting ocean education. Each excursion is guided by Certified Marine Naturalists, ensuring an informative and engaging experience that combines scientific knowledge with adventure. This commitment to education and conservation distinguishes the company as one of Maui’s most awarded ecotour operators. The business provides a variety of activities including whale watching cruises, snorkeling tours, dolphin cruises, sunset sails, holiday cruises, and private charters. These offerings cater to a wide range of customers, from families and casual tourists to marine enthusiasts seeking an immersive ocean experience. Guests benefit from expert guidance, quality equipment, and access to some of the best marine environments around Maui. The tours emphasize environmental stewardship while delivering memorable encounters with marine wildlife in their natural habitat.

Located in Ma’alaea Harbor, Wailuku, Hawaii, this snorkeling charter company offers an intimate and personalized experience aboard the Maui Magic, a fast power catamaran designed for adventure and access to multiple prime snorkeling sites. With over 30 years of industry experience through its parent company, Maui Classic Charters, it stands out by limiting passenger numbers to ensure a more exclusive and attentive tour. The smaller size and speed of the vessel allow it to reach a variety of renowned locations such as Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, and Coral Gardens, providing guests with opportunities to encounter dolphins, Hawaiian green sea turtles, and seasonal humpback whales. The crew’s expertise and dedication to customer service enhance the overall experience, combining safety, education, and Hawaiian cultural elements like traditional chants and conch shell ceremonies. The company offers daily morning snorkel tours that include visits to two distinct underwater sites, featuring a free tropical breakfast, lunch, and fresh baked cookies, all served by a friendly and knowledgeable crew. Private afternoon charters are also available, catering to families and groups seeking a personalized setting with options for whale watching during the season. These tours are designed for guests aged five and older and emphasize a relaxed yet engaging atmosphere, with amenities such as a water slide on board. Weather permitting, the excursions provide a memorable exploration of Maui’s marine life and coastline, making them ideal for travelers looking to combine adventure with comfort and cultural enrichment.

Located in West Maui, Hawaii, Magic Merman offers premier small boat tours specializing in snorkeling and whale watching. Operating from Ka'anapali, this custom-built 40-foot vessel provides a comfortable and shaded experience on the sparkling Pacific waters. With years of experience and a professional crew, the company stands out for its knowledgeable staff and personalized service. Guests benefit from the expertise of certified naturalists who enhance the adventure by sharing insights about local marine life and ecosystems. Magic Merman’s offerings include combination snorkeling and whale watching tours, sunset cruises, and private charters tailored to various interests and group sizes. The tours focus on providing close encounters with Maui’s vibrant wildlife, including swimming alongside sea turtles guided by an in-water expert. Designed for visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure, the experience combines education and excitement in a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the spirit of Aloha. This approach ensures memorable outings for families, couples, and individual travelers alike.

Yonegan Pro-Diver Maui is a premier dive operator in Kihei, Hawaii, offering multi-tank dives, snorkel tours, mixed boat tours for snorkelers and divers, reef rescues, whale watching, private charters, and ceremonial cruises. With over 25 years of experience, they provide personalized ocean adventures to sites like Molokini Crater, emphasizing safety, small group sizes, and knowledgeable guides.

Quicksilver Whale Watch Maui operates out of Ma'alaea Harbor in Wailuku, Hawaii, offering a range of marine excursions that highlight the natural beauty and wildlife of Maui’s coastal waters. With extensive experience in ocean tours, the company is known for its well-equipped double-decker catamarans that provide spacious decks, panoramic views, and family-friendly amenities such as waterslides and comfortable seating. Their unique approach combines expert narration, safety-focused crews, and quality equipment to deliver memorable encounters with humpback whales, sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs. The location in South Maui, particularly Ma'alaea Bay, is ideal for whale watching during the season from November through April, making it a premier destination for marine wildlife observation. The business offers a variety of tours including two-hour whale watching cruises, Turtle Town snorkeling adventures, sunset dinner cruises, and private charters tailored to different group needs. Whale watching tours feature guaranteed sightings, underwater hydrophones to hear whale songs, and knowledgeable captains who share insights about whale behavior. Snorkeling excursions take guests to prime locations like Turtle Town and Molokini Crater, with top-of-the-line gear and opportunities to swim alongside Hawaiian green sea turtles and tropical fish. The sunset dinner cruise combines scenic coastal cruising with island-style cuisine, live music, and the chance to spot dolphins and whales. These experiences cater to all ages and skill levels, emphasizing safety, comfort, and immersive interaction with Maui’s marine environment.

Extended Horizons is a premier scuba diving operation located in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, with over 40 years of experience exploring the waters of Maui and Lana‘i. Renowned for its small group sizes, the company maintains a maximum diver-to-guide ratio of 4:1, ensuring personalized attention and a safe, educational experience. The dive shop is distinguished by its team of nationally certified instructors and naturalists who provide expert guidance and interpretive insights into marine life and animal behaviors. Committed to environmental stewardship, Extended Horizons operates with eco-friendly practices, including a 100% biodiesel-powered boat and a solar-powered shop, reflecting its dedication to ocean conservation. The business offers a comprehensive range of scuba diving services, including guided shore dives, night dives, wreck dives, and eco-dives along the coastlines of Maui and Lana‘i. It caters to divers of all skill levels, from beginners seeking certification courses to experienced divers looking to explore renowned sites such as Lanai Cathedrals and Black Rock. Extended Horizons emphasizes slow-paced, immersive dives that maximize bottom time and marine observation. Their educational programs include PADI and SDI certification courses, with instructors who provide thorough, personalized training. The experience is enhanced by knowledgeable guides who share their passion for the ocean, making each dive both informative and memorable.

Located in Maalaea Harbor, Wailuku, Hawaii, this company specializes in marine adventure cruises around the scenic waters of Maui. With experienced captains and a focus on quick access to prime wildlife viewing areas, it offers a unique opportunity to observe humpback whales, dolphins, and other marine life in their natural habitat. The business is known for providing every guest with a front-row seat, ensuring an immersive experience. Although their original vessels were lost in the Lahaina fires, they are actively acquiring new boats to continue delivering exceptional tours. The company offers a variety of excursions including whale watching during the season, snorkeling along the West Maui coastline, and trips to the nearby island of Lana‘i to swim with dolphins and explore vibrant coral reefs. Each tour is designed for physically fit outdoor enthusiasts aged five and older, with all snorkel gear and flotation devices provided. Captains select snorkel sites based on safety and visibility, and trips include amenities such as on-board restrooms and fresh rinse showers. Private charters are also available, offering a personalized boating experience without age restrictions.

Kihei Canoe Club offers educational, recreational, cultural, and competitive Hawaiian outrigger canoeing programs for youth and adults in a safe environment, including a Visitor Paddling Program every Tuesday and Thursday year-round (conditions permitting) with introduction to Hawaiian culture, paddling instruction, sea life discussion, and opportunities to see turtles, rays, and whales (Dec-Apr). Paddlers use single or double hull outrigger canoes off Kihei, Wailea, Makena, and Ma‘alaea; no experience required; youth over 12 and 48" tall, under 18 accompanied by adult.

Located in Lahaina, Hawaii, this family-owned sailing company has been providing exceptional ocean adventures around Maui for over five decades. Established in 1969, the business combines a rich maritime legacy with a commitment to quality and safety, operating a fleet of first-class sailing vessels. What sets it apart is its unique beach-loading process at world-famous Ka’anapali Beach, offering guests direct access to some of the best snorkeling spots in West Maui, including Honolua Bay and Olowalu reef. The company’s experienced crew ensures personalized attention, making each excursion both safe and memorable. The company offers a diverse range of tours including snorkeling, sunset sails, dinner cruises, whale watching, and SNUBA experiences, catering to families, couples, and adventure seekers. Guests can enjoy carefully curated itineraries featuring continental breakfasts, gourmet lunches, and premium beverages on select tours. Snorkeling equipment and flotation devices are provided, along with reef-safe sunscreen and fresh water showers. With departures from multiple locations such as Maalaea, Lahaina, and Ka’anapali, the tours highlight Maui’s marine life, scenic coastlines, and seasonal whale sightings, delivering an immersive and comfortable ocean experience.