Marine Excursions

This sleek, gorgeous 65-foot yacht competed in the 1987 America's Cup race. If you want to experience the thrills of high-speed sailing, join the experienced crew for a morning, afternoon or sunset sailing excursion. Whale watching expeditions depart daily during whale watching season (December 15-April 30), while Tradewind Sails take place twice daily year-round. Sunset sails are a singularly romantic excursion. Prices are USD32.95 per person and include beverages and light snacks. Call for more information and reservations.

Maui waters offer more than surface-level thrills, particularly if you go 125 feet below. For 15 years, this Coast Guard-certified crew has shown people the wonders that lie beneath the waves. The Maui tour includes an exploration off the coast of Lahaina. Coral found only in this region is a highlight, as is the marine wildlife that frequent the waters. Prices are moderate. Plantation tours, sky tours and luau packages are also available through Atlantis. Call for more information.

If you have two left feet or an unreasonable fear of the ocean, do not worry about it; this surf and kayak company prides itself on "catering to the cowardly or uncoordinated." Located just across from Kihei Cove, the Big Kahuna store is perfectly located for visitors to South Maui. Several different kayaking adventure tours are available, and the company also specializes in surf lessons and scuba trips and operates a rental/retail store. Stop by or call for more information.

This is not your average snorkel cruise. It offers you the opportunity to see the Kanaio Coast and some of the most amazing natural scenery on the island. Lava arches, sea caves, turtles, dolphins and other undersea life are all a part of these half-day tours. The Kanaio tour visits pristine coves and bays, as well as volcanic formations and excellent snorkeling. Molokini tours steer clear of heavily touristed areas, seeking out pristine waters and unique views. Tours depart from the Kihei boat ramp. Tour packages include all equipment, drinks and lunch. Call for reservations and other details.

This is one of the few snorkel charters that guarantees a turtle sighting. So if you want to see a sea turtle up close and personal, do not miss the boat. Actually, the "boat" is a 20-foot raft with twin outboard motors. A total of 13 passengers and two crew members can fit, but the company never books more than 10 passengers per excursion. This is one of the most entertaining ways to tour offshore Maui waters. "Noodles" (long, rubber floating toys) and underwater cameras are available. Three daytime snorkel excursions and one sunset cruise are offered daily. Call for pricing or more information.

This dive company has been a part of the Maui diving community for more than ten years and, during that time, has consistently made customer satisfaction a priority. The goal is that every dive lives up to customers' expectations. To that end, divemasters are prepared to meet every reasonable request. More than 20 dive sites are available through Ed Robinson's, so customers do not have repeat experiences (unless they so choose, of course). Certification courses and private charters are offered.

If you want to explore the tiny, peaceful island of Lana'i while visiting Molokai, contact this company. It is highly recommended by locals. The journey each way only takes one hour and the boat departs five times daily from each direction. The fare for the ride alone is USD25 each way. Jeep expeditions and two-hour guided island tours can be arranged. If you prefer to go solo, you can do so. Just make sure to reserve yourself a spot at the return time of your choice. There are also various day tours, golf packages and overnighters available. Call for more information.

With three ships, experienced guides and all the necessary supplies, this company is as enthusiastic about sport fishing as the most avid vacation adventurer. For more than 30 years, this company has held the record for, "Most Marlin Caught on Maui." Boats carry as many as six people. Bring your own food and beverages. Direct bookings are encouraged. Prices start at USD160 for a shared-boat excursion. A six-hour private sail is USD800.

Escape the bustle of West Maui aboard this small sailing vessel. Relaxed and small, it is the perfect boat to charter for a special event or book a space for a day away. Experience the 'Picnic Snorkel Sail', a four-hour cruise that visits the home of the sea turtles. From December 15 through April 15, there are two whale watches daily, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. A romantic summertime option is the "Champagne Sunset Sail," a two-hour pleasure cruise departing at dusk. The $50 charge per person includes unlimited champagne, Mai Tais and appetizers. Medium-sized groups or large families should definitely consider the private charter option. Excursions depart from Ka'anapali Beach.

Explore the many wonderful things to do on Maui with Hawaiiactive.com. Fly over the Valley Isle and experience its deep, meandering valleys and cascading waterfalls first hand. Check out some of the best snorkeling and dive spots in the world. Watch the sunrise from atop Haleakala Crater. Enjoy the award-winning Old Lahaina Luau - a feast for the senses - or experience the exciting Sky Trek adventure. This magical isle has activities and tours to please the entire family. Reserve your favorite tours early and make the most of your time in the Islands. Get active!

The first excursion offered by this company is for scuba divers only. It is a full day excursion to the waters off Lana'i, where you'll see all the amazing marine wildlife that inhabit this area, including turtles, rays and innumerable tropical fish. Only one dive is offered per day, which makes the schedule more relaxed than on other dive boats. Underwater photos of almost every excursion are available. The price is USD110 per diver. Non-divers can participate in the half-day or full-day snorkel cruises to Lana'i. Meals and refreshment are included in the price of the excursion.

If you are serious about catching the big one, call these folks. They don't play around. No time-share sales, cocktail cruising or island hopping is involved. It's strictly big-game fishing. The vessel, a 41-foot Hatteras, is one of the finest of its kind. It is equipped with every tool the serious sport fisherman could need, including a live bait well. People who are in it for the chase, not the kill, will be pleased to note that the Hinatea has set records in "tag-and-release" during the past decade.

In order to entertain Maui's diverse tourist contingent, this company offers SNUBA excursions, Navatek rides and scooter dives to tourists looking for an out-of-the-ordinary activity.SNUBA is a variation on SCUBA that allows guests to descend to many feet below sea level without mastering the technique of the tank dive. Scooter diving is a great adventure, and not too intimidating. On these futuristic vehicles, people can motor—or to be more accurate, putter—along under the sea. Breathing is made easy by an enclosed capsule that covers the head. Traditional SCUBA lessons and boat dives are also offered. Call for pricing and more information.

Otherwise known as Diver Dan's Specialty Charters, this company is known for its consistent catches. It holds several records for largest and most fish caught, including the record for the largest Ahi-a whopping 220-pound monster. Diver Dan and his crew and passengers go after the big fish: mahi-mahi, ahi, shark and the king of them all, the marlin. Only six passengers go out on the boat, and all of them are ensured plenty of time and space to reel in a prize. Equipment and bait are provided, and no license is required. Call for reservations and pricing information.

This West Maui marine adventure company offers two of Maui's best day trips. Choose between the Snorkel Sail and the Sunset Sail. The Snorkel Sail (USD79 adults, USD49 children 3-12) departs in the morning and includes a light breakfast, cocktails, buffet lunch, and a half-day of sunbathing and swimming. The Sunset Sail (USD45 adults; USD30 children) includes appetizers and cocktails, and lasts a total of two hours. The boat features an open-air cabin and a glass bottom for underwater viewing. Call for more information.

With its warm blue water and stunning natural scenery, Maui is a fantastic place to kayak. This company takes groups to the best kayaking spots around the island. It also runs a surf school on the South Side. Visit the sea turtles at La Perouse, site of ancient lava formations and secluded snorkel spots. Traverse the uninhabited shores of famous Honolua Bay. A sunset kayak tour is also available.

Whale watches, dinner cruises and other fun marine excursions are held aboard this spacious yacht. Snorkel and dive cruises travel to Molokini several times weekly. The vessel has a maximum capacity of 160 passengers, but many activities only allow for 80-100 people, guaranteeing that passengers will have plenty of room. This is part of the Island Marine fleet, which also includes the Lahaina Princess, Maui Princess and the Molokai Princess.

There's enough on Maui to keep you busy above ground, but things can get overwhelming when you start looking below sea level. There are colonies of sea turtles, pods of dolphins, living coral reefs and hundreds of species of tropical fish. Makena Charters show you just a small portion of what there is to see: underwater caves, the reefs off Molokini, a sunken World War II tank, Turtle Town and more. The underwater action is nonstop. This is one of the last remaining six-person dive boats. Beginners and certified divers are welcome.

If eco-adventures appeal to you, this paddle and snorkel tour is just your speed. Local guides lead a few people into the open seas of South Maui or West Maui for several hours of snorkeling, kayaking and sightseeing. The kayak tours take place in the waters off Makena, La Perouse or on the other side of the island, just off the "Pali" cliffs. The tours last anywhere from two and a-half to four hours and include snacks and soft drinks. Call for prices and reservations.

There are few better places to learn to scuba dive than Maui. The waters are warm, the fish are abundant, and dive schools like this one offer courses for beginning, intermediate and advanced divers. The self-proclaimed number one diving school on the island prides itself on offering all kinds of certifications, a wide variety of dives, including cavern and night dives, and excellent service. In fact, the establishment has a guarantee: find better value or better service anywhere on Maui, and your dive is free. See their website for further information.

If you love water sports you'll want to check out this dive shop, which boasts "the best prices on Maui." Snorkel gear costs only 99 cents per day (get a free underwater camera with a weekly rental of two sets of gear). SCUBA equipment rents and guided beach dives. A combo Molokini-Lanai snorkel cruise costs and if you don't see turtles on the turtle dive you'll get a second dive free. Maui Diving also books a variety of local excursions at discounted prices.

There are many dive schools on Maui, but one specializes in first-time divers & dash; particularly those that are a little apprehensive about their first dive. Several options are available. An introductory one or two-tank dive is perfect for uncertified divers. The two-day, beginning scuba program provides more intensive training over the course of four dives. International scuba certification is available through a four-day, eight-dive program. If you are a certified diver who needs a little review, take the refresher course.

This activity broker offers discounts of 20 to 40 percent on many popular island activities. With two Maui locations (the other is in Lahaina, just off Highway 30). Activities include an ocean rafting excursion, a downhill Haleakala journey, a sunset dinner cruise, luaus, dolphin watching trips, snorkeling excursions and more. Call or check the web site for information on activities and current discounts.

A husband-and-wife team of biologists owns this dive company. For experienced divers who don't want to disturb the underwater environment, it is an ideal option. Indeed, in the 20+ years that the Severns have been operating tours, they have garnered praise from customers worldwide. Small groups of experienced divers are led to various places around the island, exploring underwater caves, nudibranch colonies and other natural wonders. The purpose of the tours is to educate as well as entertain.

Operating marine charters for nearly 30 years, this company offers several daily excursions aboard two 65-foot power catamarans. The full-day Molokini snorkel cruise (leaving from Ma'alaea Harbor) serves meals and refreshments, provides all snorkeling gear and instruction, and features a live marine specimen presentation. Whale-watching charters are conducted from December to April. Last but not least, the company offers full-day fishing charters (private or shared).

Once you are aboard and off from the Mala Wharf, you're sure that you're in for some serious adventure! From the north shore of Lanai, across the AuAu channel, you'll come across sea caves, shipwrecks, sea cliffs, clear waters for snorkeling and the colorful marine life. If the weather's in your favor, you can head to explore the north shore of Moloka'i, which is rarely seen by visitors. Green valleys, waterfalls, hidden caves and a lot to explore on this part of the island. You can be sure to bump into hump—backed whales, that breed in the channels of Maui, Moloka'i and Lanai. Watch out!

Since 1980, nearly two million people have joined experts on the Eco-Adventure cruises. High-tech catamarans powered with biodiesel fuel take you dolphin and whale watching in Maui. The Pacific Whale Organization aims to scientifically identify adverse factors affecting the recovery of endangered marine mammals and works to eradicate those factors. Educational programs involving whales, dolphins, porpoises, and other marine mammals are regularly organised. The organization also maintains speakers' bureau and a library on marine mammals and their habitat. Most popular are the Sunset Cocktail and Dinner Cruise.

Venture out to Molokini or Lana'i aboard these sleek, modern sailing vessels. A number of day and evening cruises are offered, including an all-day Lana'i excursion, an afternoon sail to Coral Gardens, and an evening Sunset Sail. There are two vessels in the fleet, the Paragon and Paragon II. All excursions offer light snacks or meals. See their website for rates and special offers.

If you have the urge to soar the skies above Hawaii, this company is one of your best options. It has been around since 1985, is licensed by the Coast Guard and is highly reputed among travelers and locals. Passengers are strapped to a parachute and flown like kites 900 feet above the water. It is a heady experience and one that is popular with adrenaline junkies of all ages.

For a unique Hawaiian experience, come aboard the Kaulana for a six-hour sail. The boat visits two snorkeling sites as well as the home of Lanai's largest pod of dolphins. Observe these joyful animals as they frolic in the water. While appearances are not guaranteed, with more than 100 dolphins in residence, chances are good that you will see at least a few of them. The craft comes equipped with with toys, boogie boards and a waterslide. Other onboard activities include introductory SCUBA lessons, a delicious lunch and a narrated cruise.

Cost: $79 per person. This is a Club Lanai activity.

This 65-foot catamaran features two observation decks, a spacious cabin, water slide, a glass-bottom port and hot fresh water showers! The five-hour Molokini & Turtle Town excursion includes two meals, beverages, snorkeling gear and boogie boards. The crew are also onhand to provide instruction when necessary. The romantically inclined will enjoy the sunset cocktail cruise with open bar, pupus (appetizers), live music and dancing. The boat departs from the Ma'alaea Harbor loading dock.

Unlike many of the snorkel and cruise tours offered on Maui, Rainbow Chasers limits groups to 24 people or less, which provides guests with more room to relax and more personal attention if necessary. On the morning cruise out to Lana'i, enjoy the sundeck and the island music and food. The snorkeling at Lana'i is spectacular; you will see all sorts of marine life. This is a great trip for couples or small groups. Call for pricing information or reservations.

This boat cruises out to the coral reefs, where passengers can move to the glass-enclosed viewing portal below deck. As the vessel moves from one prime viewing spot to another, scuba divers steer octopi, exotic tropical fish and rays closer to the viewing portals. The shorter narrated tour lasts 60 minutes and costs USD32.95 for adults, USD18.95 for children ages 6-12. The 2:15pm tour visits the sea turtles, lasts 90 minutes, provides refreshments, and costs USD44.95 for adults and USD24.95 for children.

Explore the waters off Maui with this marine adventure company. Several excursions are available each day. The afternoon trip is a fast-sailing adventure. In the winter months, the daytime cruises take passengers to visit the migrating humpback whales. An evening trip is also available, during which you will take in a gorgeous Maui sunset while sipping champagne and nibbling chocolate. Rates children USD25 and adults USD45. Private charters are also available. Call for more details.

Combine a snorkel cruise with a trip to Molokini and a detour at nearby Turtle Town (home of the sea turtles), and you have got an irresistible excursion. This company only takes small groups. It is operated by a Coast Guard Captain with almost 20 years of experience; he and his crew take pride in their ecological awareness. The Seafire is new to South Maui, and is highly recommended by tour guides if you are staying in Kihei or Wailea. Call for prices and to make reservations.

If you, like many others before you, have realized that riding the waves is not nearly as easy as it looks, call this company and set up some lessons. These cheery professional surfers can help even the most nervous mainlander "get up," as is attested to by enthusiastic visitors the world over. The local-boy instructors know all of the best places to go and are all CPR certified. Lessons last for two hours per person. Call for more information and to reserve a spot.

The owners of the Teralani recently added a new ship to the fleet: the Teralani II. Departing from Ka'anapali daily, these sailing catamarans take passengers out into the waters around Maui for a variety of sun-soaked adventures. The Picnic Snorkel Sail visits several locations, depending on the day. The Champagne Sunset Sail lasts two hours and is perfect for sweethearts. During whale watching season (December-May), excursions depart twice daily. Varying specialty sails are offered throughout the year. Private charters are also available. Call for prices and further details.

There are six sailing catamarans in this fleet. They depart from Ka'anapali, Lahaina Harbor and the neighbor island of Lana'i. All of the excursions are named "Discover." There is the highly reputed "Discover Lanai," which departs from Lahaina Harbor and sails to breathtaking Hulopo'e Beach, with an afternoon return to Maui. The "Discover Kaanapali" includes five hours of sunning, sailing and snorkeling in the warm waters off the West Maui Coast. "Discover Scuba" caters to novice divers.

The Wike-Wahine, this company's proud vessel, is a polyurethane raft that seats approximately 24 people. She is a fast and streamlined vessel, powered by duel high-speed engines. A whalewatching or snorkel tour aboard this raft is like a combination whitewater excursion and eco-tour. Each passenger has a panoramic view of the open sea. There is always at least one marine biologist on board. Call for rates and reservations. This is a popular attraction, so book ahead of time.

Enjoy a variety of marine excursions aboard this lovely 70-foot schooner. Morning, noon and evening cruises depart every day from Lahaina Harbor. On the popular Sunset Dinner Cruise, guests enjoy live entertainment, a delicious prime rib buffet, an open bar and, of course, an epic sunset. The Champagne Brunch Cruise, sailing two times weekly May-October, is the perfect morning date. Whale-watching tours depart three times daily in season. Sightings are guaranteed, unlike many other whale-watching cruises.

If you like to pedal your bike rather than riding the brakes all day, call this company. The tour begins with a leisurely outdoor breakfast at Kula's Rice Park, and then travels to the Haleakala Crater. Plenty of stops are made, including a visit to a large protea farm. Participants are directed to little backroads, rolling hills and other areas off the beaten path. The tour ends with lunch and wine tasting at Tedeschi winery. This is perfect for the cyclist who likes to stop and smell the flowers, literally. Call for pricing information.