If you want to peer into the island’s marine life — under the water you will find honu (green sea turtles), hihimanu (manta and eagle rays), humuhumunukuapua’a (Hawaii’s state fish) and much more — the best way to do it is to go on one of the top snorkeling tours on Maui. Whether you’re at one of famous snorkeling spots along the west coast, the world-famous Molokai Crater or Lanai (“The Pineapple Island”), you can learn about marine-friendly practices, the connection between land and water in Hawaii. Mahalo!
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Feature image: Redline Rafting
Snorkeling Tours Near Kaanapali
Trilogy Excursions Discover Kaanapali Deluxe Snorkeling Cruise with Lunch
Check-in: Kaanapali Beach in front of Leilani Restaurant (Whalers Village)
Price: Starting at $163
This West Maui launch site is close to numerous snorkel sites including Honolua Bay and Cliff House, which are home to coral gardens, honu and tropical reef fish. Starting with a continental breakfast, the tour sets sail along the west coast of Maui for a full day of adventure. After snorkeling all morning and working up an appetite, the Trilogy crew serves its famous teriyaki BBQ chicken lunch.
Trilogy Excursions Maui to Lanai, Snorkel & Guided City Tour
Check-in: Lahaina Harbor Main Loading Dock
Price: Starting at $279
Spotting dolphins and viewing Sweetheart Rock are the highlights of this catamaran journey to Lanai. The all-day trip starts with continental breakfast on the Trilogy before setting sail to the “Pineapple Island.” Prime snorkeling occurs at Hulopoe Marine Preserve followed by a stop at Huopo‘e Beach for sunbathing and beach volleyball, as well as a look at the tidepools.
The fun continues with an optional guided van tour of Lanai City. Before heading back to Maui, the Triology stops at Manele Bay to serve a kiawe wood BBQ lunch. Be sure to book in advance.
Snorkeling Tours Near Wailea
Maui Kayaks Makena Turtle Town Eco Adventure
Check-in: Makena Landing
Price: Starting at $84
This eco-adventure starts with a 2-hour kayak tour around Turtle Town, which offers the best snorkeling spots to see Hawaiian green sea turtles and tropical fish. After kayaking, hop in the water for a snorkeling adventure.
Maui Kayaks Makena and Wailea Explorer Eco-Adventure
Check-in: Makena Landing
Price: Starting at $225
Kayak down the Pu’u Ola’i coastline to 2 to 3 different snorkeling sights. This 4-hour adventure gives you the opportunity to see green sea turtles, dolphins, manta rays and of course, an abundance of tropical fish.
Four Winds Molokini Snorkel Cruise from Maalaea Harbor
Check-in: Ma'alaea Harbor
Price: Starting at $149
Set sail from Maalaea Harbor to the famous Molokini Crater. The Four Winds II catamaran cruise includes snorkeling with sea turtles, a water-slide, breakfast and lunch, an open bar and even a glass bottom viewing room! This snorkel cruise is ideal for families.
Trilogy Discover Molokini Snorkeling Cruise from Maalaea Harbor
Check-in: Ma'alaea Harbor
Price: Starting at $189
This all-day tour offers two tours per day starting at 7 a.m. or 8 a.m. Enjoy snorkeling at the partially submerged volcanic crater of Molokini, home to honu, the Hawaiʻian green sea turtle, and myriad reef fish from orange spine unicorn fish to humuhumunukunukuapua’a. Breakfast, lunch and alcoholic beverages are included.
Redline Rafting
Check-in: Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, La Perouse
Price: Starting at $129
Redline Rafting welcomes passengers to its popular snorkel excursions with new offerings and safety protocols. Ranked number one in Kihei on TripAdvisor, each excursion provides curated snorkeling focused on education with marine-friendly practices. One percent of sales are donated to non-profit organizations that encourage positive development for Maui youth, nature conservation, and perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture.
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