With this in mind, we bring you our thoughts on The Old Lahaina Laua, one of the oldest and most revered Luaus on the Island. But with new and high-end premium Luau’s popping up all the time does the Old Lahaina Luau still cut it? With all the Recent Price hikes, is it still good value and what exactly can you expect for your money at this premium Luau presentation that focuses primarily on Authenticity over commercial trappings of the Hotel Luaus? Find out everything you need to know here in our Old Lahaina Luau Review.

• Event: Oceanside Luau Feast and Show
• Location: Lahaina, West Maui – Oceanfront
• Cost: $220 – Adult – $134 Child (3-12yrs)
• Drinks: Open Bar
• Included: Flower Leu
• Best for: Most Authentic Luau in Maui

• Premium Options: None

Is It Worth Attending a Luau

For us, no trip to Hawaii is complete without a trip to a Luau. Yes, we know they are incredibly touristy and have more to do with commercialization than tradition, but they are just fun and part of the more modern Hawaiian traditions.

Prices have really shot up since the pandemic and they now really represent a huge outlay and a significant chink in your trip budget. But they still offer one of the best ways to spend an evening in Maui. Dinner, a show, an open bar, and exposure to some Hawaiian culture, even if it is a little caricatured.

The fact that these events are now so expensive, means there is even less room for error in finding the best Laua on the island. So we have put together some detailed reviews of the island’s best Luaus, and top of that bunch is the legendary Old Lahaina Luau…

What is the Old Lahaina Luau

The Old Lahaina Luau is one of the oldest Luau operating in Maui. Its focus is on authenticity and a welcoming friendly vibe. The Luau does not strive to emulate or match its rivals and instead treads its own path, daring to be different with the aim that Authentic is better.

You get everything you expect with a Laua on Maui, a fantastic feast, bottomless drinks, stunning grounds, Hawaiian activities, and a vibrant and exciting show. But they do most things a little differently and the result is a very special Luau we think most people should strongly consider.

History of the Old Lahaina Luau

The Old Lahaina Luau has been running in one shape or form since 1986 and has always focused on a culturally sensitive approach and has tried to avoid the tacky trappings of most Hawaiian Luau Presentations.

The Luau was situated on the oceanfront at 505 Front Street, which was the location of the Feast at Lele (Sister Luau). It received critical acclaim and many repeat visitors and its success saw it move to larger grounds on the other side of Lahaina.

A New Era of the Luau was ushered in after the COVID shutdowns as the Luau moved from a Buffet Feat to Table service with a greater focus on presentation and quality.

The latest Chapter has been scorched into this Luau’s history with the horrific fires that destroyed the majority of Kahain Town, the Luau somehow survived, but surrounded by affected areas this dark chapter of Mauis history will always leave a mark on the Luau.

Is the Old Lahaina Luau the Best Luau on Maui?

The word best comes with lots of judgment and opinion and other is never really a definitive answer to what the “best” anything is. But as far as Luau’s on Maui, it really is hard to make a case for any rival luau being better. Some may do certain things better, but as an overall package, none of them can beat the Old Lahaina Luau.

This does not mean the others are poor (some of them are), or that they offer bad experiences, it’s just the Old Lahaina Luau is just so good it’s hard to compete. The setting, excellent drinks, fantastic food, wonderful hosts, and intricate and spectacular show, all just add up to the most complete package.

We love the authenticity of the Luau. The efforts the team goes to, in order to stay as authentic and real to the Hawaiian Culture are really admirable, They even do things, and omit things that are detrimental to their success, simply as the alternative would not be authentic. Old Lahaina Luau suffered structural damage from the Lahaina Fires in August 2023 and was closed for a considerable time. We really do love the Old Lahaina Luau and it has made us so happy to hear that they will be re-opening on February 18th you can now book on their website! After everything their staff and families have been through, we are rooting for Old Lahaina Luau and wish them the best in their re-opening.

We need some full disclosure here. We are not in any way affiliated* with the Old Lahaina Luau and have full editorial control over this article, and all the other Luau Reviews (and every other single article and review on our site, we are 100% independent). We thought that it important to get across early as, well we kind of love the Old Lahaina Luau, and maybe our opinion could be considered “hard-sell”, but really we just have experienced so many Luaus on multiple Hawaiian Islands and not really any of them compete (Ok maybe the PCC on Oahu). If we sound overly enthusiastic about the Luau it really is just our honest opinion!

*We may receive some small commissions if you book through some of our affiliate links, but this would be the case for any of the Rival Luaus. We have no particular incentive to encourage you to book the Old Lahaina Luau, other than giving you the best possible advice as we see it.

What Makes The Old Lahaina Luau Different?

The big thing that makes the Old Lahaina Luau different is Authenticity. They really strive in every way to make things as authentic as possible. The grounds, the Cultural activities, the feast, the Imu Oven, and even the show are all as authentic as possible. The reality is they are still a long way from an authentic Luau of the Hawaiian Chief Era, things have changed so completely since then that an attempt to be 100% authentic would be pretty intolerable for our Western tastes (you can forget the open bar Mai Tais!), but the Old Lahaina Luau still applies a lot of cultural sensitivity to its presentation, while still accommodating western tastes.

The big ticket difference from almost every Luau we have attended is the omission of Fire Knife Dancers, why…because they are Samoan.

No Fire Knife Dancers

Tourists in Hawaii, us included, love the Fire Knife Dance. As darkness falls there is little more impressive than watching a tattooed warrior spinning and twirling their Fire Knife Staff is mesmerizing and intoxicating. But this is a Samoan tradition. So it has no place in an authentic Hawaiian Luau. Of course, the Old Lahaina Luau could just grin and bear it and allow a little inaccuracy in for the benefit of the guests, but no, and we admire their resistance, to keep things real.

The same applies to the Show in general. The dance is all Hawaiian and doe not introduce other Polynesian dancers as most other luaus do. There is no Mauri “Haka” or Fijian “Meke” here, it’s pure Hawaiin.

The show is also vastly different from the other Luaus on the island in that it is a real show, with a story, telling the myths and legends of how the islands were inhabited. More on this later.

The Old Lahaina Luau has a real Imu oven, in which they roast the Puaʻa Kālua underground and offer you the chance to witness the unearthing. The grounds in general are really fantastic. More than any other they feel self-contained. Most other Luaus are situated on busy ocean paths, so there are always people wandering past, but the Old Lahaina feels far more secluded. It feels like it’s just the Luau with no outsiders looking in.

The grounds are beautifully manicured too, with lush tropical plants, and a natural stage with a stunning ocean backdrop, The seating is also very unique with the tables surrounding the stage and the whole show interacting with the crowd as the performers move through and around the guests. There is also the option of traditional seating which we look at more later.

Overall the whole feel of the Luau is more real, warm, and friendly. We really feel the workers appreciate the adherence and sensitivity to the culture and enjoy introducing the guests to this. They have real pride in the presentation and this really comes across in all elements.

What is included with The Old Lahaina Luau

• Flower Lei on Arrival
• 5 Course Traditional Luau Dinner
• Open Bar
• Cultural Activities
• IMU Presentation
• After Dinner Show
• Makena “Gift”
• Lots of Aloha!

The Old Lahaina Luau really pulls out all the stops. It’s an all-inclusive affair and the lack of upgrades and options means everyone is getting the whole package. The flower Lei’s are stunning, and the Cultural Activities fun, engaging, and a little educational.

Booking Options

<<< Book the Old Lahaina Luau NOW >>>

There are just two booking options with the Old Lahaina. The Traditional Seating and the Table and Chairs Seating. There is no price difference and other than where you sit there is no difference in service. Both options get a Flower Lei on arrival and a full open bar.

Traditional Seating

The traditional seats are low-level tables, around knee height, with the diners seated on cushions on the floor. Thus how Hawaiian Royalty used to dine and it’s a funs and different way of experiencing the feast. The Traditional seating is also nearest to the stage for when the show starts.

Currently, you can only book traditional seating for groups of 4 so bear that in mind.

Tables and Chairs

The Standard Table and Chairs options are pretty much as you would expect. The tables are slightly raised above the traditional seating so you still get a fantastic view of the stage.

All tables are 8 to a table so if you are a smaller group or couple you will be seated with other guests. But that is all part of the Luau and we love making new friends. The Open Bar certainly helps assist with this.

Really both options are great and the fact there is no difference in price makes it a tricky choice…

Traditional Seating or Tables and Chairs?

We love the fact that there is no price difference between the two different seating options. The Traditional Seating gets you right at the front of the show, however, there is a price to pay for this, it is just not monetary.

We love the traditional seating, but it can be very uncomfortable. We are fairly young, flexible, and have no real health issues, yet we still found sitting, essentially on the ground, for such a long period pretty hard work. There were a lot of position changes, creaky backs, and general numbness and discomfort. This was not helped by the soaring temperatures of the Hawaiian evening.

For anyone with a bad back, joint issues, or general inflexibility, the Traditional seating options are a really poor idea. As this type of seating was traditional in Hawaii, the ancestors we just used to sitting like this, but in our Western culture we have grown accustomed to chairs, and sitting on the floor is no longer very common. This really can make for an uncomfortable evening.

If you are in two minds, we say go for the table and chairs. You still get a great view, you will be nice and comfortable and overall just enjoy t more. If you are a sprightly young thing or used to sitting on the floor for long periods of time, then go for the Traditional, we tend to, even though we find it a bit uncomfortable, just as we love the experience.

Experience

The experience starts as you arrive at the purpose-built Luau grounds on the Outskirts of Lahaina. There is parking available, but with the open bar, we do not drive in! Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a flower lei, offered a welcome drink, and taken to your seats.

We love the grounds, not just because they are so beautifully planted with lush tropical foliage, but because they are really isolated. Like most Luau’s the Old Lahaina Luau is oceanfront, but unlike most, there is no real public access along the front. While it is open to the public, the is just no reason for anyone to want to walk along this piece of oceanfront. It doesn’t go anywhere and is in a really de-populated part of the town. There is just no one down there and as such the Laua has this little corner of paradise to itself!

Along the front, there are various crafts and activities you can partake in or purchase one of the hand-crafted keepsakes. On the cultural activities front, there is far more going on at here than at any other Luau. They want to help promote the Hawaiian culture and readily showcase as much as they can.

After exploring the grounds and taking in the culture, you will be invited to witness the IMU* ceremony. At most Luaus the IMU pig is simply brought out, and presented to the crowd, raising serious questions as to whether it was cooked in a real Imu at all. There is no doubt here as you will be able to witness the unearthing of the pig as the chefs peel off the taro leaves and dig out the pig from under the baking soil.

The Pig is then taken off and prepared for dinner.

The Dinner is currently a Table Service meal. In the past when we visited, the Feast was served Buffet Style, but Covid restrictions have seen the Luau change to a Table Service model. The food is largely the same only it’s pre-plated for you. You might not get quite as much as before, but the portions are huge and most people leave stuffed, especially if you try everything!

We are unsure if the Laua will stick with this model permanently or revert back to a Buffet as Covid fades into a memory.

After dinner, the Show kicks off. We really like the separation of Dinner and the Show, as at some Luau’s they are mixed together with the show happening between courses. This detracts from either the food or the Show as you only have so much attention. Here you get your feast, and then can sit back and really appreciate the show.

While all this is happening, two other things are going on. The Open bar is pumping out the drinks and the sun is dipping down into the Pacific Ocean and delivering one of Maui’s stunning sunsets.

After the Show, you receive your gift and can leave the grounds. Be warned, it gets a little hectic in the carpark, so we find it best not to rush and just head out after the initial rush, or just wander into Lahaina for a last drink, a 5-minute stroll.

Let’s look a bit closer at the Meal, Show, and Bar offerings.

*Underground oven

Luau Feast

The feast is a five-course menu and is served on individual plates with some items served Family Style. It’s all high quality and really delicious but it is more home-style than some of the more gastronomic Luaus, but honestly, it’s not a huge gap.

First Course

The first course is less of a course and more of a selection of nibbles. This is handy as there is quite a long period between the gates opening and the meal getting started properly. So having some stuff to snack on is great.

The Haupia and Kulolo are certainly an acquired taste but you should at least give them a try, a bit like blancmange but made with coconut, these are usually served as dessert, but these are less sweet than other versions.

Traditional Course

The Hawaiian course is served family style and offers the chance to try all the authentic Luau foods that Hawaii is famous for. Here you get the Pua’a Kalua, the Pork roasted in the underground Imu. Salty, lightly Smokey, tender and so delicious!

The LauLau does not look like much but the slow steaming makes the pork really tender. Ahi Poke is one of our favorite things to eat in the world and this version is very authentic and basically the recipe we most try to emulate! If you have not got around to trying Poke (just head to Safeway) then this is your opportunity. Yes, it’s raw, but it SOO good.

LomiLomi Salmon is another must-try Luau food and we rarely get this anywhere other than Luaus. It’s not quite as delicious as the Poke, but still a favorite.

The Poi here is disgusting, but it’s disgusting anywhere. If you have always secretly wanted to eat purple wallpaper paste, today is your lucky day! Again, you have to try it, just so you can say it’s awful

Bread Course

Main Course

The main course veers away from the traditional a little and more towards catering to Western tastes. This course will be individually plated for each guest. You get a scoop of purple sweet potato mash, some veggies that come more oven-roasted than Stir-Fried, and then 3 meat dishes. The meats all have a large-scale catering feel about them.

The Steak is not the best steak, it’s flat iron and cooked slowly, don’t expect a nice seared steak. But as a dish, it’s still pretty nice and the truffle oil really lifts it. The Fish will change based on the season but is often Mahi Mahi, and tends to be oven-roasted in a variety of flavors. The Chicken, again, has a mass catering feel about it, cooked in a large tray, covered in sauce. The sauce is pretty amazing though!

Overall this is the most disappointing course. It doe not feel that authentic and goes towards appeasing western tastes and just filling people up. These courses were always available on the Buffet but you could avoid them by loading your plate with the more authentic foods.

It’s still an enjoyable course, we just prefer the more traditional foods. So really we hope they ever to the buffet at some point in the future.

Dessert

Ok, the dessert is a bit of an oddity. Everything the Luau does is an attempt to be as authentic as possible. However, for the dessert course, they let that go. Apart from some ingredients, there is nothing remotely authentic about this dessert. Other Luaus do this course far more authentically serving Haupia or Lilikoi Tarts.

Oddly enough, they are all pretty awful, we never enjoy Luau Desserts.

The Hawaiians were just not really dessert people it seems.

Dietary Requirements

The Luau is happy to accommodate vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten Free diners, but requires over 24 hours’ notice. All servers are very clear on asking guests about allergens before dining and will provide guidance if this is the case.

Fussy eaters may struggle a little. This is a traditional feast and there is little contrition made for Western diets. The main course is fairly familiar to most people, but the starter and Hawaiian course may prove challenging to those unfamiliar with experimenting with their diet.

Anyone who likes to try new things will have no issue, it’s not a fussy menu, and loads of flavors and textures will be familiar, it’s just not burger and fries.

Luau Show

For us, the show is where the Luau really shines. This is far more a Full production show than any other on the island. It tells the story of the arrival of the islands and their myths and legends as the kings and their gods took over paradise.

The story follows along with the development of the Hula dance and starts off with the voyages setting out from Polynesia, following the golden plover as they make their way across the ocean. It moves on to tales of Gods and Kings, as hula was used in ancient times to tell the stories of the past, and this tradition is kept alive.

Hula evolved greatly over time right up until the tourist invasion of the last 50 or so years, and the story ends with modern-day hula and how the dance is enjoyed on the islands today.

The show is so much more engaging than most, which simply put the performers on stage and shows you the various dances, often including non-Hawaiian dance. Here the story develops and the music and chanting are vivid and visceral.

As the Seating arrangement circles the stage the show is not confined to the small state area and takes place in and around the crow as well. Performers rush through the aisles chanting and shrieking as they go. It’s very immersive and involving.

The Stage lighting is very vivid and as the sun dips the colors of the costumes and set really pop. The movement and choreography are frankly mesmerizing and the whole show is just a few notches above anything else we have experienced on the island.

On our first visit our server, who was also a performer, was very humble about the show, telling us not to expect too much, and that it’s not like Cirque Du Soleil. While it might not be that level, it is still so much better than the humble performer let on. It’s vibrant dynamic, even visceral at times, with the intense shrieks and hollas coming from all around.

We don’t want to spoil too much about the show, it’s one to relax into, with your bellies full, and just enjoy the spectacle.

What Drinks are included at the Old Lahaina Luau

Like most Maui Luaus the Old Lahaina Luau offers an open bar. The bar is a walk-up affair and we find the queues to be really short and the service super fast. Unfortunately, this is largely because the drinks are mainly pre-mixed.

This is great as the drinks flow out of the bar really fast, but not so good in terms of quality. The Mai Tais were good, and we worked through the rest of the menu, with varying success, there are a lot of syrups and vivid colors used. These remind us of 70-80’s style cocktails, rather than the modern hand-crafted drinks we seek out now. Honestly, it kind of fits in with the vibe and it’s not like they are bad, we certainly had no issues getting through a good selection, better than many we have received in restaurants at $15 a pop, it’s just an area we think could be improved upon.

Beer is provided by Maui Brewing Company, which is more than fine with us. and the wine was of decent quality, from Josh Cellars, and had a good selection, 2 Whites, two Reds, and a Rose, but no bubbles, unfortunately. There is also a good range of spirits, all premium brands, and the accompanying mixers.

Overall Is The Old Lahaina Luau Worth it?

Covid has seen a huge lift in the prices of Luau’s and The Old Lahaina is no exception here. The recent price hike has seen it bust right through the $200 barrier, and that is a big chink of cash, especially for a family.

However, it’s still a long way from being the most expensive Luau on the island, that honor goes to Feast at Mokapu over in south Maui, and infact most South Maui Luau’s top Old Lahaina in price, making it seem pretty good value, when you consider, in our opinion, it is easily the best Luau on the island.

Also while the price has raised significantly, so has everything else. A 3-course meal, with 4-5 drinks in a higher-end West Maui restaurant is easily going to top 140-160 pp, maybe more, and with the Old Lahaina Luau, you are getting the best show on the island, one of the finest settings, a flower lei, and a whole lot more thrown in.

If you are planning on attending a Luau, even the most bargain basement Luaus are still a big outlay and the difference between a cheap Luau and the best on the island is pretty small really, and definitely worth the extra.

We can’t really imagine coming to Maui and not attending a Laua, and if you are going to Visit a Luau, it might as well be the best.

Why would you not Choose Old Lahaina Luau?

We honestly can’t think of many reasons why you would not choose Old Lahaina but there is a few possible reasons you may choose to go elsewhere. Over 2 million people visit Maui every year and they can’t all visit the Old Lahaina Luau

No – Luau

You may have just chosen not to do a Luau at all, we get this, you don’t have to visit a luau to get the real Hawaii experience, we like to, but we know everyone is different. Maybe the menu is not appealing to you, maybe you don’t care for shows, maybe it is all just too commercial, not cool enough, you prefer more natural sights, or maybe the huge outlay could be spent better for you. There are a ton of reasons why a Luau isn’t right for your trip, and we don’t want to sway you too hard.

There are hundreds of things to do on Maui, so if a Luau isn’t jumping right out at you as a MUST-DO the large outlay may well not be worth it.

Based in South Maui

Honestly, this is the biggest reason. And we 100% get it. This is a West Maui Luau and the trek over the Lahaina from Kehei or Waliea is a pain in the proverbial. However good Old Lahaina Luau is, a 45-1hr drive from South Maui is a tough ask, especially when there are great Luaus on your doorstep.

We almost always stay part of our trip in West Maui so it has never been a decision for us, but it really is a tough ask, especially when you consider you will need a designated driver or head over in a taxi, vastly reducing and cost advantage over visiting one of South Maui’s more expensive Luaus.

Too Expensive

While we get it, the Old Lahaina Luau is very costly, we don’t think it’s that much more than the competition that it does justify that extra cost. However, if the budget just doesn’t stretch that far there are several cheaper options that still give a good Luau Experience.

Fire Knife Dancer

W do here people say they just really want to see the Fire Knife Dancers and skip Old Lahaina for that reason? We would rather have the incredible and authentic experience the Old Lahaina Luau offers any day over Fire Knife Dancers, but if these are just something you want to see and YouTube is not scratching the itch, then maybe this is not the one for you.

Repeat Visitors

Repeat visitors to Maui often skip Luau’s as they have already done several. We fall into this category but keep going, but mainly due to keeping our site updated, and currently, we might well not bother every trip otherwise (we certainly would not d 2-3 as we do now).

Also, you may have already done the Old Lahaina Luau and want to try out somewhere different!

Too Slow

We warned you at the beginning of the article that the Old Lahaina Luau is a sell-out every night, that it can be booked out months in advance, and you may have gotten to this article too late. It may be gone for the dates you want to visit. I so you have a couple of options, either join the waitlist, just keep checking for cancellations, or both.

Overall, if you want to visit a Luau, if you can justify the outlay, are in west Maui, or are willing to travel, you prefer authenticity and quality over a fire knife dancer, and want to get the best experience possible, the Old Lahaina is the number one choice.

<<< Book the Old Lahaina Luau NOW >>>

Other Luaus

Feast at Lele – $193 pp – West Maui- CLOSED DUE TO LAHAINA FIRES

This is the Sister Luau to the Old Lahaina and operates out of the original Luau grounds at 505 Front Street, which has had a recent redevelopment. It’s a very different Luau and focuses on the gastronomy of Polynesia. Here you get an in-depth look at several Polynesian cultures and their foods and dances. It’s a really great evening and a fantastic feast. You also get fire dancers!

Royal Lahaina Luau – Myths of Maui – $160 – West Maui

This is West Maui’s most budget Luau. The location is less picturesque, the food a little cheaper, the drinks less premium, and the show a little less polished. But it’s still a great night out and can save a family hundreds of $dollars!

Te Au Moana Luau – $240 pp – South Maui

This is our favorite alternative in South Maui. The Te Au Moana has a lot in coming with the Feast at Mokapu, including Tahiti production shows. It’s ocean-side and has the ocean as a backdrop. The meal is currently served as a 3-course table service meal, although it is served Family Style. This used to be a Buffet and remains to be seen if they return to this or stay in a table service format.

The Luau is a little cheaper and has a few extras such as a flower lei. But it’s a big luau with a lot of people attending and not quite as picturesque. It’s a good choice if you just can’t run to the Feast at Mokapu.

Feast at Mokapu – $280 pp – South Maui

This is Maui’s most expensive Luau, and possibly the world! It is very prestigious, very luxurious, and sits on absolutely stunning grounds. It is the only one to really give Old Lahaina Luau a run for its money, but it still falls short in a few ways. However it’s still a great night out and if you are looking for a South Maui luau it is hard to beat, it just comes at a cost!

Check out our full Maui Luau Guide for more details of every Luau Available on the Island.

Have your Say

Have you been to the Old Lahaina Luau? How did you find it? Was it good value? Did you like the feast? How was the show? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments, we would love to hear about your experience. Got any questions, again just fire away in the comments.

You May Also Like

• Best Luau’s in Maui
• Feast at Lele Luau
• What to eat in Maui
• Best things to do in Maui

We were booked onto the latest Virgin Atlantic 787 Dreamliner and were looking forward to flying in style. Upper-class is well beyond our budget so looked forward to Virgin’s Premium Economy. What many people want to know, is whether premium Economy is worth the upgrade. Our review should help you decide if the upgrade is worth the extra or if you should continue to slum it in coach…or Maybe lump for the whole hog in Upper-Class...

Original Flight – March 2019

Latest Flight – June 2024

Booking

The Virgin Website is a fairly well-polished site and we had no problem booking at any point and this was for a pretty complicated Multi-stop booking. As we required a few days in L.A to explore and recover before Hawaii we had to book 3 flights. The booking system had no issue with this and came back with a great price for economy, Just before final confirmation it offered us the upgrade of £250 for all flights. As we see below we happily took this option, especially considering the 2-night flights we had to take!

One Big Issue is the New Seat Booking Policy. Premium Offers Free Seat Selection with Premium. You are paying quite a bit for Premium so we really expect Seat Selection to be included. However, you only get Free Seat Selection on the Standard Seat Locations. the front 2-3 rows are designated as PREFERRED SEATS. To book these seats there is an additional cost, this is varied but can be £60-80 per person, per leg, we were asked for £268 in total for just the two of us, which would be £536 for a family of 4!

Honestly, it’s not a big issue for us, in most cases as we just refuse and book the standard seating, it’s all good as long as you are in Premium. But the huge issue for us occurs when these Standard, free seats are all taken. Then you are left with the choice of either stumping up the extra cash for something you were told was included!!! Or, taking the risk of being assigned seats at check-in (if you check in online you can select any seat for free at check-in, but that assumes there are still any appropriate seats available)

We really don’t like this system at all. We hate being asked to pay for seat selection, and to have it on a Long Haul flight is even worse, and to STILL be stung for it after plumping for Premium is really not on.

We think this is a really nasty cash grab by Virgin and that can and SHOULD rethink it.

Virgin Premium on other Aircraft?

This review is specifically for the Premium on the 787 Dreamliner Aircraft. While similar there are a few differences on other aircraft. We have separate reviews for these:

A350 Premium Review (2022)

You may also want to compare the Economy experiences as well to see if paying less is the better option for you and your family.

Virgin Atlantic Economy Review A350 (2021)

Virgin Atlantic Economy Review – 787 Dreamliner (2022)

Virgin Atlantic Economy Review – 747 (Retired)

Virgin Atlantic Economy Delight Review – Cut Down Premium (2022)

Is it Worth Upgrading to Premium?

This question is impossible to answer really and that is because of the huge range of potential prices between Economy and Premium. Depending on the flight and current booking level we have seen upgrades from £50 to £800 and upwards per flight! Also, value is very different to some people. For some, the thought of “slumming it” back in economy is horrifying for others, like us, we really rate the Virgin Economy Product so an upgrade is a luxury rather than an essential.

For the flight we took as our review flight we paid fairly little for the upgrade. We were flying From London Heathrow to Hawaii on the following routes:

• LHR – Los Angeles – Operated by Virgin
• Los Angeles – Kahului  – Operated by Delta
• Kahului – Seatle – Operated by Delta
• Seatle – LHR – Operated by Virgin

The TransAtlantic legs were operated by Virgin and the USA Legs were operated by Delta. We were offered an upgrade at booking for £250 per person for all 4 flights. With the Delta flights upgraded to Comfort plus. This works out at just £62.50 per person per flight. At the time Virgin was charging £30 per seat to reserve seating (this has changed somewhat with the new 3-tier Economy Product recently introduced) So we would be getting all the benefits of Premium economy for just £32.50 per flight. At that price we can say resoundingly YES it is worth it. But when prices are £600+ it would feel an awful lot of money compared to the current Economy product!

June 2024 Update –

We recently took another Premium Flight on Virgin’s Dreamliner so have edited this review to reflect the POST covid situation. This was a return flight from London Heathrow to San Francisco. On the whole, not too much has changed but there are fewer drinks services, but it is essentially the same service as before.

What you get in Premium

We feel the best way to decide if Premium is good value is to look at the benefits and simply work out based on the price if that feels like value to you. So let’s take a look at what you get and what the flights are actually like to help work out if it represents good value for you!

So What do you get?

• Premium Check-in
• Seat Selection Included
• 2x23kg Baggage – Yes, you read that right 2 bags EACH
• Priority Boarding
• Welcome Drink
• Much Larger leather Chair in 2-3-2 config
• Premium Cabin
• Premium Cabin Crew
• Upgraded Meal with Real Plates and Cutlery
• Upgraded Wine Offering
• After Dinner Liqueurs – Retired due to Covid
• Wander Wall – Help yourself to Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks in-flight
• Extra Airmiles and Tier Points
• Access to First Class Bar***

This all sounds great but how does it play out in practice and is the product as good as it sounds? Let’s take a look at our experience.

Out Bound – Day Time Flight

Airport and Boarding

Our flight left Heathrow at a pretty reasonable hour and we headed to the airport around 8 am. Arriving at T3 the went straight to our first perk: dedicated check-in. While this was excellent and we wheeled our 4 cases straight to the front with absolutely zero queues. Great, but in all honesty, the other economy desks were basically empty too. So it didn’t save us much. But that’s a good thing. After checking the cases we headed to security. There are no added benefits to get through security so we joined the masses*.

2022 – On our recent flight through JFK this actually changed and we were directed to Priority Security. This knocked a good 30 mins off our airport time, but we are not sure if this was an error, the second agent looked very unsure we were entitled to this, but let us through as she didn’t want to argue.

After security, we grabbed a coffee and sandwich while we waited for boarding. After they called for boarding we headed for the gate. Here we had our own dedicated boarding desk and basically walked straight onto the plane. Well, we would have if the TSA had not preselected Kate for additional Checks…No level of service can get you past the TSA if their random computer falls on you.

Once boarded we were very quickly offered our welcome drink, a choice of Fizz or Orange juice, which for us is no choice. We were then provided Newspapers to while away the time before take-off.

2022 – Again the welcome fizz arrived as soon as we were seated, however, we had quite a delay due to baggage handling issues and there was no sign of a top-up or any other service until we finally got into the air an hour late!

Cabin and Seating

The Premium Cabin is separate from both the economy Cabin and the upper-class cabin. This gives it a Really exclusive feel. With only 30 seats in 5 rows of six (2-4-2). it is a quiet and refined space that feels really personal. We love the 2-4-2 seating layout. 3-3-3 or 3-4-3 leads to us being trapped into our row should we want a window seat, which we do. More often than not a solo traveler will occupy a single seat and solo travelers have a habit of getting some sleep in. This means any excursion into the aisle for the toilet or getting drinks or even just to stretch the legs means disturbing the poor soul.

Having just the two seats to ourselves just works so much better. And we hate having to pay for assigned seats so would have needed to pay for this also, although seat selection is again included in Virgin’s economy price assuming you don’t go for the economy light option.

The Seats are also a significant upgrade. They are a lot more spacious and far more comfortable than standard Economy seats. We think they are far better than most Premium products even and are pretty much on par with most first-class products that are not of the lie-flat variety. A big thumbs up here from us!

The seats offer a pretty impressive 38-inch seat pitch as opposed to the meager 31 back in Economy. This gives a lot more space to stretch out! Width-wise the increase seems more modest at 21 vs 17 inches, but that will be a lot more comfortable for larger passengers, and this does not take into account the extra wide armrests that give even more space, a big advantage for solo travelers wanting distance from a random seat-mate.

The Recline is also pretty good, but this is a double-edged sword. It’s great on night flights when you all want to grab some rest but pretty awful when you are seated behind a habitual recliner who slams the seat back the second the seatbelt sign goes off and refuses to move until the cabin crew forces them to for landing. The extra space of the 38″ seat-pitch does help with this and it’s not as claustrophobic as Economy, but it’s still pretty intrusive.

Being on the 787-9 Dreamliner also has a few extra benefits. The Aircraft has much larger windows than most aircraft and plastic manual blinds are a thing of the past. The windows are now electronically controlled blackout windows. A press of the button darkens or lightens the window. The big upside is you can put a 50% tint on it meaning you can still see out the window but still see the IFE Screen properly. This makes for a great flight experience. Of course, this is also enjoyed by Economy and First class passengers.

There is also the “Wander Wall” at the front of the Cabin. Here there is a selection of drinks (non-alcoholic) and snacks for you to help yourself during the flight. The selection was quite intriguing with lots of unexpected items like pepper and lemon corn kernels and various crisps and chips and chocolate. You can also pop your head around to the Upper-class bar. While not strictly a Premium Economy Perk we were advised by the Cabin crew this would be ok.

A lot is made of the 787’s mood lighting but tbh we hardly noticed it and didn’t feel it really affected the flight in the positive or negative, it seems mostly a gimmick. What we did notice was the Cabin pressure” Obviously not directly, but the reduced altitude pressurization (8,000 ft instead of the usual 10,000ft) Made for a much more comfortable flight. Normally flying to the west coast of the US from the UK would leave us tired and grotty with dry mouths and irritated sinuses. On this flight, we couldn’t even tell we had been flying. Of course, we were still tired but no different from a day at work or such. Again this is shared by all passengers not just Premium.

In-Flight Entertainment

The Vera IFE is one of the best we have used and is rammed with the latest films, TV, and Music. After 20+ hours in the air, we were left frustrated as there were still things we hadn’t got round to watching! The Touch screens on the 787 were also really fantastic and were actually responsive and easy to use, a rare thing for Aircraft touch screens!

2024 – We were blown away by Vera when we first saw it back in 2019 but things have aged really fast. The new screens in the A350 really blow these away, even in Economy, the screens are far better. This is simply a case of technology improving faster than Aeroplane Refits. It’s still a great system on the 787 but the A350 tops it significantly.

Movie selection also seems to have dropped off. When we first jumped on a plane after the international; re-start the film selection was Dire! Thankfully this has improved but is still not quite up to the standard of the old selection. But we actually struggled to fill the whole 11 hours.

There were also AC and USB Power sockets in case any of your own devices were running low or you wished to work.

Food and Drink

One thing you will never want for on a Virgin Premium Economy flight is food. Apart from the Wander Wall where snacks are available for the entire flight, you are constantly plied with food. Right after take-off, you are given pretzels with your first drink. After 1-2 hours depending on the time of the flight the Meal service comes around. The Premium Meal is pretty much what you get in Economy but the little touches of it being served on real crockery with real knives and forks just make it that bit more special.

Our meal for this flight was a starter of Walnut and Orange Salad, a choice of Lasagne, Chicken in herb cream sauce, and Mousaka. We both went for the Lasange. And for dessert was a sticky toffee Slice. All are accompanied by a choice of red or white wine and a bottle of water. The Starter was … a bit rubbish. The lasagne was fairly tasty and the dessert was not great, a little dry and a bit nothingy. But really Airline food is never fantastic and this is as good as any other flight. To be honest we just think we lucked out on a less-than-brilliant menu day as the return flight suited us better.

The meal was followed by tea/coffee in a real mug. and then a choice of Cognac or Amarula Liqueur. And we then settled into our big comfy chairs and the IFE system.

2022 – The post-lockdown food does seem to have improved a little, or maybe Economy has dropped off, but the meal was markedly better on our recent flights than in the past. One of the very few improvements of post-covid flying!

As the flight went on we were fed at regular intervals. First an Ice Cream, then later a Steak Pasty, and then finally shortly before landing a Cream Tea, which was excellent.

Drink-wise, we were a touch disappointed. After lunch, the cabin crew seemed to disappear. We had received two drink services plus wine and a liqueur so it’s not like we were starved of alcohol but after a gap of around two hours we were ready for another and our personal crew were nowhere to be seen. Call buttons unanswered. When they finally reappeared and provided us with our drinks they suggested going forward to pop our heads into the Upperclass bar, just behind the curtain if we needed anything again quickly.

This is possibly a little picky and it hardly ruined our flight. It was just a bit odd to have such difficulty in getting a drink. We were not intent on getting sloshed but when stuck on a plane with nothing to do but sit, eat, drink, and watch, it was a bit disappointing when one is taken away. A small thing really. That aside the bar trolly had the usual selection of beers, wines, spirits, and mixers.

2024 – Drinks service has dropped off even further post-lockdown. We only got one full drinks service on our NYC flight. Along with wine for dinner and after dinner tea/coffee, we asked for alcohol instead which was allowed. The After-dinner Liqueur is gone, a covid casualty, and while we could possibly have asked for alcohol with High-Tea we like tea with our …err..tea.

We were able to request drinks at any stage and were never refused, but there was nothing in the way of full drinks service from the trolly after the initial pass. This is designed, in our opinion, to discourage people from asking for more or maybe just not knowing they can. If people are offered a drink they will likely take it, if they don’t know they are available they will possibly just not ask. the result, is fewer dinks served, and more money saved for the airline!

Service

Apart from the disappearing act mid-flight the service was excellent. Being in the premium cabin means you have a dedicated crew serving just the 30 seats in that cabin. This gives a very personal, fast, and attentive service. It feels pretty special and does add to the feeling of exclusivity. We never like to rag on any service personnel as long as they are trying their best. We have been on the other end and know what a hard thankless job they are doing. We see so many examples of them being treated poorly and never wish to contribute to this. The Premium Cabin crew are really a cut above the norm though, it is not just false praise. You are just treated to a much more intimate level of care for the majority of the flight.

2022 – Some crews are operating on a skeleton staff, on our flight out we had one member of the Cabin Crew to service the whole premium Cabin, to begin with. He was later joined by another Crew Member and all it meant it we had to wait 10mins for drinks instead of 5, it just shows what staffing pressure they are under! Despite the enormous stress they are operating under, you couldn’t tell! They are as polite, professional, and wonderful as ever!

We really do love the Virgin Cabin Crews and make sure we let them know how much we do. they are operating under horrific pressure ATM and just being polite and kind back to them really can help a little!

Arrival

The final two perks are all related to arrival. And these can be big advantages when trying to get through US Customs. Premium Economy is second off the plane only behind the upper-class guests. This means you get the run on the immigration desks. If you haven’t been to the US, let us just say immigration can be painfully slow. Any advantage you can get here is a big plus. On arrival at LAX, we were lucky to get to immigration with almost no queue knowing there were hundreds of people from our flight behind us.

On top of this, your bags are prioritized. Getting off the plane and through immigration first is kind of pointless if you have to stand for an hour while everyone else’s bags get to the conveyor first. Being in Premium means your bags are among the first onto the conveyor.

The upshot of all this is from the moment the doors opened to us getting to the car rental was less than an hour. This is truly incredible considering how big and difficult to negotiate LAX is. We were literally on an almost non-stop walk from the plane to the Hire Car bus.

One Perk not included that would have been much appreciated was the “guaranteed L.A Sun”, this is not what we expected on arrival! Of course, we can’t really blame Virgin Atlantic for this…Can we?

2024 – Again we were first off the plane and straight into immigration. This was actually extremely busy, but we used the new MPC app and were through to baggage claim well before our bags got there.

Return Flight – Night Flight

Our return flight left Seatle at 14:00 and was due to land in London around 7:30 am the next morning. We had already taken an overnight from Kahului so our recollection of this flight is a little hazy! The return flight was much the same in terms of basic perks and service levels but there are some notable differences due to the fact the majority of the passengers want to attempt to get some.

Food and Drink

Drinkwise the service was very top-heavy. Plying us with as many drinks service as possible in the first part of the flight to help us get off to sleep. We were also provided with a nice Herchel branded Amenity kit, which makes a nice change from the basic plastic wallet-type kits handed out in Economy, although it didn’t actually contain many extras. The provided pillows also feature a cut-out to try to assist in sleeping and we had the customary Virgin purple blanket as well.

2024 – The Amenity kits have turned a little Green and are now Paper-based which is a little less luxurious but at least they are trying and we appreciate the reduction in plastic, but we always reused the Kit bags.

Food-wise it’s quite different. Dinner service was the same as lunch on the outbound and included the after-dinner Liqueur. But after another drinks service, the cabin crew dims the lights and leaves you pretty much alone for the rest of the flight. While on the outbound we resented the lack of presence, throughout the night any lack of disturbance was most welcome. The cabin was dark and apart from the Hum of the engines and 600mph winds rushing by, very quiet. It was the perfect environment for sleep.

The actual main meal was basically the same as the outbound but a different menu and one that suited us better. Kate had four cheese pasta and I had beef stroganoff. The Starter salad was a little more substantial and the lemon and pistachio dessert much better than the dry Sticky toffee slice.

After a night of fitful and restless “sleep,” we were brought around by the rising sun and the cabin lights. Coffee or tea was served and then breakfast. The breakfast was actually one of the best we have had on a plane. Often we are served Soggy Sausages some flaccid eggs and maybe some baked beans. After 10+ hours in the air, this is the last thing you need. Our breakfast was a fresh-tasting, warm, Pan Au Chocolat with a granola yogurt pot, and some fresh fruit salad served with coffee and Juice. It was just what the doctor ordered and helped clear a little of the fog that had descended overnight.

We didn’t get any pictures as we were so tired and irritable at this point we just couldn’t be bothered. We were at 50 hours + Since actually getting any decent sleep so taking photos of our breakfast had become pretty unimportant!

2022 – More of the same on this flight with no discernable differences apart from the reduced drink services. Breakfast was again really good, with a Bacon Roll and a really refreshing bowl of coconut rice and fresh fruit!

Service

Like the outbound flight, we received nothing but excellent service and witnessed the crew sort out a disruptive couple who had not bothered to book seats, a free perk for Premium, and were complaining they were not happy with their seats. While under no obligation to help they managed to reseat some passengers to allow them to be next to each other.

The Cabin crew retired from view for the majority of the flight as they were aware of the need for most to try and sleep but we did notice frequent trips through the cabin, in stealth mode, offering juice and water to anyone who was awake. There was also the Wander wall obviously for anyone wanting to grab their own Snacks.

Arrival

Like the Outbound flight, our early disembarkment from the plane allowed us to get through immigration and baggage in super-fast time. Unfortunately, this leads us straight out into horrendous rush hour traffic and it was nearly 3 hours after landing before we were free of London and heading home. this was unfortunate timing, nothing more.

2024 – Again, first off the plane but this was little help with the embarrassing Chaos that is Heathrow Airport Arrivals currently. Immigration was horrific, with queues right out of the main hall, down a long hallway, down another long hallway, and right back along the travelators and gates exits!

So yeah we were first to get to this chaos but several flights had just landed before us so it was little help. Even with this Delay, we still beat the bags! And the current ground transport at Heathrow is a JOKE! anyway, enough ranting! – None of this is Virgin’s Fault!

So, IS it Worth it?

As we said this is all very personal. It is certainly not helped by the fantastic Economy product offered by Virgin Atlantic. But that also means the Premium product is a very high-quality offering to try and set it apart from the cheaper economy product.

Really the offering is far more akin to some upper-class products. Virgin’s upper-class product is out of this world but for other airlines, it gets you little more than the premium product offered by Virgin. So the question of value really boils down to how much you are being asked to pay, how much your budget is, and simply how much the above extras mean to you, and could that money be spent better on things to do and food and drink at your destination?

We often hear from the older generation that “Flying just isn’t what it used to be” In Premium, it is far more like that experience. It even helps ease the process at the airports at each end.

The extra bag each is also great value for those that travel heavy or are going for a long time. We were heading to Hawaii for nearly 3 weeks so need quite a lot of baggage having two bags each really took the pressure off. We actually hear people say they only book premium for this reason…this is pretty poor decision making however as you could always just purchase a second bag for £65!

Our next VA flight is to New York for a long weekend. Virgin was asking £300+ per person Per Leg. This is way above what we want to pay the Economy fair was only £430, and we don’t NEED some of the extras so this time chose to go economy.

So as you can see it’s a question with many variables and is hard to answer. You just need to ask yourself if the perks you get are worth it to YOUR for your trip. What we can say very clearly is that the Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Product is a fantastic offering. It’s right up there with some first-class products and is a brilliant luxury way to travel that can be bagged for a brilliant price on certain flights. We would not hesitate to book if the price is right!

£150 and under – per flight – At this price, we feel Premium is a real bargain! You are getting so much for your money and this fairly modest outlay will transform your trip!

£200 – £250- per flight – this is the dilemma price point. It’s still a reasonable deal but that money really could start to transform a different part of your trip. This is £800-1000 extra for a couple return and that’s a good few decent meals or some pretty high-end excursions!

£300+ – per flight – When the price rises over £300 per flight or £1200+ per couple return, we start thinking this is just too much. In the past, we have paid this for upper/business and this sort of money can just be better used elsewhere. Virgin’s Economy product is still pretty great, we can suffer that for the knowledge we will spend the money far more wisely at the other end!

One final way to look at it is Regret! We never regret taking the Premium Upgrade. As we know what we are getting we can easily assess if the price is right for us. We also never hear anyone else saying they regret it. It really is a great product.

Here are a couple of other things to think about when booking Premium

Single Leg

Sometimes the Premium price is sky high, but if you drill down you may find this is just one leg that is expensive! We often do this and find the upgrade for one of the legs is really cheap and the other leg is bumping the cost up. In this case there is no problem just booking the one leg, just remember that the upgraded baggage allowance will only count for one leg, if you take the extra bag you will need to pay the added £65 fee for the other leg.

Expensive Economy

Sometimes you have fixed travel dates and can’t flex the trip to get the best prices. We often find if we are stuck for dates and economy is looking pretty bad value, Premium is often …not much more! This can make the pill a bit easier to swallow!

Final Negative

Premium is a REALLY nice product and a great way to fly. This unfortunately has a bit of a drawback, you can get a bit addicted. It really is hard to go back to cattle class after experiencing Premium! We suppose this is a theatrical negative, but we will let you decide that next time you have to travel in the back after experiencing Premium!

Have Your Say

Let us know about your Virgin Premium Economy Experience. Did you enjoy your experience? What aircraft were you on? Did you feel it was good value? What is it like compared to other Premium experiences? Just drop us a comment below, we love hearing from you all. Also, drop us a comment below if you have any questions.

You May Also Like

• Virgin Premium A350 Review
• Virgin Economy Delight Review – Cut Down Premium
• Delta Premium Economy Review
• Virgin Economy Review
• Etihad Business Class Review

We take a look at exactly what we look for in a Mask, What makes a mask Great, and What to avoid. A Snorkel Mask is pretty basic in nature and fulfills a very simple job but its job is SO crucial, allowing you to see, that any flaw or fault in the mask can render your Snorkeling trip awful. There is little fun gliding over a coral reef completely blind from a fogged-up mask, with eyes stinging from saltwater and a nose full of Snot and water.

Traditional Or Full Face

We are going to get this over with straight away so we can focus on the job at hand.

Quite simply we refuse to endorse Full Face Snorkel Masks in any way. Not only are they more expensive but We do not see the problem they claim to solve. Sometimes Technology can be used to solve a problem that simply isn’t there.

Secondly, and this is a kicker for us, there are serious questions about their Safety. For the most part, these masks are fine. When conditions are good and the user is in a calm relaxed state there is NO issue at all. However, when things get a bit more stressed there are serious question marks over their safety.

There has recently been a Spate of Deaths attributed to Full Face masks in Hawaii and while some of this may be a little bit of Media hysteria, Why take the risk?

In our opinion, the Traditional Two-Piece is just better. The Full Face is just a Technological solution to a problem that never existed. There are so many “limitations” on Full face masks that we fail to see any significant advantage. A decent Two-Piece Snorkel Works perfectly in Calm Shallow Waters like the full face masks are designed for. But equally, they work well in rougher conditions, or when swimming hard, Free diving or Scuba diving to 40m. There are plenty of sites out there telling you a Full Face is fine. If you want to listen to that advice go for it, but we just can’t agree.

We will leave that here and get on with looking at Traditional Mask in the Guide as we genuinely believe them to be superior in every way. But if you want to read more take a look at our Full Face vs Traditional Snorkel Mask Article.

What to Look For?

Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is essential in a mask. Tempered glass is glass that has been toughened in manufacturing which provides two clear benefits.

Safety, should the lens shatter it breaks into a million blunt pieces, whereas traditional glass shatters into razor-sharp shards. Not something you want near your eyes! For this reason, only Tempered Glass is used in Snorkel Masks, but some cheap masks use Plastic Lenses instead.

This has the advantage of being cheap and light but the downsides are immeasurable. They scratch easily and they fog up like you would not believe. These masks are basically junk. Sold in supermarkets and gift shops to unsuspecting tourists who do not know any better.

This Makes Tempered glass the only choice. The toughening process also means the glass resists scratches, even microscopic scratches, which is important to stop fogging. A perfectly flat surface avoids fogging and a plastic lens covered in tiny microscopic scratches is a magnet for fog.

Keep a Tempered Lens clean and it will never fog.

Silicone Skirt

Old Fashioned Masks were made of rubber, this was an OK solution but rubber is a bit stiff and perishes badly in saltwater so masks didn’t fit well, leaked often, and lasted terribly. The introduction of plastics provided a whole host of alternatives, at the cheaper end they were a little better (but cheaper). One Standout material emerges as the only choice. Silicone.

Yeah, the same stuff that goes around your bath, well similar. In a mask, it is molded into shape and is practically impervious to saltwater, 100% Waterproof. It is incredibly flexible and this helps it fit and seal most face types.

Like tempered glass, it’s the only choice. If the mask does not have a Silicone Skirt it is using a cheap plastic alternative that will not seal and not last. Silicone is not an overly expensive material and finds its way right down the ranges, there is little reason not to choose a mask made from it.

Visibility – Field of View

Humans have approx a 210° field of view, meaning how much we can see without moving our heads. Dive Mask, on the whole, do not. This means to some degree your vision will be restricted, The less that is the better. But it’s not a huge deal as we do have articulated necks.

Very few Masks actually state their Field of view but they tend to be around 150-180 for a good mask. This is more than enough and with a little bit of head movement, the underwater world will be fully visible. A few Masks offer certain features to improve the Field of View but we find these largely gimmicky.

Lens shape

Lens shape is broadly defined into two camps. One Piece and Two Piece. The difference in practice is largely irrelevant. The differences in Fit and View are largely down to individual mask design, not the two or one-piece makeup.

Single lenses, on the whole, give better vision as there is no gap or bar between your eyes. They are also easier to defog and less liable to leak as there is just one continuous seal.

Dual lens masks tend to fit better on people with large or prominent noses. With a single lens, the adjoining piece can impact against the nose which can cause considerable discomfort over time. This is more an issue diving but it can still be a problem. Dual Lens masks also tend to be very low volume which is great for diving under or Free Diving.

A big plus for a dual lens is if you need a prescription lens. It is far easier to get prescription lenses for two-piece masks than one.

A final consideration is an old-school single lens, These have fallen completely out of fashion but if you want to look like Jacques Cousteau these masks can serve a purpose. If you have an exceptionally large nose, the high volume of these masks means they can be the only way to really provide comfort.

Strap

Some masks come with simple straps and some are intricate and complex straps. Honestly, this is the least important element of a mask. A well-fitting mask is held in place, largely by suction and the weight of the water. The strap does very little in holding it in place.

As such whatever the Strap consists of is more than likely enough. Complex and intricate designs merely look good in publicity images.

Fit

This is the single most important feature of a mask and unfortunately, it’s impossible to quantify. It does make recommending masks tricky as a mask that may be PERFECT for us may just not fit you at all! See below for our top tips on getting a mask that fits YOU perfectly.

We try and recommend masks that are most suitable for most types of faces.

Rest Assured all the Mask on our list below will feature all these required features.

Clear or Black/Opaque Silicone?

Clear Silicone Skirts are very popular. They give masks a really modern look and many people will no longer even consider an old-fashioned Black mask anymore. However, the benefits of a clear silicone mask are largely aesthetic and the reality is they can be horribly distracting. We rarely meet a diving instructor or professional diver who would consider a clear mask!

As Such despite them looking a little dated we always choose black Silicone now. Although there isn’t a lot wrong with the clear masks, just the light sometimes reflects internally meaning you see things in your peripheral vision that are not actually there, which can be distracting.

Best Masks for Snorkeling 2024

So now you know what makes a good mask let’s take a look at the best Masks on the Market.

1 – Kraken Aquatics Snorkel Dive Mask

• Best Overall
• Price – $38.95

Kraken Aquatics is not the First name in Diving and Snorkeling kit! In fact, we had never heard of them before coming across their mask. At first look it’s a pretty basic mask, It ticks all the Boxes but does nothing spectacular.

That is its best feature though. A mask isn’t supposed to do anything spectacular it’s supposed to work. And the Kraken JUST WORKS. The Large One Piece Tempered lens offers excellent visibility and has never fogged upon us (when clean). The Nose Bridge is large and even on big noses does not rub much even when diving. The Skirt is large, soft, and molds to most faces we have tried. It features a double seal the rarely leaks.

In Short, it does everything you need a mask to do, and it does them very well. The price is also very attractive compared to the bigger brands. It comes in three colors but we love all black

And the Bad…Well, it doesn’t come as a kit so you have to buy bits separately but the Kraken Dry Snorkel is another masterpiece and you can order them both together for $52. They also lack a box/carry case for protection when traveling but we are really nitpicking on what is essentially a near-perfect product.

We have even heard stories from divers who are buying multiples of these in case the design changes or the company goes bust!

Buy Kraken Aquatics Snorkel Mask on Amazon.com ($38.95)

Buy Kraken Aquatics Snorkel on Amazon.com ($25.95)

2 – Promate RX Prescription Snorkeling Mask

• Best Prescription
• Price – $54.95

The Promate RX Prescription mask is a pretty good mask. It’s not as good as some of the others on our list but it is a good quality reliable mask that fits well and seals great. Available in a host of colors (including Black)

Its top-selling feature, that bags the number 2 spot on our list is the fact it comes with prescription lenses. This is an absolute godsend for those with poor eyesight, which is over 1.3 Billion people! So the fact most Snorkelling goggles do not have this feature misses out on a big audience.

The Mask comes with an option of near-sight(-1.0 – -10) and far-sight (+1 – +4) prescriptions in 0.5 increments. They even have options for different eye prescriptions. This covers most people’s corrections and can transform your snorkeling adventures. Fish are so much better when they are not blurry!

If you need Prescription Lenses we highly recommend the Promate RX.

Buy Promate RX Prescription Snorkeling Mask – Near Sight

Buy Promate RX Prescription Snorkeling Mask – Far Sight

Buy Promate RX Prescription Snorkeling Mask – Set

3 – Greatever Panoramic Wide Dry Snorkel Set

• Best Budget Mask
• Price – $27.95

This is a fantastic budget set that features Mask and Snorkel for less than most masks on their own. It has all the usual features of tempered glass and a soft silicone skirt. Its twin lenses offer great visibility and the dry snorkel works excellently in all conditions.

It is not the same high quality as some of the more expensive masks but for beginners and occasional snorkelers, it will last many years and if kept clean is very resistant to fogging.

We would not use this for diving and a serious snorkeler/free diver would probably look past this sort of item, but for the cost, this is fantastic quality. And will outperform any rental equipment you might find, and at a cost of 2-3 days rental.

Buy Greatever Panoramic Wide Dry Snorkel Set

4 – Cressi Matrix Premium Snorkel Mask

• Premium Mask – Best for Scuba Diving!
• Price – $59.95

Cressi is an Italian firm that has been making Scuba and Snorkeling gear since the 1940s. A lot has changed in the industry in this time but Cressi has always been on top of the game. Cressi makes quite a few different masks but the Matrix is our favorite. Their other masks are really good but often feature a gimmick to help sell them, but in reality, do little to actually benefit the user.

The Matrix is gimmick-free and is just a top-quality dive mask. The soft, supple Silicone Skirt fits well on most faces, and the tempered lenses rarely fog. They also incorporate the “Big Eyes” System where the lenses are angled downwards improving visibility and reducing internal volume.

This makes the Matrix a fantastic Snorkeling mask. The Low Volume makes diving under much easier, and the “Big Eyes” system brings the lens as close as possible to the eye without interfering with the nose/brow. This makes for maximum visibility.

The Matrix really has it all and is actually a very reasonable price for such a high-end mask. It may be more than you need as a starter mask but this will last years and is perfectly suitable if the hobby progress’s into free diving / Scuba Diving!

Note – This is my personal dive/Snorkel mask that I use for all our diving Adventures. I have just returned from a 4-day Epic dive adventure on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, and the mask performed flawlessly on over 20 dives in tough conditions!

Buy Cressi Matrix Premium Snorkel Mask Only

Buy Cressi Matrix Premium Snorkel Mask – Set

5 – Promate Classic Old School Oval Silicone Scuba Diving Snorkeling Mask 

• Best Old School Cool
• Price – $23.99

If you have an odd-shaped head, face, or very large nose, you may find getting a comfortable and well-fitting mask almost impossible. In which case you may take inspiration from the past.

These Oval-style one-piece masks are perfect for slightly odder-shaped faces. As the nose is completely inside the mask there is nothing to rub on the bridge and the shape of the seal is less defined meaning it conforms to more facial shapes than the other masks.

However this is still a modern mask with Tempered glass and silicone skirts it has all the hallmarks of a great mask, just the shape makes it appear dated. But if nothing else fits well give this mask a crack!

Buy ProMate Classic Old School Snorkeling Mask

How to get a mask that fits YOU?

Try them. For people who mainly shop online, this can be an issue. but really the ONLY way to know if a mask is a good fit is to get it up to your face and see.

Some people suggest going to a local dive shop to try the masks and then buying for less online. We DO NOT condone that. A local Dive shop has to sell things to survive and wasting their time for their precious advice is going to end up with dive shops closing. If you want to use the shop go for it but buy it from them! The extra you pay is the charge for their service.

But we buy most of our kit online as time is money and we don’t have time to head all the way to the dive shop to pick up a mask. So how do we ensure the mask we choose fits?

We use our best judgment to get a mask that we like and we judge is likely to be the best fit and then order it. Test that it fits and if not return it and try again. People have been doing this for years with clothes online, as unless you have the product in person to you know if it will fit properly or you actually like it? For some reason, this hasn’t always carried over to other products, but it should.

Testing Proper fit.

To test the mask fits properly is very simple. First test the seal. This is done by holding the mask up to your face and lightly pressing it to your face. This should create a suction that if you stop the air coming out your nose will hold the mask in place without the need for the strap!

if it drops away, this mask is not suitable for you. It may take a few goes to get it right, but it should stay in place for a good few seconds with no loss of suction if it is a really good fit.

Next, you should check for comfort. Press the mask FIRMLY against your face. Not too hard but a good amount of pressure. So the mask’s silicone skirt compresses. Are there any pressure points? is the mask resting heavily on any part of you? Your nose for instance? This might feel ok now but after a while, it can become painful and sore.

This is more an issue for Scuba than snorkeling but a mask the applies firm pressure to any part of the face will eventually cause discomfort. It’s surprising how much the water pressure can press a mask against your face. So you need to make sure the Skirt takes a good amount of this pressure and not something hard against your face.

How to Stop a Mask Fogging Up?

There are two simple and cheap ways to keep a mask from fogging. The first is periodic maintenance and the other is an “every-use” method. They are rough and ready but time-honored and effective. We have Snorkeled, Dived and Swam for thousands of hours in all water and conditions and these two tips are all you need to keep your mask completely fog-free. And they cost about $99c combined!

Note – Natually we make use of any De-Fog provided by dive companies but these are not essential and we don’t use anything when snorkeling.

1- Maintenance

The first tip is one we use before every trip. So when our flights are booked and we are getting ready to pack, upon our kit inspection we always carry out our “deep clean” and for this we use Toothpaste.

Toothpaste is mildly abrasive and this works wonders on the tempered glass to get the finish back to perfect. No matter how new or expensive your mask is, eventually salt and dirt will adhere to it, even if it’s microscopic, and cause the mask to fog.

Using an old toothbrush and some standard toothpaste we vigorously brush the inside of the mask’s lens. The Abrasion will rub away any built-up grime and salt and leave the mask perfectly flat, clean, and fog-resistant. Test this by breathing hard into the mask and you will see any fog dissipate in seconds.

After a VERY thorough rinse (Toothpaste in your eye sucks) you are good to go.

2- Pre-Use

Just before every use while on your trip, another great tip is to use an anti-fog solution on your mask just before you hit the water…in fact we apply it once our feet are in!

The best anti-fog solution known to man? Saliva! It might be a bit icky but a quick spit, rub and rinse is all you need to keep on top of the mask anti-fogging.

As we said we have used these tricks a million times and they always work.

Have Your Say

Have you got a favorite Mask? Or have you found one of the masks on our list to be ineffective? Maybe you are a fan of Full Face masks, we would love to know why? If you have anything to say about any of the Masks on our list feel free to add to the discussion below. Also if you have any questions or would like a personal recommendation fire away in the comments.

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• Hawaii Snorkeling Guides – Maui – Oahu
• Hawaii Snorkeling Spots – Maui – Oahu
• Hawaii Snorkeling Equipment

Hawaii is a food lover’s dream. The combination of fresh tropical ingredients, Abundant oceans, and being at the crossroads of the Pacific to absorb multiple different cultural influences makes for an incredible culinary experience. Our Hawaiian Food guide aims to show you all the most Hawaiian dishes and must-try foods. So you know exactly what food to eat in Hawaii.

Cuisine

Hawaiian Cuisine has developed a Rich and unique identity as it has been exposed to so many different cultural influences along with being isolated enough to develop its own uniqueness. Oriental and Polynesian Flavours of sesame and Soy fuse with Japanese techniques such as sushi, While US influences have brought in more familiar dishes.

On top of that, the Islands have their own rich Cuisine developed prior to the exposure to new worlds and the Hawaiians are fiercely proud of their heritage in all forms. So there are plenty of opportunities to sample good traditional Hawaiian Fare not least at a Luau feast.

A trip to Hawaii will expose you to endless foods and drinks that you may find hard to replicate or source back home leading to a strong desire to return…be warned! Here are some of our favorites.

Poke

Pronounced “Po-Kay”

Poke is everywhere in Hawaii and consumed by the bucket load by locals and tourists in the know. Just about every menu will feature it in some way, and supermarkets have large Poke counters dedicated to the dish. But for Newcomers, it can be a bit “eh?” What is it? What do I do with it? Is it Safe?

Once you try it though you will get it. Nothing embodies Hawaii to us more than Poke. A salad (of sorts) made from small chopped-up bits of “stuff”. Normally Raw Fish, Primarily Tuna (or “Ahi” in Hawaiian). Often served as an appetizer or Pupus. Start with the Ahi, and maybe upgrade to some of the more “exciting” types like Tako (Octopus), once you are used to it.

Poke is Marinated in a cure of soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions, and Maui sweet onions, along with a number of other ingredients depending on individual recipes. It’s surprisingly delicious for something so simple and the taste will remain with you long after leaving the islands, and leave you craving it until you return (which you will).

While Poke can be found outside the State it’s never really the same, we have even sampled it in the UK and it just doesn’t work. As for safety, well the amount the locals eat without dropping dead must mean it is pretty safe. It is raw fish so there are some concerns with that, but it’s no different from Sushi or even Rare meat.

Find out everything you need to know about Poke here.

And Try Making your own with Our Poke recipe.

Kalua Pig

Hawaii’s take on pulled pork. Well, actually It is a much older recipe predating even the USA let alone pulled pork. Anyway, Pulled pork is the closest to it we can think of, and that’s no bad thing. Traditionally cooked in an underground oven (Imu) and served at every Luau, you will have no trouble finding this delicious porky sensation.

Pulled pork is seemingly added to everything no on the mainland and on Hawaii the same is true now for kalua pork, so expect Kalua pork Burgers, Kalua pork Tacos, Kalua pork Pizza, etc…

Traditionally it is served as a bowl/plate meal, with Rice and Island vegetables or as the centerpiece of a luau feast, where the pig is unearthed as part of the entertainment.

Pupu’s

Not a dish as such but you will see this on every menu. PuPu’s are basically Appetizers. However, they have taken on a life of their own and can be eaten similar to Tapas as well, where you share several small Pupus dishes rather than an entree for the main meal.

Many Expensive restaurants have Happy Hours, where they serve discount pupu’s along with cut-price cocktails and drinks. A great way to save some money while enjoying some of the best restaurants in the state.

Shave Ice

At some point in Hawaii, you will notice people eating large colorful domes of gravity-defying “snow cones” But these are no ordinary Snowcones. Welcome to the fantastic world of Shave Ice. Large blocks of ice are literally shaved to create ultra-fine snow that forms a solid dome that holds the flavor syrups that are added to give it both the color and the taste.

Available in a dizzying array of tropical flavors these are the ultimate refreshing treat, Make sure you order an ice-cream base and a snow cap (condensed milk) for the ultimate Shave Ice. Don’t visit Hawaii without grabbing a Shave Ice.

Read our full guide to Shave Ice and where to grab one on each island

Loco Moco

Hawaii’s national breakfast dish. This one takes some getting your head around. A mound of Rice topped with a burger pattie, and a fried egg, covered in gravy. It’s all a bit odd, especially first thing in the morning. But it really works. We couldn’t eat it every day (not without getting large) but we have to have it a couple of times every trip.

Fish

Enjoying fresh Hawaiian seafood right beside the ocean it is caught in, is one of Hawaii’s best pleasures and several seafood dinners are a must. The only problem is choosing a restaurant.

Unsurprisingly, being an island state, seafood is a huge part of the culture and cuisine. Seafood lovers will find endless options of incredible fish a shellfish dishes. Fresh fish is the order of the day but it’s worth remembering over half of Hawaii’s fish is imported, so you may not be getting quite what you imagined so try and seek out locally caught fish. Most pelagic fish, Tuna, Ono, Mahimahi, etc are more likely to be locally caught but most places that ensure they serve Local fish will tell you. Shrimp, Lobster, Cod, Salmon, or anything like that will almost certainly be imported. But it’s worth remembering this is far better than the 90%+ the US as a whole, imports. And remember a large proportion of imported fish is bound for cheap frozen supermarket fish and chain restaurants.

Pineapple

Yes, we are sure you have tried Pineapples before, but that doesn’t mean you have tried Maui Gold Pineapples ripened naturally on the Islands.

Actually, don’t try the Pineapples. We used to love Pineapple however after tasting Maui Gold Pineapples the sour, tough, tasteless lumps we get back home just won’t cut it anymore. Maui Gold Pineapples really put anything else so far in the shade they are not worth bothering with. They are super sweet and juicy and have almost no woody core at all when ripe.

You might find them hard to avoid though, Pineapple garnishes come with just about everything you might order especially cocktails.

Banana Bread

Banana bread is very popular on the Islands both with locals and tourists alike. Often found at roadside stands and humble outlets in remote areas this is possible the best Banana bread you are likely to taste. Often still warm from being baked that morning, It makes the perfect snack on any island tour.

Spam Musubi

This one may take some explaining…It’s not entirely obvious what the Hawaiians see in Spam Sushi. In case you are overthinking it, no it really is just SPAM sushi. Really your just going to have to go out on a limb and try these. It’s certainly an experience. Available at any convenience store or gas station it’s the snack of choice for the locals so if you really want to embrace all things Hawaii, you are going to have to get into Spam Musubi. And once tried you may just find yet another thing to crave when not on the islands.

Tacos

Completely not Hawaiian in any way, but eaten in large amounts by locals so we have to mention them. Tacos have been hijacked by the Hawaiians and they have their own style. Served from small outlets or food trucks, they can be found all over. The cheap prices make for a cheap lunch. Order Take out and eat by the ocean for an amazing feast by the ocean. Look for Maui Taco’s or hunt out the JAWZ Tacos food truck at Big Beach for the Island’s best!

Luau Food

The Luau is a traditional Hawaiian feast and celebration. Now hijacked as a tourist attraction luaus are big business on the Islands. Probably your best shot at sampling some traditional Hawaiian cuisine the feasts are for the most part very good. Large All You Can Eat buffets of traditional Hawaiian fare such as Kalua pork (traditionally cooked underground), lomilomi Salmon, and Poi. Along with some less traditional fare that is equally delicious.

While a Luau may seem a little like an expensive tourist trap, and it probably is, it is still a strong part of the Hawaiian lore and we feel every visitor should experience it at least once. From a culinary point of view, it is definitely worth it. While the food is often rustic and unrefined, that is exactly the point. It’s a chance to sample the cuisine the way the early settlers enjoyed it.

• Best Luau on Oahu
• Best Luau on Maui

Drinks

All that eating may make you thirsty, good job Hawaii has plenty of incredible drinks too!

Coffee

The rich soils and frequent rainfall make the Hawaiian islands perfect for growing coffee. However, only small portions of the islands are suitable meaning the amount produced is quite low. This leads to high prices, well for export coffee that is. Kona coffee is world-renowned with people paying high prices for it. On the islands, it’s drunk every day! Homegrown is cheaper than importing it so you will find Hawaiian coffee everywhere. and that is a REALLY good thing. Remember to save room in your luggage to take back as much as you can!

While Kona Coffee gets the headlines Maui has its own Plantations and Maui Coffee is widely available on the Island and is just as good as Kona, but a lot cheaper. It just feels right glugging Fresh Maui Coffee every morning!

Mai Tai

Yes, Mai Tai’s in Hawaii is a Cliché but there is a good reason for that. They are utterly fantastic and almost impossible to find good ones outside the islands. We have tried hundreds of Hawaiian/Tiki bars and none get it right. It must be just something in the Pacific air that makes them taste SO good. which is exactly what Mai Tai is supposed to mean.

Every bar will have its own secret blend but they normally consist of Rum, Orange Liqueur, Orgeat Syrup, and Lime/Orange/Pineapple juice. For us, it has to have a Dark Rum Float. Which is where so many imitators fall down as we can never find that rum outside of Hawaii?

If you want to make your own Mai Tai at home try our ultimate Mai Tai Recipe

POG

We couldn’t forget the Humble POG. A juice drink made from Passionfruit Orange and Guava ( P + O + G ). Sold in supermarkets by the gallon, and drunk almost as freely. Locals drink POG like the mainland drink OJ and we Brits drink tea.  Pick up a huge jug of it in the supermarket for a real taste of the tropics. Simply add Rum for an instant cocktail.

Hopefully, that gives you a good list of foods to get started, the Hawaiian cuisine offers endless incredible offerings depending on which island you choose. We find the biggest problem with Hawaiian food is our inability to recreate or locate the foods we loved away from the islands. leaving a strong urge to return just to get our hand on some real Poke, Mai Tais, Kona Coffee, and Maui Gold Pineapples.

Have Your Say

Let us know if you have any other Favourites, or if you have tried any on our list? What did you think, just because foods are must try doesn’t mean they are agreeable with everyone. Are you heading to the Islands for the first time? What foods are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below.

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• Poke Recipe
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Of all the questions we get asked in Maui, this is probably the most common. We don’t advertise our “Travel Blogger Status” when we travel but we are naturally chatty, friendly people, and talking to others about where we travel is kind of what we do. So we always end up talking about Turtles. And when we do we are almost always met with the same response. “Where is the best place to see Sea Turtles in Maui?”

We actually find this quite curious, as quite simply we can’t STOP seeing turtles. Turtles have made an epic comeback and are now everywhere. It’s not just snorkeling either. You see them on the shore and on the rocks, surfacing for breath, even, through the waves as they break onshore. Yet still, we are asked Where to see Sea Turtles in Maui.

I have even been asked when I was waist-deep in the ocean, 5-6 feet from a Turtle. So for us, it’s clear NO ONE should visit Maui without seeing turtles, but it’s equally clear some people do not yet know where, or indeed how, to look for Turtles. This Guide will show you how and where to find Turtles on Maui. Turtles are everywhere and people of all abilities can and MUST see them on their trip. You don’t have to be good at snorkeling, you don’t even have to get wet.

Honu – Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle

There are five Turtle Species in Hawaii Waters and by far the most common is the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle. or the Honu.

This species was almost completely wiped out in the 18-1900s as trade for meat, turtle skin, and their shells, along with habitat destruction, nesting site interference, and pollution all put intense pressure on the creatures. Around the world, the Green Sea Turtle remains on the brink. However, in Hawaii, the Story is remarkably different.

The Honu was a revered animal to the Hawaiian people and only rarely used as food and only for royalty, But eventually, the White man found Hawaii, and the Turtles we quickly on the menu. The immense pressure on the turtles quickly pushed them to the brink. However, in the late ’70s efforts began to protect the species. This has been an unmitigated success!

Turtles are now prolific around the Hawaiian islands, and almost every beach and cove on Maui has a population meaning just about everyone is capable of getting to a place where they can witness the turtles.

Respect this Endangered Species – It’s the LAW

We have no time for anyone who wants to harass, crowd, touch, or even ride, any of Hawaii’s Endangered Species. Fortunately, State and Federal Law agrees with us, and you can face serious fines and consequences for even upsetting a Honu.

The Recovery has been fantastic, but it is not a done deal. Turtles are still under extraordinary pressure and listed as threatened on the endangered species list. Climate Change, intrusion of breeding grounds, accidental fishing capture, boat accidents, farming run-off, pollution, and overdevelopment of the coast all add to the risk of future population collapse.

So we are not only compelled by law to respect these animals but we also want to. They are Majestic and awesome creatures and deserve every bit of respect and protection we can give them.

It is simple to do, in the water, just give them space. Some people say Not to touch them. But quite frankly if you are close enough to touch you are already too close. How close should you get? 5-6 feet is a good maximum. This is close enough for a fantastic view but not too close to worry them.

Never get between them and the surface. They need to breathe and don’t need to be fighting past you to get a breath of air. Equally, don’t chase them. You can swim alongside them if they are on a journey but stay clear and if it feels like they want to get away: stop immediately and let them swim off.

At times, when obeying these rules, closer encounters will happen. Normally initiated by them. Don’t worry about this, if they have approached you, this is not a contravention of any law. Hold your position and let the turtle do as it pleases, and be thankful this creature has chosen you for a closer look.

If you see them on land, stay a good distance from them, and don’t get between them and the water. They are on the shore to rest, so keep it quiet, you wouldn’t want someone hollering while you are trying to get some Zzz, would you?

Where to Find Sea Turtles (Honu) on Maui

Right, Enough Preaching, Let’s get onto where to see them. There are several ways to see Turtles. The main three are either by boat, which entails snorkeling, snorkeling from shore, or by seeing them “hauled out” onto the beach or rocks. Different methods work best at different locations so let’s take a look.

By Boat

There are many Snorkelling boat trips available on Maui. Most go to Molokini, but they also often take a stop at Turtle Town. This does not actually exist and each tour operator has their own special location that they call turtle town.

Turtle Town is just a shallow, shore reef, location that has a steady population of turtles that are almost guaranteed to make an appearance. There is not a great deal we can tell you about these locations as they change from trip to trip and you will be under the expert guidance of the boat crew to get you into the best places to see turtles.

These trips are a great way to see turtles but they are only taking you to inshore locations that are easily accessible from the shore. As such we don’t recommend them as a way to see Turtles. They are great trips and if you want to get out on the ocean, enjoy the high seas and the food and drinks offered on these trips then they are highly recommended, but if you JUST want to snorkel with turtles just head to the beach.

Honolua Bay Cruise

Some of the Cruises take you to the Honolua Bay Nature Reserve. Again these are really enjoyable cruises and worthwhile excursions in their own right, and you should see turtles in the bay. You don’t, however, need to cruise to the bay and can snorkel fine from the shore.

Molokini

We love Molokini but any cruise going solely to the islet will not see turtles. Most also offer a turtle town stop on the way back. But unless this is offered you will not see turtles! One of the plus points of these cruises is to enjoy the open bars, but if you start drinking early you will not be allowed to snorkel at the second turtle town stop.

By Snorkel

The single best way to see the Turtles in their natural environment is by snorkeling from shore. While putting this together I really struggled to think of a single-shore snorkel where I didn’t see turtles. With some thought, there have been a few but these are ew and far between.

For a full overview of Snorkelling sites in Maui check out our Snorkeling site pages:

• West Maui Snorkeling sites
• South Maui Snorkeling Sites

General

As we have said MOST snorkeling locations provide the opportunity for Turtle sightings. But there are a few keys to finding them. The Number 1 thing to look for is a rocky outcrop. You will notice all the below spots sport these rocky features. These are places the turtles can call home. These rocks provide shelter, refuge, and places for their favorite food, algae to grow.

They are one-stop Shops for Turtles and normally static populations live around the same rocky areas traveling fairly little.

So If you are looking at a long sandy beach, you will probably not see turtles. Even if there is a reef just offshore, like Airport beach, you are still unlikely to encounter turtles. But head to the far end of Airport beach, to the Start of Black Rock, and there are turtles abound.

These Rocky features appear on many of Maui’s beaches and snorkeling spots and these are the undoubted best locations to catch them swimming resting and feeding.

Honolua Bay

When the conditions are right, Honolua is one of the best sites on the island for snorkeling. It also happens to be home to an awful lot of turtles. Spend time exploring the reef along the right-hand side of the bay and you will likely run into a turtle.

However, if you are a strong swimmer and can make the crossing over to the left-hand side of the bay the number of turtles goes up dramatically. There is little else to see on this side however and time is better spent in the rich sunny waters of the reef side of the bay.

Hona Luau Bay Guide

Honokeana Bay / Napili Point

Honokeana Bay is Turtle central. A large colony of turtles calls the quaint little bay home. Access is tricky but the turtles head out of the bay and around to Napili Bay where access is via a stunning sandy beach. If the surf is low it’s a short swim around from Napili to Honokeana and you will likely encounter many turtles along the way, Not to mention thousands of stunning tropical fish.

Black Rock

This is one of West Maui’s best beginner Snorkel Spots. The access is simple as you simply stroll into the water via the soft sands of Kaanapali Beach. Simply swim out along the rocky edge of Black Rock, taking care to avoid the cliff jumpers, and enjoy the splendid abundance of marine life, which almost always includes several Turtles.

You can also see Turtles from the Airport beach, side, and all along the back wall. But immense care must be taken if you attempt the back wall!

Wailea Beach

If you are in South Maui the best shot at turtle spotting is Wailea Beach. Shouldered on both sides by rocky outcrops where turtles can be found. We have had the most success on the left-hand side, where swimming out and around the headland produces high frequencies of turtle sightings.

While Wailea Beach is our favorite south Maui spot, pretty much every beach on the coastline has rocky outcrops separating the sands. this means most beaches are productive to Turtle sightings. Just make sure you explore the rocky outcrops at the ends of the beach and not the middle sections where turtles rarely venture.

Turtle on Land In Maui

If you are not wanting to get wet then seeing turtles on land is your best option. Unfortunately, they don’t really like hauling out onto the beaches like the rest of us. We have on occasion seen them on beaches and rocks in various places around the Island but not in any way to direct you with any real purpose, but DON’T despair.

For some reason we are unsure of, on one beach on the north coast of Maui, they do haul out of the sea to bask. And they do this every day, in incredible numbers. Even if you have seen turtles many times in the water you should still make the pilgrimage here to see this incredible spectacle.

Ho’okipa Beach Park

On route 36 (Hana Highway) just after the wonderful town of Paia, but before twin falls before the road becomes 360. There is a large pullout and Carpark to service the Ho’okipa Beach Park and surf break. It is a large parking area but if the surf is up you will be sharing it with quite a few surfers who can be a little grumpy at your touristy presence. Ignore them but try not to get in their way.

As soon as you arrive you should be fairly clear as to where you need to head as there should be quite a buzz about the place. But to be clear, head for the right-hand side of the beach near the collection of smooth black rocks.

As you approach the area your heart will drop. There is nothing there, just a bunch of rocks and silly tourists (like you) looking at them. You must have just come on the one day they haven’t hauled out.

But get a little closer those smooth round rocks are actually turtles! And they can number in the hundreds! On busy days the immediate area will be roped off and there should be a lifeguard to ward off any trespasses. But the Rope allows you to get pretty close without encroaching on the Turtle’s personal space. Unfortunately, in the past people have harassed and actually tried to ride the turtles. So now the rope has to be there to stop that happening.

Back to the Turtles, and it really is a stunning sight. We have all grown up hearing all about the critically endangered Sea Turtle and to see them here in such vast numbers just lounging on the beach is a fabulous site. Of Course, the recovery is not complete and these gentle creatures need protection well into the future, Let’s maybe learn the lessons of the past!

Once you have taken in your fill of the turtles head up to Ho’okipi point for some stunning views. Especially if the surf is up and you can watch the Giant waves crash into the coastline while the heroic surfers do battle with them. It’s not quite Jaws, which is just a few miles up the road but trickier to reach. But Jaws doesn’t have turtles.

Read more about Ho’okipa

By Scuba Diving

There are several Dive Sites around Maui and Lanai where Turtles can be seen when Scuba Diving. Turtles have a habit though of staying very close to shore and Diving allows us to explore a little further out in deeper water where turtles do not reside. As such most of the dives, we have done in Maui have paid little attention to the Turtles and favor more exotic quarry that is normally out of reach to the confines of the snorkeler.

That’s not to say we don’t see Turtles when Diving, as we do, but we tend to pay them scant attention.

By Submarine

No, We are not going Doolally. You really can go for a dive in a real submarine in Maui. There are actually Submarine tours that take you right down to the reef to see the marine life.

Turtles are not actually the primary focus and there are no guarantees but Turtles are now so prolific in Maui’s Water there is always a good chance.

Atlantis

This is a real 100% authentic Sub that descends down to over 100ft to the seafloor. The trip takes in several reefs and culminates at the sunken wreck of the Carthaginian where there are usually reef sharks.

Due to the deep nature of this trip, Turtles are not the intended target but chances are quite good on the shallower reef sections.

Reef Dancer

The Reef Dancer isn’t really a Sub. It’s a Submarine themed glass-bottomed boat. The seating area is all submerged and it feels like you are underwater but it is still actually a boat.

The 60 Minute tour only visits one reef whereas the 90 minute takes in a “Turtle Town” so you are pretty much guaranteed to see Turtles.

Maui Ocean Center

Ok if none of the above worked for you, we are not sure how, but if you have tried all the above and still have not seen a turtle, even at Ho’okipi then all is not completely lost.

Drop by the Maui Ocean Center. They have Green Sea Turtle Exhibits where you are guaranteed to see turtles! In all honesty, it really shouldn’t come down to this, however, the Maui Ocean Center is a great place to visit regardless and even if your trip has been blessed with Honu after Honu, the Ocean Center is still a great way to spend a few hours, especially if Maui is giving you one of her little blessings*

The ONLY place you can learn more about Maui’s Ocean Life than the Maui Ocean Center is Our very own Maui Reef Fish Identification Guide…Probably

*Little blessing = Rain!

Have Your Say

Have you seen Turtles on your Visit to Maui? Where did you find them? Have you seen the stunning spectacle off the Hookipa Haul Out? Or did you see the Turtles on a Snorkel trip or from the shore? Let us know where? Have you got any questions about where to find Turtles, whatever it is just drop a comment below? It would be a crime to Visit Maui and not see the Turtles so make sure you know exactly where you are going to see them!

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Eating out on Maui is expensive. Entree’s under $50 are rare in most restaurants with cocktails ranging from $14-19, a nice evening can quickly get outrageously expensive. One of the ways we like to save money when dining out is to hit up the restaurant’s numerous happy hour offerings. These normally offer cheaper wine and beers along with up to half-price cocktails and a selection of Appetisers / Pupus again at up to half price depending on the Menu.

Not only does this save you lots of cash while dining at some of the island’s best restaurants it also allows you to try many new and different foods in small taster portions. In a lot of restaurants, we actually prefer this, rather than dining from the main menu. Read on as we take you through who has the best happy hour, Maui. Things have changed a lot since the pandemic so our list is bang up to date for 2023 after hitting as many as possible in the last few months.

To keep it simple we have broken it down to regions so you can quickly find a great place for dinner in the location you are going to be, Make sure you have transportation sorted as Happy Hours are a fast way to get over the drink-drive limit!

Pupus?

In case you are not aware Pupus are Hawaiian Appetisers or small plates, a bit like Tapas. They are great for trying lots of different things without committing to a $50 Entree!

Happy Hour Menu’s

These menus change often and it’s hard to keep up so to make sure you are getting the latest we include links to both the Main Restaurant page and their happy hour menu. While the details can change the offering is normally similar and the setting and ambiance rarely alter.

Contents

• Best Happy Hour West Maui
  • Napili / Kapalua
  • Kahana / Honokōwai
  • Kaanapali
  • Lahaina
• Best Happy Hour South Maui
  • Kihei
  • Wailea
• Other Happy Hours Maui
  • Wailuku
  • Kahului
  • Paia
  • Hana

Best Happy Hour West Maui

Best Happy Hour in Napili / Kapalua

Sea House

Stunning views in a beachside bar/restaurant with a sun terrace overlooking Napili Bays’ incredible waters.

• Hours – 2pm – 5pm
• Location – Napili Kai – Napili Bay
• Offer – $11 cocktails / $6 beers and wine / $6-$8 Pupus
• What is good – The Cocktails are great. The Mai Tais are real classics and we love the Seahouse Mule. Pupus offerings are excellent, Poke Nachos, Blue Crab Cakes, BBQ Pork sliders, and a side of Hurricane Fries

There are three things you must do in Napili Bay, Swim with the Turtles, Visit the Gazebo, and Hit the Sea House Happy Hour. Great cocktail and tasty Pupus right by the ocean.

Merriman’s

Merriman’s at Kapalua Bay used to be one of the best Happy Hours in the area. But it has not resurfaced since the Covid Shutdown. We can’t quite bring ourselves to drop it off the list though…hopefully, it’s back soon as the £120 Prie Fixe is not quite the same…

• Hours –
• Location – Kapalua Head
• Offer –
• What is good –

Taverna Maui

Beautiful modern Italian restaurant overlooking the golf course and Kapalua Lowlands and treeline. Really idyllic setting for some great high-quality Italian.

• Hours – 12pm – 4pm (Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat)
• Location – Kapalua Golf Course
• Offer – $10 Select Cocktails, &7 beer and wine. Reduced price lunch specials
• What is good – The cocktail list is limited for happy hour, Margaritas, Mules, and Old Fashioned but these are good cocktails for $10. Food is a lunch-style menu with $16 Pizza, $14 Tagalire (charcuterie board), or $18 Mahi Mahi Sandwich are our picks.

Best Happy Hour in Kahana / Honokōwai

Maui Brewing Co.

The location is a real letdown, literally on a strip mall. But the beers are so good it’s worth hunting out.

• Hours -3:30pm – 5:30pm
• Location – Kahana Gateway Shopping Center
• Offer – $1 off beers and $3 off Cocktails! 50% off Apps and $10 Flatbreads
• What is good – The beer! Maui Brewing is all about craft beers and they have some excellent choices. The Coconut Hiwai and Bikini Blonde are Legendary. Chicharrones & Beer Cheese Dip, Loaded Fries, and Nachcis all at half off make for a great feed at low prices. Cocktails are already pretty low price so you grab a Mai Tai here for $9

Wear a Maui Brewing Co. Logo on Wednesday and get $2 off beers all day!

Beach House Bar & Grill

This is a pretty budget restaurant to start with and the Happy Hour really makes this one of the cheapest spots in Kahana. Situated by The Sands pool and only steps to the beach it has a nice laid-back vibe and some really great drinks prices.

• Hours – 2pm – 5pm
• Location – Sands of Kahana
• Offer – $8 menu – $3beers $4craft – $1off Wine and Spirits
• What is good – Beef Sliders, Chicken Tacos and Chips, and Dip make a great sharing platter!

Dollies Pub and Cafe

Dollies is a local legend and offer some really good prices on their happy hour drinks special. Pupus are very much American rather than Hawaiian, but their Pizza is really good. It is located in a strip mall a little away from the coast so it’s not an epic sand-in-your-toes locale, but it is a great place to grab some cheap eats. $2 Pizza is almost as good as 99c NYC pizza!

• Hours – 3pm – 6pm – 9pm – close
• Location – Kahana Manor
• Offer – $2 Pizza Slices – $6 Pupus – $2.50 Beers and $1Off Wine
• What is good – Beer and Pizza!

Best Happy Hour in Kaanapali

Pailolo Bar & Grill

The pool bar for this upscale Villa complex might not be an obvious choice, right up at the very top end of Kaanapali Beach. But it’s a super spot to grab a bite after snorkeling on Airport Beach!

• Hours – 2pm – 5pm
• Location – The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas North
• Offer – $2 off Draft beers, $8 Mai Tai, Drink of the Day, and wine – Pupus Menu
• What is good – Amazing $8 Mai Tai, and some great Pupus, German Pretzels, and Food Truck Fries!

Royal Ocean Terrace

Great stop along the Mays Beach boardwalk for excellent cocktails with a stunning view.

• Hours – 2pm – 5pm
• Location – Royal Lahaina
• Offer – Drinks Only – $2 off Beer and Cocktails at the Beach Bar
• What is good – Al the cocktails are excellent, but the hibiscus nectar and Frozen Coconut Mojito are our top picks outside of the obvious Mai Tai.

Huihui

Huihui is a really stunning restaurant situated right on Kaanapali Beach. From 2 pm you will enjoy local talent entertaining the guests. Expect light Hula dancing, ukulele performances, and more. If you stick around the entertainment really ramps up as the sun sets, but the Happy Hour does cut off by 4 pm. A great spot to grab a late lunch after some Black Rock Snorkeling!

• Hours – 2pm – 4pm
• Location – Kaanapali Beach
• Offer – 20% off appetizers and Drink Specials from $6 – BAR ONLY
• What is good – The Happy hour is not the best, but the daily entertainment accompanying it is really welcome. The food is excellent so the 20% off apps is nice.

Monkeypod Kitchen

This is the first of two monkeypod outlets on our list and both are pretty similar in terms of menu and Happy Hour, but the ocean-side location of the Kaanapali Outlet is much superior. It is not quite the toes-in-the-sand experience of Hula Grill next-door, but the ocean view is pretty special.

• Hours – 3:30pm – 5:30pm
• Location – Whalers Village
• Offer – $2 off Beer, $3 off Wine, $4 Off Cocktails – 1/2 off Apps, and $12 Pizza
• What is good – $12 Pizza is always good, expect high-end stonebaked goodness! The Garlic Truffle oil Fries and Pumpkin Patch Ravioli are fantastic at 1/2 off.

The Monkeypod Mai Tai is the self-proclaimed, best Mai Tai on the Island. We disagree, as it’s just too fancy and has other flavors taking away from the true Mai Tai taste, but it’s a damn good cocktail in its own right! The rest of the cocktails, priced at $12 for happy hour are also great choices.

‘Umalu 

All the way down the far end of Kaanapali Beach is the Hyatt Regency and its high-end pool restaurant ‘Umalu. This is a bit of a captive audience not many people head this far down the beach unless they are staying in one of the resorts.

(Hyatt) (HH 11-12; 4-5) ($8/$9 beer/$14 mai tai)

• Hours – 11am – 12pm and 4pm – 5pm
• Location – Hyatt Regency
• Offer – Drinks Only – $8/$9 beers, $10 wine, and $14 Mai Tai’s and Skinny Liliko’i Pina
• What is good – This may not seem the best happy hour, $14 cocktails are pretty steep still, but it’s a good saving over the regular $19! This is a great spot to have a pre-drink before the Drums of The Pacific Luau.

Best Happy Hour in Lahaina

Unfortunately, the fires of August 8th destroyed the town of Lahaina and most of the buildings within it. As a result, most of these businesses mentioned lost their premises and employees lost their homes. The destruction left by these fires is so widespread and catastrophic that it in unknown when these wonderful people will be able to rebuild their businesses.

Mala Ocean Tavern

This small tavern has a rustic wooden shack feel, but an enviable oceanside location. Sipping cocktails on the outdoor deck after snorkeling with sharks on Mala Pier is the sort of Bucketlist attraction that is everyday life in Maui!

• Hours – 2pm – 4pm
• Location – Mala Pier
• Offer – $5 beers – $8 Wines and Well Drinks – $10-$12 Cocktails – Food Specials – Live Music
• What is good – Great cocktails, especially the $10 Mule – Lamb Pitta, Crunchy Calamari, and Coconut Shrimp are the best Apps ($10 each), or try the $13 flatbread

Waikiki Brewing Company

Not to be confused with the Maui Brewing Company! This is a newer and independent company and is part of the surging Craft Brewing industry in Hawaii. The Location is on the wrong side of the front street but has epic views over the water, even if you have to look over the road to get them.

• Hours -2pm – 5pm
• Location – Front Street
• Offer – $5.50 beers and $12 64oz Growler fills! 15% off Apps
• What is good – This is all about the beers. The offer covers the 9 core beers so there is loads of choice. Eeh Pah IPA and the Jalapeno Mouth are our favs.

The Food is really good here outside of Happy Hour and the Billionaire Burger is a thing of real beauty!

Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar

Classy upmarket bar from the original Aloha Fashion designer. Right next door to the Waikiki Brewing Company, offering great views across the street of the ocean and Lanai.

• Hours -2pm – 5pm
• Location – Front Street
• Offer – Drinks Only – $6 beers, $8 Wines, and a great Cocktail Selection $11-$12
• What is good – We love the Martini selection at $12 one of the few places to offer good martinis at good prices on the Island! A nice touch of sophistication!

Fleetwood’s

The iconic front street restaurant is owned by the Fleetwood Mac Legend, Mick Fleetwood. This upscale music bar is a great place to start your evening with a couple of late happy hour drinks before the live music kicks off.

• Hours – 3pm – 5pm
• Location – Front Street
• Offer – Lounge Only – Half-Off all beer and wines and House Cocktails – $7-$8 cocktail specials and discounted food menu.
• What is good – Half-Off beers mean $4 pours on Craft Beet such as Maui Brewing Co. The KOKOMO Happy Hour cocktail is excellent, or try the Mai Tyler at the $8 happy hour price. Lobster Shrimp Roll, Fish Taco’s, and Truffle Fries are the standout Food Specials.

Down the Hatch

Nice upscale Fish restaurant with some decent Happy Hour savings. We would prefer to see some better Appitiizer discounts but the food is really good. The Cocktails are solid and well priced but the landslide offering here is Adult Shave Ice.

• Hours – 2pm – 5pm
• Location – Front Street
• Offer – $6 Beers, $6 Well Cocktails, $7 Hawaiian Cocktails – 15% off Apps – Live Music
• What is good – The Happy hour offerings are pretty average, but the standout here is the $6.50 Adult Shave Ices! Mango Margarita, Mudslide, Mojito, Mai Tai, Pina Colada, and Strawberry Guava Daquari. Alcohol + Shave Ice = very happy customers!

Betty’s Beach Café

Lahaina is not best known for its beaches and Betty’s somehow manages to be located on one of the very few strips of sand in the town, offering well-priced food and drinks all day, including an excellent Brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

• Hours – 2pm – 5pm
• Location – Front Street
• Offer – $4 Margaritas, $5 Mai-tais, $6 Mojitos $6, Beer $5 – $5-10 Food Specials
• What is good – House Nachos and Sweet Potato Fries are great, but it’s all about the Dinks Special here. $4 Margs are NEVER a bad thing!

Right Next Door to Feast at Lele, perfect for some pre-drinks!

Best Happy Hours South Maui

If you are staying in the South Maui resort areas, fear not, we have plenty of Happy Hours for you too! Some of these are “repeats” of the West Maui locations as the restaurants have second locations and some are totally independent restaurants.

Best Happy Hour in Kihei

Three’s Bar & Grill

Low Key restaurant, easy to miss, but with an excellent upstairs deck overlooking the ocean at Kamala Park, albeit at a distance. Offers a nice fusion-style menu with some great sushi at excellent prices during happy hour. This is also one of the latest happy hours available running all the way until 6 pm

• Hours – 3pm – 6pm
• Location – Kihei Road
• Offer – Beers, Well, Mai Tai’s, and Margs all $5.75 – Food Specials – Cut Price Sushi
• What is good – The Apps selection is really good but we come for the Sushi, however, the Crispy Pork Belly cannot be ignored.

Maui Brewing Co.

We love the Lanaina outlet of the Maui Brewing Company, but the location is a let down, the Kihei version is much better rnad is situated at the actual Brewery. High up on the Kihei hillside overlooking the town it’s a much nicer place to grab some of the best beer on the island. You can even tour the brewery or buy a keg!

• Hours -3:30pm – 5:30pm
• Location – Maui Brewing Company
• Offer – $1 off beers and $3 off Cocktails! 50% off Apps and $10 Flatbreads
• What is good – The beer! Maui Brewing is all about craft beers and they have some excellent choices. The Coconut Hiwai and Bikini Blonde are Legendary. Chicharrones & Beer Cheese Dip, Loaded Fries, and Nachcis all at half off make for a great feed at low prices. Cocktails are already pretty low price so you grab a Mai Tai here for $9

Wear a Maui Brewing Co. Logo on Wednesday and get $2 off beers all day!

Nalu’s South Shore Grill

Not the finest location, but Nalu’s is a bit of a hidden gem, offering stunning breakfasts, with one of the best Loco Mocos on the island, and fantastic all-day Chicken And Waffles! Lunch and dinner are Island fare with great burgers and some wonderful fresh catch specials!

• Hours – 3pm – 6pm
• Location – Kihei
• Offer – Live Music and Drinks Specials
• What is good – They do not publish a happy hour menu but drinks specials are available daily. Nalu’s offers a mean hand-crafted Mai Tai that rivals anything on the island for $7.50.

Moose McGillycuddy’s

Moose’s is a South Kihei icon. Great atmosphere, good food, and plenty of drinks. Across the road from Kameole II Beach, The happy hour is great but they also have nightly specials and an amazing Taco Tuesday with $6 double margaritas and $3.50-5.50 Tacos.

• Hours – 4pm – 7pm
• Location – Kihei
• Offer – $6 draft beers, $6 wines, and well, $7 Cocktails.
• What is good – The cocktail selection here is great for happy hour, with Mai Tai, Lava Flows, CAdalc MArtininis, Moscow Mule, and Lahaina Lemonade to name just a few. The food here is pretty cheap so while the happy hour does not cover the food you can grab a cheap bite here regardless.

Check out Fred’s next door, a Mexican Cantin owned by the same people, great food and atmosphere, with the same killer Taco Tuesday Menu, the 2-hour time limit shows how popular this is!

Best Happy Hour in Wailea

Wailea is a really upmarket resort location and some restaurants here are eyewateringly expensive. So it’s great to see some happy hours helping drive down the costs. Many of these, but not all, are inside the fancy hotels but you are still perfectly welcome to head on in a try them out.

Humble Market Kitchen

A nice upmarket farm-to-fork style restaurant with beautiful views of the ocean in the gorgeous setting of the Wailea Beach Resort.

• Hours – 5pm – 6:30pm
• Location – Wailea Beach Resort
• Offer – $6 Draft Beers, $7 Well Drinks, $8 Wine by the Glass, $10 Cocktails – $10 Select Pupus
• What is good – While the food is limited, it’s really good, Chilli Peppa Wings and Crispy calamari really help soak up the $10 Magnum P.I’s and Lilioki Mai Tais.

Tommy Bahama

Tommy Bahama is a Hawaain icon, but it’s fair to say his fashion has become a bit Cliche. However, his range of dining locations across the islands are still really classy and worth a visit. This outlet is situated at the bottom of the Wailea Shops in a pretty setting that does not feel like you are in a shopping center.

• Hours – 2pm – 5pm
• Location – Shops At Wailea
• Offer -$11-$12 Cocktails, $8-10 Wine By The Glass, $12 Pupus
• What is good – We love sipping a nice Classic Vodka Martini or Lemon Drop, in this refined and classy eatery. Mahi Mahi Tacos, Coconut Shrimp, and Beef Sliders are all fantastic.

Pint & Cork

This Sports bar could really be anywhere in the states but it has a great atmosphere and a huge drinks menu with some great discounts and fantastic food. One of the cheapest places to grab a drink and some food in Wailea.

• Hours – 12pm – 5pm
• Location – Shop at Wailea
• Offer – $5 Draft Beers, $7 Well, 30% off Wine, $4 off Signature Cocktails, and $7 Margs and Mules – $5 Pork and Beef Slider, $7-12 Pupus
• What is good – Dinks wise the selection of beers and wine is huge, there is also a fantastic cocktail menu and $4 off gets you these for $10! Soak this up with the Bargain Sliders, Fried Wings, and Mac and Cheese.

Waikiki Brewing Company

This is Waikiki Brewing Companies’ latest location and offers a similar experience to the Lahaina location, which is no bad thing! Offers some nice views out towards the ocean this is not what you expect from a shopping center outlet. And we mean that in a good way.

• Hours -2pm – 5pm
• Location – Shops at Wailea
• Offer – $5.50 beers and $12 64oz Growler fills! 15% off Apps
• What is good – This is all about the beers. The offer covers the 9 core beers so there is loads of choice. Eeh Pah IPA and the Jalapeno Mouth are our favs.

Monkeypod Kitchen

The Original Monkey Pod Kitchen is situated high up in Wailea’s Maui Meadows, at the Wailes Gateway Center. There are great views out over the Wailea Coastline, but these are hidden once situated at the bar of this refined yet relaxed bar and restaurant.

• Hours – 3:30pm – 5pm
• Location – Wailes Gateway Center
• Offer -$2 off Beer, $3 off Wine, $4 Off Cocktails – 1/2 off Apps, and $12 Pizza
• What is good – $12 Pizza is always good, expect high-end stonebaked goodness! The Garlic Truffle oil Fries and Pumpkin Patch Ravioli are fantastic at 1/2 off.

The Monkeypod Mai Tai is the self-proclaimed, best Mai Tai on the Island. We disagree, as it’s just too fancy and has other flavors taking away from the true Mai Tai taste, but it’s a damn good cocktail in its own right! The rest of the cocktails, priced at $12 for happy hour are also great choices.

Ama Bar & Grill

Set in the heart of the stunningly beautiful Fairmont Resort, AMA Bar And Grill is set on a terrace overlooking the pools and offering stunning Ocean Views. This an expensive upmarket location so the prices are high even when taking happy hour into account.

• Hours – 3pm – 4pm
• Location – Fairmont Kea Lani Resort
• Offer – 30% off drinks and select food items
• What is good – Narla Sushi (complex sushi roll) and Polo Beach wings go well with a side of Tsunami Fries (Soy Glazed Fries with Chilli Aioli) – The Lilikoʻi Margarita 13 and Kea Lani Mai Tai for $13 taste really good overlooking the ocean.

Gannon’s

Gannon’s is the go-to restaurant for a romantic or special meal. Set in a sublime location, away from the coast but with stunning panoramic views over the Wailea coastline. It is one of the most beautiful places n the island. The regular menu is understandably expensive, so this happy hour makes perfect sense!

• Hours – 3pm – 5pm
• Location – Wailea Golf Club
• Offer – $9 Cocktails and wine, $5 Draft Beers – Food specials $8-$16
• What is good – Great Mai Tias and really good wine by the glass selection. Short Rib Sliders and Bev’s Crab Dip are excellent with a side of Garlic Parmesan Fries.

Other Happy Hours

As we head out of the Tourist areas the options narrow slightly but there are still great Happy Hour out there! This is your chance to eat as the locals do!

Best Happy Hour in Kahului

Kahului Ale House

Classic Sports bar in the downtown area of Kahului. Big Beers cheap eats and a lively atmosphere.

• Hours – 3pm – 6pm
• Location – Kamehameha Ave
• Offer – $1off Beer $6 Wines – Pupus $4.50 -$6.75 – $11.75 Pizza
• What is good – Sliders, Nachos and Onion Rings

Best Happy Hour in Paia

Milagros

Low Key relaxed Tex-Mex hangout in the Hippy paradise of Paia. Yes, you are on a busy main road with little to no views but these prices are fantastic.

• Hours – 3pm – 6pm
• Location – Paia, Baldwin Av
• Offer – $4 Beers, $5 wines, $5 Mai Tai’s and Margs – $6 Daily Food Specials
• What is good – $5 Mai Tais and Margs is always a winner, the food specials change daily, but expect homely Tex-Mex food with loads of flavor. Chili Lime Chicken Enchilada Bowl, Fish and Chips, and Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders on Hawaiian Sweetbread are just a few of the recent $6 specials.

Best Happy Hour in Haiku

Colleen’s at the Cannery

Ok this one is right out the way, Haiki is the last town on the road to Hana before getting onto the wilds. You need to head up Haiku road, which is a blink nd ou will is it turn off, and head up in the sleepy little village. Colleens is part of the old converted cannery.

• Hours – 3:30pm – 5:30pm
• Location – xxx
• Offer – Tap beers are $3.95 and a beer and a slice of pizza is $6.50. During Happy Hour we also serve burgers and fish burgers, fish & chips, and salads
• What is good – Beers for under $4 is always a winner and the Fish Burgers are also great using fresh local fish.

Best Happy Hour in Wailuku

Cafe O’Lei at the Mill House

A real hidden gem, set in a tropical plantation at the foot of the West Maui Mountains. This stunning location holds an outlet of one of Maui’s top restraints Cafe O’Lei. Jump on the Plantation tour and then head to the CAfe after for a basic but solid happy hour drink in a real hidden paradise.

• Hours – 3pm – 5pm
• Location – The Millhouse
• Offer – $5 Beers, $6 Daily Coctial, $5 Wines – $12-$18 Pupus
• What is good – The $5 wine pours go down really well here, and the Pau Hana Coctail is always good. The Flatbread are really good too.

Make sure you check out the Farm Store for some top freash local farm produce

Best Happy Hour in Hana

Food options are really limited in Hana, and the best choices are the various food trucks in the area. We figured this would make it really hard to find a Hana Happy Hour…and we were right!

EveryHour is Happy in Hana though, and most of the food options pretty cheap considering you are in paradise, so just soak up the moment and enjoy this wonderful little corner of nowhere!

Have Your Say

Have you been to any great Happy Hours on the Island recently? Drop us a comment and we can look into getting them added. Maybe you had a great experience at one of our listed locations, maybe you had a poor experience? Whatever you have to say, just let us know in the comments.

Are you a Business that thinks it should be featured here? Drop us a Mail at Steve@Yourusacityguide.com and we will get you added. We are 100% independent and expect nothing in return!

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The Maui Coastline is actually not that great for Dive Sites. The Majority have OK Visibility and decent life but they are all a bit “Samey” and are just as enjoyable visited with a mask and Snorkel! However Maui has an ace in the hole, and this means Maui Dive Operators have access to some of the BEST diving in Hawaii and even the World.

What is this Ace? It is the short, Boat journey across the channel to other islands and their remote, pristine and stunning Dive sites. So the Best Dives Sites in Maui, Hawaii are often not actually in Maui at all. These Maui Dive Spots are all in Maui County however and are all accessible from The Harbours and Launches on Maui.

This guide will run you through the best that the Maui Coastline has to offer before explaining which sites, that are in Striking distance are best and which you should endeavor to experience on your Dive Adventures.

Who Are We?

We are not Dive Experts. We are a Travel Destination Blog, but we love Diving and we try our best to jump in the water on all our trips. We also Adore Maui and have been diving here recreationally for years.

So this Guide is designed for the beginner and experienced diver looking to get acquainted with the different dive sites available on your Maui Vacation.

What is the Maui Diving Like?

There really are some world-class sites available on Maui that will blow the Sock off any experience level of divers and also some really nice, undamaged reefs, teeming with life and plenty of bucket list species. It is not all advanced Stuff either there are ample opportunities for the novice here, but be warned you will have to go a long way to better some of the incredible dive spots on offer here.

Take a look at our Hawaiian Reef Fish Guide to see what you are likely to spot on the reefs around Maui.

Diving in Maui comes in two Forms. Boat Dives and Shore Dives.

Boat Dives

Boat Dives are what are considered Full Valet Diving. You have to do very little but turn up and dive. Your dive crew will do pretty much everything for you but breathe. It is a great way to dive if a little expensive. However, the intense competition on Maui means Prices are quite low compared to other islands and you do get a lot for your money on top of the diving. Most trips include a light breakfast, lunch, and a post-dive snack.

All Dive centers offer full gear rental and it is normally nearly new quality gear this is completely assembled and tanks swapped for you. Just Through on the wet suit strap on the BCD and off you go. Dive groups will also be guided so you can get the best of any site.

Shore Dives

Shore diving is a little more intimate with smaller groups and dives that operate from the shore without a boat. You can still expect great service with a friendly guide on hand to help out with gear and guide you around the site

Maui Coast

Our First Batch of Dive sites is all along the Actual Maui Coastline. These can be done as Shore Dives or from a boat trip. These are really good sites equal to any good Caribbean dive site but they are hardly world-class dive sites and more appetizers to the Gourmet Courses that are on the way.

Coral Garden / Turtle Town

This is a ubiquitous term used by almost all Dive Companies and Snorkel Tours. And it doesn’t really mean a lot. It is basically Any site along the coast that has good coral, good Vis (on the day), and Good Life. It is your Maui “Basic”. The Garlic bread of Maui’s Diving.

That is not to say these sites are bad. You will get a ton of fish, Abundant turtles and the chance for some pretty exciting species as at least a few of these stops offer the chance for Manta Rays, Sharks, and more. But knowing exactly where you are going can be hard as they could take you to any number of sites. It really is a Buzz term for basic Maui Coast Diving.

Carthaginian II

The Carthaginian II was an old German Sailing Boat that was moored for over 30 Years in Lahaina Harbor. This steel-hulled ship was used as a heritage piece to the old Whaling industry of the Island. In 2005, it was sunk, Intentionally, for YOU!

Several Years later the Hull remains intact but has gradually been reclaimed by nature and now serves as an artificial reef. Along with all the regular Hawaii Reef Fish, you can encounter Grey Reef Sharks and some pretty cool and rare Frogfish!

Sitting in around 30 m it is a pretty advanced dive. But the conditions are usually very good. The hold is open which allows some Penetration, although this is often where Sharks come to rest, it’s pretty epic to swim into the ship’s hold to be greeted by a reef shark!

The Downside to the dive is the Wreck is all there is in the area. It was sunk in a pretty dull location and you drop straight down see the wreck and then back up. There are no reefs to explore or anything else. While the wreck is great it can only take 20 mins to see then you can be twiddling your thumbs a bit till the air runs out.

Mala Pier

Mala Pier is hard to describe as however hard you try, it sounds pretty rubbish. It is a collapsed Pier Just outside of Lahaina Harbour. So Far So dull. But as with most manmade structures exposed to the wild, Mother Nature has reclaimed the Pier. It is now a haven for many marine species, including a family (we think it’s a Family) of Grey Reef Sharks.

At least one Dive Company sells this as a Shark Dive. Well, this is a bit of an oversell, despite the fact you will definitely see sharks, they are small docile critters who really just mooch around the seabed and in the Piles of the collapsed Pier. You will, however, see sharks. So we suppose it’s ok.

The Dive is probably the best of Maui’s Coastline Dives and despite its unappealing nature, there is so much to see amongst the collapsed Piles. On top of the Reef Sharks, there is a lot of life down there. There are tons of reef fish of all types, along with Rays, Turtles, Moray Eels, Frogfish, and more. It is a rare site that has actually got better every time we dive it as nature continues to reclaim the Pier and The Coral gets thicker and thicker.

The Dive is in shallow water with No Current, which means everyone can experience the dive. If you are Diving the Maui Coast Make sure you include a trip to Mala Pier.

Honolua Bay

Honolua Bay is one of the island’s best Snorkeling Sites, it’s packed with life and the water can be crystal clear. Naturally, this is also used as a Dive Site, but for us, it doesn’t work as well. The Charm of the bay is the stunning coral reefs that run up the rocky coastline, these shallow reefs bask in the sunshine but are just too shallow for diving, The deeper areas of the reef have less to offer.

This may be a little harsh as the diving is actually pretty good, but it’s just nothing spectacular, compared to what is on offer elsewhere. It is also a bit susceptible to poor conditions as it is quite far around the West Maui Coast meaning it’s the first place to be hit by winter storms, great for surfing, not diving. It is also plagued by runoff from rain in the mountains but this affects diving less than snorkeling.

Off Island

As we said Maui itself does not offer the BEST diving, to get that you need to head off-Island. And here you will find some phenomenal Diving.

Lanai

About an Hour’s sail from Lahaina Harbour and a bit less from Kihei Boat Ramp is the Island of Lanai. The island is one of the least habited of the Hawaiian Chain and has a wild and remote coastline. Which for large parts is completely undeveloped. This makes for world-class diving.

Even the Boat Ride over is worth the ride. Regular Whale sightings when in season along with dolphins and Flying fish and of course stunning views of Maui itself. On top of this, it has some really stunning dive sites.

First Cathedral

Top of the List is the World Famous First Cathedral. The Surrounding reef is excellent teaming with life and as good as any Maui Dive site. However, the Feature presentation is a gigantic undersea cave. It is eerie how much the cave resembles a cathedral.

Light Streams through the Stain glass window in the ceiling, and an alter sits center stage, and entering for the first few times is not far from a religious experience. The Dark crevices of the Cathedral house Grey Reef Sharks while Schools of Squirrelfish shelter in the roof of the Cavern.

Once you have explored the crevices and prayed at the altar, it’s time to leave via the aptly named Shotgun. This Tidal Powered thrill ride starts with the current pouring in as you grip the edges of the lava tube. Then as the flow changes, you have fired out the tube into the brightness of the reef outside. It’s really quite fun and when the tide is really flowing it is A LOT of fun.

Second Cathedral

The Second Cathedral is more of the same. However, the Features are less defined and less Cathedral-like. The more natural appearance is no less stunning it’s just not quite as quirky.

Expect the same stunning wildlife outside the cave however as you explore the pristine reefs that surround the rocky formations.

Fish Rock

This Rocky outcrop sits just below above the surface and, at first, appearance is nothing more than a lifeless rock jutting out of the water. But see it from below the waves and it takes on a whole new appearance.

It gets its name from the fact it was the go-to location for Aquarium Stockists to pick up wild fish to sell to Aquarium owners. So the Description of diving in an aquarium which is often used to describe dive sites is particularly fitting here.

The Fish numbers are incredible. As you can see from the above video at times it’s just an endless stream of fish. The site is not known for anything particularly rare or exotic just huge numbers of bright colorful fish. It is a very easy and relaxing dive as you simply circumnavigate the rock in awe at the abundance of life.

The dive ends up on a very shallow reef under the boat, here you can find turtles and spend some time up close to the fish. Due to the shallow end to the dive, underwater times can be ridiculous, as your air seems to last forever and No-Deco time is endless.

Lanai Drift Diving

Around the Back of Lanai, there are a host of very advanced, remote, and fantastic dive sites. These are only accessible on one Dive trip from Lahaina Divers but they take you to some really incredible locations that are rarely dived.

These sites include Barges, Pyramids, and a host of other sites that can only be dived on these adventure trips. The sites sit on an oceanic highway and have access to deep blue water. If you want to dive with large pelagics this is the dive for you. Whale Sharks, Mantas, and Whales can all be seen diving at these remote and incredible sites. No Guarantees though.

You need recent experience and an Advanced license for these trips.

Molokini

A lot has been written and said about Molokini. Most of which is very good. Most of it is very accurate too, this is a really incredible Dive Site. The Partially Submerged crater hosts one of the finest reefs in Hawaii, packed with stunning Reef Fish and a whole host of interesting critters, Giant Moray Eels, Octopus, Nudibranch, Trevally, Eagle, and Manta Rays, along with a whole host of Endemic Hawaiian Species of fish. Not enough? How about warm crystal clear water with vis regularly over 100ft year-round?

Still not enough, How about the change to Dive with Sharks? Maybe even Dolphins and Humpback whales? Molokini is easily your best bet for these in Maui. Molokini Takes Maui Diving to a whole new level.

You will be offered two types of Molokini Trips, the Standard Dive, where you will explore the inside of the Crater, or the more advanced Backwall dive Trip. With the Regular trip, you will dive the Outer reef sites and maybe some inner. With the Backwall, you will dive the back wall and Reefs end dive sites.

While the regular trip is amazing, the Backwall is just out of this world. It is however only suitable for advanced divers. So if you are experienced make sure you don’t miss out on one of Hawaii’s BEST dive sites.

One thing should be noted about Molokini however, you are very unlikely to find Turtles here. It is just too far out to see for them with too little food.

Inner Reef

The Inner Reef is the main Snorkel area of the reef. This reef butts up against the main part of the island and is a really great reef. It just has two problems, it gets overused quite a bit by the snorkellers, and it’s just not quite as good as the Outer Reef and Reefs End. You may end up on the Inner reef though at the end of your second dive as it is nice and shallow so you can spend longer here and remain No-Deco.

Outer Reef

The Outer Reef Areas are the real reason to Dive the Crater. These deeper and less Mauled reef sites still sit within the crater but are more exposed to blue water and less mauled by the endless stream of snorkelers.

Here Life is more intense, the Coral healthier, and the water clearer. Here you can encounter a staggering number of reef fish. The area is a protected marine reserve so there is no fishing of any kind here. Amongst the Acres of Coral Gardens, you can encounter Moray eels of various types, and Fantastic Day Octopus exploring the reef for food. Stunning Bluefin Trevally hunt amongst the pristine Coral heads that can house the Grunting Native Hawaiian Damselfish.

It is a truly wonderful place to explore. The Conditions are out of this world as well. The warm water means even in the depths of winter only thin wetsuits are needed and the islet is flushed daily by crystal clear seawater from the open ocean meaning 100ft visibility is a bad day!

Reefs End

Reefs end can be dived two ways. Either way, it is the most remote and pristine reef on Molokini. It is done as part of the Backwall Trip. Here you are deposited on the outside edge of the reef and quickly find the current is very strong (This is a Drift Dive). You are pulled along the fantastic coral formations, Fish life here is stunning with endless reef fish and a large number of Trevally prowling the fringes. There are several caves where Grey Reef sharks get some rest, and Galapagos Sharks cruise around in the deeper waters.

The Current soon pulls you off the reef and into the deep blue of the Backwall. Here you will find an abundance of fish and access to Deep Bluewater where literally anything can appear.

You can also Dive Reefs end from the Inside of the Crater. Doing so requires you to be careful not to go too far out over the reef as you do not want to be caught unintentionally in the current mentioned above. If you are diving as part of a tour then this will be explained in full in your dive briefing.

Molokini Back Wall Dive

Back Wall Dives are simply out of this world! The Back of Molokini Plunges 100 meters straight down into the Pacific Ocean. You are dropped off alongside the wall which is encrusted in coral and teeming with life. In one dive you can see it all. Octopus, Giant Moray, Galapagos Sharks, Manta Rays, More Reef fish than you knew existed, it’s all here in a stunning and dramatic setting.

Despite the 100ft+ of crystal clear visibility of pure fresh Ocean water, there is NO visible bottom and no end to the reef in either direction. It’s just the wall on one side and blue all around. This gives an incredible feeling of being small and exposed. And Indeed anything can swim up and make you feel even smaller.

In the Winter when Whales take over the Maui Channel, this is really the only Dive Site, where you can dive with Humpbacks. NO dive company offers any dive where you can dive with Whales, simply for conservation reasons. However, at the Back-wall, the Whales can and do approach Dive Groups.

Even if you don’t get a once-in-a-lifetime Whale encounter the wall will still blow your socks off. In our video above we got tantalizingly close to a Whale encounter but they never quite showed up, but their song was incredible. You can clearly hear it in the video, but in person, it was much louder and you actually felt the rumbles of the song.

We have also Dived the wall out of whale season and it is still and mind-blowing site, in fact, it is possibly better out of whale season, as to be honest the whales are a bit of a distraction from this simply stunning wall dive. It really is one of the best Dive Sites in Hawaii, even the world. In fact, it has on one single problem…Mokuho’Oniki Rock, which we get to next but first a little side attraction to the diving at Molokini

Whale Watching.

We have done a lot of Whale-Watching in Maui, and the best trip we have ever been on was our recent surface interval at Molokini. It is an unadvertised feature of these dive trips, but as we lounged about on the sun deck. warming up, and enjoying our fantastic lunch, The Whales that failed to join us underwater did pop along to say Hi.

As such we were treated to a fantastic display of fin slapping and partial breaches as a Mother and hours-old calf frolicked at the surface. This was an utter Joy and blew any whale-watching trip out of the water. We had already seen a ton of Whales on our trip out and this was the icing on the Cake. It was worth every penny, and we got some free diving too!

Molokai / Mokuho’Oniki Rock

Back to the Diving. Molokai offers some of the best diving in Hawaii and is seriously world-class. It gets left off the “World’s Best Dive Sites” Lists as it’s pretty remote and unheard of, these lists gravitate to Famous locations. We only know one operator who is crazy enough to make the Insane Channel crossing and deploy divers of sometimes questionable quality into the wild and remote waters here.

But what is on offer is Genuinely mind-blowing.

Hammerhead Shark Dive

Not every Dive to this site will be like the one we experienced. But when this site is good, it is simply stunning. Our first dive here was A-typical, After exploring the reef for 10-15 Mins we headed out into the blue with fingers crossed. Within 5 Mins we were surrounded. A school of 20-30 Sharks had found our group and were checking us out. They had Zero interest in us as food, so there was NO fear from our side, but they had little fear too, they were simply interested.

As they circled our group we hung in the water as they repeatedly took turns to take a closer look. At one point a Large 2meter+ Female, headed straight toward me. She was gliding effortlessly through the water on a direct collision course with ME. She was a Big Fish, easily 2.5M but looked more like 10 meters from my perspective, as she got closer and closer, the HR rose and I just kept thinking…she WILL turn…right? When she finally did turn, she must have been 15 feet from me, but again it felt like 5m. As she glided by it was probably the most phenomenal moment of my life.

We continued to float about in the water, as the sharks circled and randomly headed in for a closer look. 15-20 Mins felt like seconds and as air and No-Deco time ran down we dragged ourselves begrudgingly back to the surface. At this point, things had really heated up. The Swell was HUGE and there was no boat in sight. Focussed on the Sharks we had drifted a long way. We were no longer in the shelter of Mokuho’Oniki Rock and were exposed to big ocean swells. It took seconds for the dive boat to locate us and begin the extraction. But in the BIG swells, this was challenging.

It was very clear at this point the high entry requirements the Dive shop had placed on Participation. This was the most extreme dive I had ever done. A truly Bucket List item that you probably never knew existed. You could tell from the expression on the Dive Guides’ face this was not the usual experience. But every group that day saw Sharks and almost everyone we know who has dived here has seen them too, but we all know Nature is unpredictable.

Fish Rain / Lost Reef

If you want to see what a wild and untouched reef looks like come here. While Parts of Hawaii’s mainland look and feel like a land time forgot, this reef is the underwater equivalent. While the Name is based on the sheer number of reef fish that appear to rain down on you, the reef is the real star. There is Rock here but you can’t see it for the incredibly thick coral coverings. Fish pour down on you, and you fly over the reef system in some pretty strong currents. This is not Beginner Diving.

After soaring over the reef, which hosts some really rare and endemic species such as the blue dragon nudibranch. You again head out into the blue water for another chance for Hammerheads.

This advanced dive trip is the highlight of any divers trip to Hawaii. Wild Reefs, Incredible Wildlife, and hammerhead sharks. It just ticks all the boxes. Make sure you do it as the last dive of your trip as nothing really else comes close.

Molokai is only available as a charter from Lahaina Divers

Best Maui Dive Operators – Full Guide

Unsurprisingly there are quite a few Dive companies operating in Maui. We actually have very little experience with them practically. We found a company we liked and we stuck with them. Mainly as they are the only Dive Company that makes the Crossing to Molokini. As a rule, we favor Boat Diving in Maui as you just get so much for your money, but there are some great shore operators.

Lahaina Dive Centers

Lahaina Divers

Lahaina Divers lost their premises and boats in the Lahaina fires last year and as a result, have not yet re-opened for business. They are one of our favorite dive companies to use in Maui so we hope they re-open soon and our thoughts are with their employees.

These are the Pros of Maui. Their operation is very slick. And that is why we love it. They also offer all the big-hitting dives such as the Backwall, Lanai Drift, and Molokai, along with regular trips out to Lanai. These are the Guys we trust to dive with on Maui. They offer complimentary coffee at the shop along with ample cake!

The whole service is Valet so everything is done for you. They are highly professional and have the whole operation down to a tee. The Surface interval sees a great lunch of fresh sandwiches, Maui Chips, and Topical Fruit. And fresh-baked Cookies follow the final dive. The Boats are large and fully equipped.

The Downside is their popularity. They can cram a lot of people onto the boat. Their professional attitude can turn people off. They are serious about diving and safety and sometimes this can come across as rude. We get it, and we have no issue being TOLD what to do, but some people do not like this. Think of it as a bit military rather than Disney.

Maui Diving – A nice relaxed dive operator offering shore dives around West Maui at great prices. All gear is included and they offer some great sites such as Mala Pier and Black Rock Back Wall.

Extended Horizons: Specializing in Lanai Diving, these are great operators. Whizzing you across the channel in small groups to dive into the best Lanai has to offer.

In2Scuba Diving Maui – Lahaina – A very Highly rated operator who focuses on shore dives along the Maui Coastline. Offering a personal dive experience that is laid back and chilled. You hear very few complaints about these guys. If Relaxed Maui Shore diving is your aim these guys could be your best bet.

These are a particular favorite for beginners. The small friendly groups get rave ratings from people who are taking their first steps into Diving.

Banyan Tree Divers – Another Dive Operator Specialising in Maui Shore Dives

Kihei Dive Centers

Island Style Diving (Mike Severns Diving) – Great Diving Outfit in Kihei offering some good dive sites and some interesting alternatives from the norm.

Maui Dive Shop – If you are in the Kihei and Weilia Area then Maui Dive shop is a great choice and offers the Back-wall Dive along with Lanai Trips and a selection of the Maui Coast Dives.

Pro Diver – Offering both shore and boat dives in Kihei, including a Molokini Backwall Dive.

NeverDry – A small outfit that offers a great selection of shore dives and is very highly rated.

Best Maui Dive Operators – Full Guide

Maui Reef Fish Guide

Have Your Say

Let us know your thoughts on the best Maui Dive sites. Have you dived the Remote shores of Molokai? Have you explored the breathtaking Backwall or were you just Blown away by Diving Alongside Turtles on one of Maui’s many Reef Sites? let us know your favorite sites below and what you saw while diving them.

With Our Best Maui Helicopter Tours Review Page, we take a look at all the different tours and operators available on the island in 2023 to bring you the best experience for your budget and tastes. First, we take a look at a typical tour then, look at which tours are available, then a quick review of the different tour operators. Flying over Maui is a really incredible experience and our review guide should help you find the BEST tour for your vacation.

Best Maui Helicopter Tour – Two Questions in ONE!

To start off with, the very question of what is the best Maui Helicopter tour has two meanings and two range of answers. Do you mean the Best ROUTE or the Best OPERATOR? Both of these are really important questions and both need answering to get you on the right tour.

So this Guide to the best Helicopter tours on Maui will help you decide what Route to take to suit your interests, and which company to trust to safely and comfortably guide you around Maui’s hidden secrets for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. As Maui is the Honeymoon Isle these tours are very popular as a wonderful Memory Maker for your perfect Maui Honeymoon…We know we did one of these tours on our own honeymoon 10 years ago now!

Experience – Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours, Maui, and Molokai

First, we will run you through the actual experience before looking at the available tours and options before taking a look at the different operators. Finally, we will give you some tips and address any fears and safety issues you may have.

All operators on Maui operate out of Kahului Airport. The Heliport is located away from the main Terminal Handily shown on this Map. Heading to Kahului on the 380 head down the new Airport road but take the exit signposted “heliport” before you get to the main Airport. Then just follow Kala Rd around until you see the signs for the Heliport. Then simply locate your provider before Parking up and heading inside.

First, you will sign in where you confirm your booking and sign any waivers and documentation before getting a brief safety briefing. You will be shown how to use your personal Life jacket and familiarised with the aircraft’s safety features and procedures. Think of this like the Airline presentations you ignore … err we mean, pay close attention to… every time you fly.

You will then be weighed. Not to humiliate you, or shame you, but the weights are needed for the flight calculations to ensure even weight distribution and confirm the maximum take-off weight is not exceeded. Believe me, the companies would love to forgo this embarrassing procedure but it’s an FAA requirement that all Weights and Balance forms are properly filed!

You will then be assigned seats based on the computer’s weights and balances calculations, there is no bagging the front*, despite it being a far and away better experience. Then you will be provided with your Personal Life vests and headsets before being taken out to the Helicopter (Ours was the newer ECO-Star (EC-130)) with your Pilot.

*Blue Hawaiian and Sunshine Helicopters do actually allow you to book the front seats for a hefty fee (First Class)

This process is pretty much the same for all Operators and All tours but from here on we will talk about the West Maui and Molokai Tour we took with Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours Maui.

After our pilot acquired our flight clearance from Air Traffic control we Air Taxied away from the apron before heading for the Sky. The Flight took us North over the coast before turning west to track along the coast. As we flew along with the West Maui Mountains to our left we were treated to fantastic views of the rugged coast, deep Mountain Valleys, and the Cloud Forest. The pilot then began to take us deep into the mountain where few people venture. Remote prehistoric waterfalls plunged into the valley depths and the whole place had an air of the Jurassic about it.

The Mountains cause quite a bit of turbulence to the Pacific trade winds so the Chopper bounces around a bit in the Valleys but overall it was pretty stable. The calm relaxed voice of the Pilot made everyone perfectly aware this was normal. After a while of exploring the valleys, we headed for the tourist areas of West Maui, which is where we were staying. And then we headed out across the Pailolo Channel heading for Molokai. Unfortunately, we were out of Whale season, but during the months of November to May this channel is chock full of humpbacks and you get a fantastic view from a chopper

As we approached the Island we passed over the Mokuho’Oniki Rock. My tales of diving with hammerhead sharks their days before didn’t go down too well! Heading inland the remoteness was even more evident than in West Maui. There were remote settlements that have very little contact with the outside world, or so our Pilot said. This adds to the feeling of a lost world.

The Waterfalls here are incredible and some of the world’s tallest as they plunge from pool to pool in complete isolation. Finally, as we flew low over the landscape the horizon revealed the flight’s feature presentation, The world’s tallest sea cliffs. We barreled over the edge of the Sea Cliffs, the tallest in the world, as the ground fell over 1000 meters to the ocean below. A dramatic and fitting introduction to the Northside of Molokai. These cliffs plunge straight down into the Abyssal plain and the water is a deep dark blue, very different from the azure blue of most waters found off Maui.

From here the Tour heads back over the island taking a look at the now ex-leper colony of Kalaupapa, then over to the shallow reef and fish ponds of the south side of the Island. Before crossing back over the channel where we spent some time exploring the West Maui Condo complexes, where we were staying. It was nice to get a shot of our honeymoon home and the beautiful Napili Bay where we were staying.

We then followed the coast back to Kahului Airport and back to the helipad. If the weather is right the Helicopters can fly through the Olowalu Gap with stunning mountain views. But not today as the wind was pretty high. A few snaps with the helicopter back at the pad and we were done.

Routes

Most of the Operators offer very similar tours of slightly different lengths and costs here we highlight the most popular and talk about the pros and cons of each. We also list the durations and highest and lowest costs available.

West Maui Waterfalls

• Cost – $399
• Duration – 45 Mins

This used to be offered by more operators but has been dropped in recent years as it didn’t really represent great value and some of the routes became more restricted. The premise is pretty simple the tour heads into the valleys of the West Maui Mountains to explore the hidden gems and lost waterfalls in the area. An area that is not even accessible to Hikers as the delicate nature of the ancient cloud forest has meant hiking is forbidden.

While this is a great tour, you get to see a lot of it plus more with the next tour. This is why few operators still offer this route and we would always suggest just paying the extra to upgrade to the Molokai Tour

The Blue Hawaiian Tour Below includes a Landing in Upcountry Maui along with a stunning tour of West Maui.

Blue Hawaiian – Pau Hana Helicopter Tour With Landing – $399 – Front Seats – $549

West Maui Mountains And Molokai

Our Favourite Tour Option!

• Cost –  $234 – $399
• Duration – 45 -65 Mins

We have explained our Blue Hawaiian experience of this tour above so we won’t get into it too deeply here. But it is our Favourite Option and really showcases the best of Maui County. You get great views up Haleakala, the Central plains, and Kahului including the windward coast, right into the stunning West Maui Mountains with deep-cut valleys and waterfalls, then past the tourist centers of West Maui’s stunning beaches. Over the Channel with possible whale sightings during Whale season. The stunning Sea Cliffs and waterfalls of Molokai.

The Sea Cliffs of Molokai are genuinely staggering and a really unique experience. After all, they are the tallest sea cliffs in the world and the sight of the lush green forest plunging into the deep blue Pacific is genuinely mid-blowing

Heading back you get the Fish ponds and stunning reefs of Molokai before a final descent back into Kahului. These 45-60 minute tours have everything. And for us is the BEST ROUTE for you to choose as they just have so much variation.

This very popular tour is offered by all operators. Air Maui is the cheapest at $262 for their Express Tour but this is in the older A-Star with poorer views. Blue Hawaiian offers a longer more comprehensive tour for only $399 in a modern ECO-Star Helicopter. Sunshine offers first-class seating in an ECO-Star for $519, which is a lot of money! Maverick offers fantastic Value tours in their Eco-Star Helicopter for a very reasonable $389

Air Maui is now offering an amazing Doors-Off option as well. We have done multiple Doors off trips and they are seriously amazing, with far better views without the scratched and reflective Poly Glass used in Helicopter windows. This is a must-do trip for thrill seekers but are not for everyone as the vulnerable feeling of 1000ft of space below your feet is pretty unnerving…to put it very mildly!

Maverick Helicopters – Molokai Voyage – Eco-Star $389

Blue Hawaiian – West Maui and Molokai – Eco-Star $399 – Front Seats – $549

Air Maui – West Maui and Molokai (45Min) – A-Star $262

Air Maui – West Maui and Molokai (DOORS-OFF) – A-Star $340

Air Maui – West Maui and Molokai (60Min) – A-Star $341

Sunshine Helicopters – Molokai Deluxe – Whisper-Star $424

Sunshine Helicopters – Molokai Express (40min)- FX-Star $379

Pacific Helicopter Tours – closed

Hana/Haleakala

• Cost –  $262 – $399
• Duration – 40 -60 Mins

The Hana/Haleakala Tours take you up to the alien landscape of the Haleakala crater where you will explore the incredible Martian-like vistas and stunning volcanic scenery.

The tour then takes you over to Hana and the dense remote rainforest with deep valleys and thousands of waterfalls. Anyone who has driven to Hana would be amazed by the number of waterfalls that the road passes but the amount of falls that are beyond the reach of earthbound folks is truly breathtaking. The tour takes in large parts of Maui’s rugged coastline. This tour really shows off Maui’s diverse ecosystems as you travel through almost every imaginable climate zone.

HOWEVER, we find these tours just a touch misleading…

In the Blurb and the Promotional photos, the imagery shows the helicopters flying right over the crater and the summit, giving you the impression the flights operate right into the Crater. However, in practice, they don’t. The 10,000+ ft of Haleakala makes that a pretty daunting operation and highly restricted by the National Park Service. Instead, the flights stay around the outside of the volcano and offer the passengers glimpses into the crater. There are various Gaps in the Crater where the entry elevation really drops and the Helicopters can peer into the Crater.

It is still a really impressive flight, and you get to see a lot of the Crater, but do no expect to be flying right into the volcano as the promo suggests. And remember Haleakala is very much dormant, so any mention of Lava Flows means solidified flows from hundreds of years ago. You will not see RED lava anywhere on Maui, at least for now or the last 2-300 years.

Blue Hawaiian are our pick for this tour. They only fly in the Eco Star offering far better viewing opportunities. Air Maui is still a really good budget option though offering a flight for nearly $100 less.

Blue Hawaiian – Hana and Haleakala – Eco-Star $344

Air Maui – Hana and Haleakala – A-Star $262

Sunshine Helicopters – Hana and Haleakala Whisper Star $379

Complete Island

• Cost –  $341 – $539
• Duration – 60 -75 Mins

As the name suggests this route takes in the Whole of the Island. This is basically a mix of the West Maui Waterfalls Tour and the Haleakala/Hana Tour. These long tours offer the full range of Maui’s beauty. They are not much more expensive than the Hana/Haleakala Tours

You do miss Molokai’s incredible Sea cliffs, however, and these are such an incredible sight it’s hard to recommend ignoring them. This makes the Circle Island Tours our Second favorite option. However, if the remote rugged coastline of Molokai is not of interest to you nad you prefer the ever-changing beauty and variety of Maui itself then Circle Island Tours are a great option.

Blue Hawaiian – Complete Circle Island – Eco-Star $479

Air Maui – Complete Circle Island – A-Star $341

Sunshine Helicopters – Complete Circle Island – Eco-Star $449

Add a Landing

Both Air Maui and Blue Hawaiian offer a Landing Option on these tours. This adds a really nice extra element to the trip and a touch of refinement as you take on some refreshments in a stunning setting before continuing your flight.

The Blue Hawaiian Landing is on the slopes of Haleakala in Upcountry Maui with stunning views of West Maui, the Central Valley, and beyond, whereas Air Maui stops in a remote part of West Maui on an oceanfront landing spot with stunning Views

Blue Hawaiian – Maui Spectacular – Complete Circle Island + Landing – Eco-Star $424 – Front Seats – $333

Air Maui – West Maui and Molokai + Oceanfront Landing – A-Star $375

Others

Some of the operators offer other routes that do not quite fit into the above main categories.

Maverick Helicopters – Hana Rainforest Experience and Landing – $359

Eco-Star

This is a short flight time but offers a really nice landing site deep in the rainforest on a remote fruit plantation. This is really unique and offers an experience most people will never get. You do not get to see much of Maui, but the parts you do are stunningly beautiful as you follow the road to Hana deep into the jungle past towering waterfalls and stunning Sea cliffs.

Maverick Helicopters – Hawaiian Odyssey – 3 Islands – Maui, Molokai, & Lanai – $479

Eco-Star

Another unique tour and as far as we know the only helicopter flight over Lanai. This trip is essentially the West Maui and Molokai tour with Lanai added on for completeness taking in almost all of the Maui County Islands. This is well worth considering if you really want complete uniqueness.

Who Needs Doors?

Some Operators offer a Doors off experience. This is a truly novel way to experience a flight as the safety bubble that is provided by the cabin is shattered. The increased vision and exposure to the elements really amps up the excitement but can also add to the fear factor if that is a worry for you.

Photographers will get MUCH better shooting opportunities by choosing a doors-off experience, as the Lack of glass ensures a much better photo opportunity. The only issue is unlike EVERY doors-off tour we have done before, Air Maui prohibits you from taking a “big” camera and limits you to Phones only. We find this deeply disappointing. On for the thrill seekers only then!

Air Maui – West Maui and Molokai (DOORS-OFF) – A-Star $340

First Class Seating – Front Seats

Finally we have the question of paying for Up-Front Seats or First Class Seating. On the whole we shy away from this. Is it better upfront…absolutely, however it’s pretty incerdible in the back too, especially in the Eco-Star Helicopters.

This is FOMO pricing. Some people feel they need to have the best so will pay whatever is needed to get that. The truth is, not that many people actually bag these seats and if not you may well be placed up front for free anyway! It is usually a 2 in the frint (+Pilot) an 4 in the back so you have pretty good odds without paying for the upgrade.

If you are unlucky. You still get stunning views the entire time. Every shot on the this page was taken from the Back of an EC-130 Helicopter.

Best Tour

We are big fans of the West Maui and Molokai tours. Not only is it one of the cheapest tours it also allows access to views and locations that are simply unavailable without a helicopter. While the Views of Haleakala are incredible you can visit the crater by car (and get better views), again the Rainforests of Hana can be seen on a drive down the Hana Highway. Yes, we know the Views are far superior from the air but still, you get a taste.

With the Trip over to Molokai, you are witnessing the incredible sea cliffs that are just not realistically accessible by any other means. There are no boat tours this was and trails are non-existent in this part of Molokai. Also in Whale Season, this is your best chance of seeing whales from the air!

The Circle Island Tours are great options for those wanting to explore the whole of Maui Island. These really take in the best of the island and show off the incredible diversity of landscapes of the Island. If you really want to focus on Maui and only Maui, then these are probably the best options…and adding a Landing really makes it special.

Of course for Thrill Seekers Air Maui’s Doors off is unbeatable!

Helicopters

There are 3 main Aircraft used by Maui’s Helicopter tour operators. The A-Star (AS-350) the ECO-Star (EC-130) and the Robinson R44

A-Star – AS-350

• Operators – Air Maui, Sunshine (FX-Star).

The A-Star Helicopter is a true workhorse of an aircraft. As a type, it has clocked up millions of air miles and has served faithfully for years. This is a 7-seater helicopter including a Pilot. So there are six passengers 2 in the front and 4 in the back. The Choppers are aging a bit but they are still great aircraft. If you are looking for a budget tour they will serve you very well.

ECO-Star – EC-130

• Operators – Blue Hawaiian, Sunshine (Whisper-Star), Maverick.

The ECO-Star is the A-Stars replacement. It’s essentially the same aircraft only more modern. From a passenger’s point of view expect a slightly roomier cabin, better seats, and a less obstructed view. They are quieter, but with headsets on this won’t matter really. We feel the ECO-Star is an upgrade worth taking. There are considerable technical upgrades that make for a more stable flight and the whole purpose of a helicopter tour is the view so it makes sense to get the best available.

Robinson R44

• Operators – Pacific Helicopter Tours

The R44 is completely different from the Star aircraft. Smaller, lighter, and more nimble with the opportunity for doors-off experiences. It’s also a 4 seater so if you are a couple there will be only you and the Pilot. This is a big plus for us. Again this is a very popular helicopter that has a long proven track record of safety and reliability.

Pachelitours.com Robinson R-44 – Not currently advertising tours

Who are the BEST Operators?

Blue Hawaiian

Blue Hawaiian has been operating Helicopter tours on the Hawaiian Islands for Decades. They have a fantastic safety record and are renowned for their rigorous safety-minded operation. They have excellently maintained helicopters and their tours and prices are very competitive.

Maverick Helicopters

Maverick is another national company operating in a number of states and locations. Again this is no bad thing. and Maverick offers a good service. They are ECO-Star only so appear expensive but are almost on par when compared like for like with other ECO-Star tours. Their tours all have unique sounding names but they are just the usual offerings as per the other operators.

Air Maui

Air Maui is a budget operator and only has a fleet of A-Star helicopters. They only operate on Maui and know the islands very well. They also are the only operator to offer A-Star doors off tours.

Sunshine Helicopters

This is a National operator with Tour companies in a number of States. This leads to a very slick well-run operation with top-rate Helicopters and competitive prices. We dislike the practice of charging extra for the front seats. However, if front seats are a MUST paying the extra will guarantee that!

Pacific Helicopter Tours

Not Currently offering tours

The first four operators mentioned are all fairly similar. The same helicopters, similar tours, etc. Pacific Helicopter tours are significantly different. For one the R-55 helicopters are completely different. being 4-seat lightweight aircraft with the ability to have the doors off. They also offer a couple of tours the others don’t such as 3 islands (Maui, Molokai, and Lanai) and West Maui Mountains.

Their prices are higher but so much considering you are essentially booking a private tour!

Preferred Operator

We have always chosen Maverick Helicopters. Mainly due to the reputation and safety record. You just feel in very safe hands. But it’s a close call. The Big 4 are very similar and you can book confidently knowing you will receive a great service. There are just no cowboys in this sort of industry as it is just so heavily regulated by the FAA that any dodgy operation will be quickly exposed and shut down.

Air Maui is the only firm still using A-Star Helicopters and this means their prices are much cheaper than most. There is nothing wrong with this fantastic work-horse of a Helicopter, it’s just the windows and seating layout are a little worse than the newer ECO-Star.

Overall the deciding factor is not really the Operator, but the different tours they each offer. Maverick have really reduced their options recently and while they have a couple of wildcards, they only really offer the Molokai Tour. Blue Hawaiian offers a really good range and their tours are some of the best.

Really we would say choose the tour first then just choose the operator that offers the best price and your preferred helicopter option.

Tips

The biggest tip is to wear dark colors. The windows have a terrible habit of reflecting light colors and obscuring the View. Especially a problem for photographers. Darker colors limit this problem.

Try and book in the morning if possible. Cloud and wind increase as the day goes on making the flight, less comfortable and less enjoyable. Very early morning is not recommended though due to higher amounts of cloud. Somewhere around mid-late morning and mid-day is the sweet spot between any cloud burning off but the winds not yet picking up…but remember where the weather is concerned it’s always a gamble!

Apart from Sunshine and Blue Hawaiian who charge for front seating your choice of seats is always a gamble. Obviously, couples and groups are seated together. But the Front or back is down to a computer. It’s supposed to be for weights and balances but the reality is it’s often just potluck. No amount of complaining will elicit a change as that would obviously be unfair to the swapped passengers. Yes, the Front seats are better, but the back seats are still really good. The elevated position means you are still looking out the front end and you have a large side window to look out of too. The left or right side is pretty irrelevant as any impressive sight or vista the pilot will ensure both sides get a good look…Remember every shot on this page is from the back seat!

Fears

I have a bit of a fear of heights and flying. I have spent a lot of time in light aircraft and large aircraft for that matter even flying them solo. I have never really got over the fear of being in the air. In the ECO-Star it wasn’t an issue, certainly no more than being in a large commercial airline. A helicopter feels very different from an airplane which feels like you are flying a Helicopter is more like a floating platform. and personally, I find that far less fear-provoking.

If you have a severe fear of flying or heights then this is probably not the experience for you. But if you are only moderately nervous then the Helicopters’ stable platform provides a quite relaxing experience. While there is a little bumping caused by turbulence it’s not severe and the pilot will tend to avoid bad areas. If flying on a commercial just causes you no issues then you should be fine with a helicopter tour. Seeing as nearly everyone arrives on Maui by plane, you should be OK.

Safety

All Helicopter operations out of Maui are subject to very strict safety concerns and accidents are incredibly rare. These operations fly hundreds of thousands of tourists every year-round Maui and the Helicopters themselves as a type have millions of safe hours of operation. We have read in guidebooks and online about how these can be dangerous, pointing to the odd incident a year. The reality is these Aircraft are used all over the world with a fantastic record and are subject to the most stringent of safety checks and inspections.

You are far more likely to be killed on the drive to the heliport than you are on your tour. And FAR FAR more likely to have an accident driving to Hana. The Ocean in Maui Kills Scores every year but the beaches are still packed. No activity is 100% safe but Helicopter tours seem to cop for more flack than they deserve.

Have Your Say

Let us know if you have taken a Helicopter tour of Maui. Or anywhere else for that matter? We love hearing about different activities all over the world to see how they compare. Or if you have any questions or comments at all on our post please just leave us a comment below. We would love to hear from you or recommend a tour for you personally.

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One of the Best Snorkeling Locations in Maui is the Molokini Crater. In fact. it’s one of the best in Hawaii, the USA, and probably even the world. It is an opportunity you really shouldn’t pass up when in Maui.

There are, however, a whole host of Tour operators vying to take you out to the crater and it’s nearly impossible to know which is the best Our guide to the Best Molokini Snorkel Tours, Maui will help you find the perfect cruise company for you to trust to take you Snorkelling in one of Hawaii’s real Gems.

What is the Molokini Crater?

The Molokini Crater is a partially submerged Volcanic crater found in the Alalākeiki Channel between Maui and Kahoʻolawe. The Crater has the appearance of being fairly modern, at least in Geological Terms. It was actually formed at around the same time as the rest of Maui, about 230,000 years ago.

It has since slowly eroded and sunk back into the sea to create the partially submerged Calder we see today. For years there was pressure on the Islet from the US Navy who bombed it for target practice, to fish and coral removal for aquariums, Medicine, and Jewellery. Now the Island is a Bird Sanctuary and Marine Nature Reserve. As such the large number of Snorkel tours have a lot of rules and regulations to stick to in order to visit the Crater without impacting the wildlife.

The Crater’s inner waters are partially protected from the sea and quite shallow so get a lot of light. This makes for fantastic Coral growth and the ecosystems that rely on this thrive. The Shallow Coral water is then filled with fish and creatures in incredible numbers and estimated 230 Species occupy the Reef. Couple this with the fact it’s flushed constantly with clean fresh pacific ocean water means the Visibility is pretty much perfect. Well over 100 meters most days.

This makes it one of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii. It even features on the best snorkeling spots in the world lists. It really is a special location and we advise anyone visiting Maui to Check it out. There are a huge number of cruises and trips to the Islet catering to suit most tastes and budgets. We take a look at all of the best available to help you make your choice.

Reality VS Fiction?

This sounds incredible right? Like nothing on earth! Add to this the Stunning Publicity pictures it’s easy to let expectations get the better of you. Above water, things are pretty much as advertised, assuming you get the blue skies and gorgeous sunshine. But underwater things are not quite a vibrant and fish-packed as you might expect. Most of the Promo Videos are shot by scuba or Snuba and floating around on the Surface things are always a little murkier and monotone than the pictures show.

It’s still wonderful. Shoals of Black Triggers will surround your boat (Hoping you share your lunch). Colorful Reef Fish inhabit the reef area closest to the shoreline, and large Trevally, Unicornfish, and Parrotfish patrol the area. In the deeper parts of the crater floor, you can see Moray Eel and Octopus foraging for food, and if you dive down during whale season you can actually hear the whales singing, which is about as magical as anything you can possibly imagine!

Read our Guide on Hawaii’s Reef Fish here

We have Snorkelled around the world and Molokini Stands out as one of the most fantastic sites we have ever snorkeled. But it’s just not quite what the glossy magazines would have you believe. Go With an open mind and see the site for what it is, not what the Promotions have tried to sell you. Our Video Below is a far better representation of what will face you than some of the other Promo Videos around…and yes you can hear the Whales Singing!

Cruise Tours

Cruise Tours are the most popular way to see the Islet. On these tours, you board a large catamaran or boat and gently cruise out to the Crater, which enjoying a light breakfast. once at the crater you are given Gear and allowed into the water. The Emphasis is on relaxed safe Snorkeling, so lots of buoyancy aids are encouraged. Here you can simply float around witnessing the myriad of sea life in fantastic clear water.

After you are done snorkeling you will be served Lunch, Typically a BBQ Lunch. Most Tours then head off to an inshore Turtle Town stop where you can snorkel with Sea Turtles. Before heading back while enjoying a few drinks or an open bar.

Expect Plenty of upselling of Extras such as wet suits, Cameras, Photo Services, Snuba, and many more, all of which are not needed to have a great time but may enhance your trip or provide treasured memories.

Let’s Take a look at our Favourite Operators.

1 – Four Winds II

• Price – $105 Adult $75 Child
• Location – Ma’alaea Habour
• Duration = 5 Hours
• Stops – Molokini
• Meals – Breakfast And Lunch
• Open Bar – Yes
• Amenities – Glass Bottom, Slide, Showers.
• Scuba – No
• Snuba – Yes – $59

Four Winds II is our favorite Tour Operator to Molokini. This is for two main reasons.

First, it is a really complete offering, with everything you could want and need on a decent-sized Catamaran that isn’t too crowded with a great crew. more in this later, but Second, It is the Only Boat that spends ALL its time at the Crater.

This is not ideal for everyone. Some people really really like the Turtle Town Stops, and we would too. However, we don’t have any trouble seeing Turtles from the Shore ourselves. As such we find the Turtle Town Stops all a bit unnecessary and a waste of time. Also, Any responsible Tour Operator does not allow people in the water after drinking. This means if you are headed to a Turtle Town Stop you have to wait till afterward to have a drink. With the Molokini-only option, you have the whole cruise back to the harbor to relax and have a few drinks in one of the most stunning places on earth.

On top of this, the Tour is very well operated too. The Crew First welcomes you aboard and offers you a great breakfast of fruit, muffins, and pastries with tea, coffee, or juice. The Upsell is limited. They basically tell you what is available and leave it there.

During Whale season they make a good effort to catch some Whale action on the way out. Once at the Crater you have a huge amount of time to enjoy the water and really experience the crater. You can have a good hour Snorkelling before Lunch, which is excellent, before heading back in afterward… or just hit the bar. By now almost all the other boats have left leaving you alone in the crater.

The long cruise back is the perfect time to soak up the sun, enjoy the ocean and enjoy a couple of beers or wine from the Open Bar. Ok, we have more than a couple…

Read Our Full Four Winds II Review here

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2 – Trilogy Sail

• Price – $140 Adult(19+) – $125 Youth(13-17) – $85 Child(3-12)
• Location – Ma’alaea Habour
• Duration = 5 Hours+
• Stops – Molokini and Turtle Town
• Meals – Break Fast And Lunch
• Open Bar – No – Two Alcoholic drinks included
• Amenities – Showers, Wetsuits(Free), Sunscreen.
• Scuba – No
• Snuba – Yes

Our Second favorite tour is the Trilogy Sail Tours. This is a very different boat being a genuine sailing catamaran. Although it’s often sailed under power rather than wind it’s still a very nice experience. Numbers are a lot lower and the cruises can be a bit more intimate.

Food is also excellent, starting with some epic Cinnamon buns for breakfast. and a BBQ Chicken lunch (Dietary Request accepted) which is actually served on plates not a buffet-style like others. It’s all rather civilized.

After Visiting the Crater Trilogy takes you to a Turtle Town where you can almost certainly see turtles. Then it’s back to the harbor while drinks are served.

It really is a great tour and the extra time at Molokini is the only reason we prefer Four Winds II and if you prefer a Turtle Town Stop then this is the cruise for you.

3 – Sail Maui

• Price – $125 Adult $62.50 Child
• Location – Ma’alaea Habour
• Duration = 5 Hours
• Stops – Molokini
• Meals – Breakfast And Lunch
• Open Bar – Yes, Beer Wine, and Mai Tai
• Amenities – Showers, Sunscreen, Sails
• Scuba – No
• Snuba – No

Sail Maui is another Sailing Catamaran Like Trilogy but the Focus is more on actual sailing than a cruise. This makes for a very unique and excellent Experience. They only Visit Molokini but the lack of engine power means more time is spent sailing to and from.

As the focus is more on the sailing, the crew normally goes the extra mile to find Whales (in Season) and Dolphins. The Lunch is only sandwiches as opposed to a BBQ Lunch but the breakfast is actually one of the best.

4 – Pride Of Maui

• Price – $99 Adult – $69 Child
• Location – Ma’alaea Habour
• Duration = 5 Hours
• Stops – Molokini and Turtle Town
• Meals – Break Fast And Lunch
• Open Bar – Yes
• Amenities – Glass Bottom, Slide, Showers.
• Scuba – No
• Snuba – Yes – $58

When we think of the Pride of Maui we think of Party Boat. It’s a large Double Decker boat that packs in a lot of people. The Upper Sun Deck is pretty great but can and does get rammed on sunny days.

The Open bar serves a selection of locally brewed beers, Mai Tai’s, and wine. But remember you can only start drinking after you have finished snorkeling. The Breakfast is muffins cake and fruit and the BBQ lunch is served during the sail between Molokini and Turtle Town.

Despite being a big cattle-style party boat it is a very good operation. One that does not really want for anything other than a bit more privacy.

5 – Calypso – Molokini

• Price – $109.95 Adult – Kids 7-12 $89.95 – Kids 6 and under FREE!*
• Location – Ma’alaea Habour
• Duration = 5 Hours
• Stops – Molokini and Turtle Town
• Meals – Break Fast And Lunch
• Open Bar – NO!
• Scuba – No
• Snuba – Yes

*1 free child per paying adult

If the Pride of Maui is a bit “too big” and a bit too Party Boat. Then the Calypso is not going to win you over. It is quite simply colossal. Well for a Snorkel cruise boat anyway. This Triple Decker monster really is the King of the fleet. and dwarf the other boats by a considerable margin.

The Calypso is a brand new boat and is very well equipped and has every amenity imaginable. They have a great crew and the food is excellent. The lack of alcohol puts us off somewhat but that’s not an issue for everyone.

For us, it is too big. Molokini is a tiny little island and the use of boats this big is pretty detrimental. It isn’t really the type of trip we would advocate, but this is just our personal tastes and for some, this is a good option. They certainly don’t struggle to fill the decks every day.

One serious advantage to the Size of this Cruiser is the Stability it provides. Being nearly a ferry the vessel eats waves for breakfast and plows through most ocean conditions unimpeded. If sea Sickness or fear of boats is an issue the Calypso really might be the only choice as the size really does help on all fronts as far as stability goes. Of course, if you hit it on a quiet day, there will actually be lots of space and privacy on the cavernous triple decks of this behemoth.

6 – Maui Magic

• Price – $110 Adult $80 Child
• Location – Ma’alaea Habour
• Duration = 5 Hours
• Stops – Molokini and Turtle Town
• Meals – Breakfast And Lunch
• Open Bar – Yes, Beer Wine and Mai Tai
• Amenities – Showers.
• Scuba – No
• Snuba – Yes – $59

This is the Sister Vessel to the Four Winds II. It’s Smaller and Faster so gets to the Islet Much Quicker and before most other trips. It then takes in a Turtle Town stop. But other than this expect a similar experience to the Four Winds II.

7 – Pacific Whale Foundation

• Price – $125 Adult $75 Child
• Location – Ma’alaea Habour
• Duration = 5 Hours
• Stops – Molokini and Turtle Town
• Meals – Breakfast And Lunch
• Open Bar – NO – One Alcoholic Beverage included
• Amenities – Showers, Sunscreen, Certified Marine Naturalists onboard
• Scuba – No
• Snuba – No

The Pacific Whale Foundation Cruise is a bit of a worry for us. The Foundation provides some really good Whale Watching Tours but we are still unsure about their expansion to all other kinds of cruise tours. Some locals question the “Non-Profit” Status and see the Foundation as operating as a charitable front for a large profit machine. We are not sure of the truth but the animosity unnerves us a little.

That said the Tours offer good modern boats and a really good experience on all their trips including the Molokini Trip. In whale season they will definitely go the extra mile to get some whale sightings. It’s a strange one as we are only criticizing the PWF for doing exactly what every other operator does and making a profit, it’s just they are a little more upfront about it.

Really if the Cruise suits you, We would not advise against it but there are just a few nagging doubts about the operation, And unfortunately this may just be fuelled by local jealousy or genuine concerns, we are not sure but for Molokini, we just head to the other operators that we are more sure of.

Adventure Tours

The above Cruise tours are all about a relaxing enjoyable cruise to the Islet while sipping cocktails and enjoying a good BBQ Lunch. There is another way of experiencing the island and that’s by Powered RIB.

A Rib is a Semi Inflatable boat with a Big Motor on the back. These are fast, Manoeuvrability and most of all FUN. Aboard one of these, you can cover SO much more ground and get to places just inaccessible any other way. They are not built for comfort and especially not when bouncing off the Trade Swells, but there are few things more fun.

There are a couple of different operators of these tours, mostly differentiated by the color of their boats.

Blue Water Rafting

• Price – $140 Adult – Kids (4-12) $115
• Location – Kihei Boat Ramp
• Duration = 5 1/2 Hours
• Stops -Kanaio Sea Caves, La Perouse Bay Molokini, Molokini Back Side, Makena (Turtles) 
• Meals – Breakfast and Lunch
• Open Bar – NO!
• Scuba – No
• Snuba – No

The Blue Water Rafting trip Starts off by Cruising down the Remote and untouched Kanaio Coast. There is no road and only a seldom-used hiking trail along this coastline It is Rugged, Wild, and awesome and you will have it to your selves (apart from a certain red boat)

You then head to La Perouse Bay where you will probably encounter dolphins and snorkel in waters that are pretty much an aquarium. Then it’s off to the Islet, here you will get the regular tourist experience as well as the outer Reef that not many people get to see and is even more dazzling than the inner reef.

Weather and Tide permitting you will get to snorkel the Back wall Too. This is where the sheer walls of the Volcano Plunge into the Abyss below. It is truly stunning and breathtakingly exhilarating. There is a slim chance of whale encounter here one of the very rare times you may see Whales in the water…but only if they Approach (see or Video in the Diving section to see how agonizingly close you can get, without them playing ball).

Next, you head back to the Mainland, where you take a relaxed lunch at your last Snorkel spot which will be a Turtle Hotspot.

It’s a really exciting and fun trip, that does get you to someplace you just wouldn’t with any other tour. But it is a bumpy rough ride not for the faint-hearted. There are warnings and suggestions on the Blue-water Rafting Website and we advise you to heed them

Blue Water Rafting does also offer an Express tour of Molokini for two hours at $57 which will just get you to the island and back in much less time but without any of the other stops.

Redline Rafting

• Price – $135 8 years and Up (7 and under are not allowed
• Location – Kihei Boat Ramp
• Duration = 5 Hours
• Stops – Molokini, Molokini Back Side, Lava Coast, La Perouse Bay, Turtle Town
• Meals – Break Fast And Lunch
• Open Bar – NO!
• Scuba – No
• Snuba – No

Redline Rafting is pretty much the same. The route and actual stops may differ slightly but you are getting pretty much the same experience. There is almost nothing to choose between the two outfits. So just pick by color if you want. We feature Blue First but we are actually Red people, but that’s down to Sporting Preferences not our opinion of these two tours.

Pacific Whale Foundation – Molokini Wild Side

• Price – $140 Adult – $80 Kids (7-12)
• Location – Ma’alaea Habour
• Duration = 6 Hours
• Stops – Molokini, Molokini Back Side, + Other Flexible Sites
• Meals – Break Fast And Lunch
• Open Bar – NO One Alcoholic Drink Included.
• Scuba – No
• Snuba – No

Note on Weather!

Hawaii has a very stable climate, at least considering its slap bang in the middle of the pacific ocean. But there can be conditions that can have a big impact on activities such as Snorkelling trips. Especially to Molokini.

The wind is the biggest issue, the Islands lie right in the middle of the trade winds and these are strong powerful air currents. However, they do not usually affect the Molokini Snorkel trips as the Mountains of the island provide Shelter. Unfortunately, sometimes they change direction and the shelter is no longer provided. BIG surf and large swells form and this would make the sail to Molokini, at best uncomfortable and worse downright dangerous. Most claim a 90% success rate.

If they can’t, and this is usually decided by the Coast Guard, the first option is to try another site. Large swells often first form in the middle of the channel so staying closer to the shore can avoid the worst of it. It can be frustrating that you don’t make it to the crater. But rest assured you would not enjoy yourself one bit if they did try and make it. We have been out in the channel in these conditions and it’s…erm…exciting?

If the conditions are worse, such as a storm rolling in or heavy rain, then the Cruise will likely be canceled. Again it can be disappointing but it costs the Company’s a lot of money and rest assured they don’t WANT to do this. Quite the opposite.

Afternoon Trips

Most of these tours are Morning Trips and pretty early starts at that. This can mean a 5.00 am alarm call. On HOLIDAY! Urghh. Breakfast is provided which helps, as does the Jet Lag. If you do this early in your trip 5/6 AM Does not feel so early…we Promise.

Some of the Operators offer Afternoon trips. But we don’t advise these. You have a much less than 50/50 chance of getting to the Island. If you do it will be bumpy and uncomfortable and it will be a short and less rewarding trip.

We say Go all in a set that alarm as things are just better at Molokini in the AM before the Winds build the swells. And if you just can’t stomach that do a Snorkel trip that doesn’t Go to Molokini and enjoy the amazing Maui Coast that way.

Snuba

Snuba is offered n a number of Tours to Molokini and is a great way to experience the world of Scuba Diving without doing any complex training. The Main Difference is you are attached to your air supply via a hose as opposed to a tank on your back. The limited depth and the fact you are attached to the surface make it really safe, easy, and fun. As experienced Scuba Divers, we do not have much experience of Snuba but most people who do tell us just how much fun it was.

Diving Tours

This post is mainly about Snorkel Trips but the best way to experience the Crater is by Scuba Diving so we had to mention it. If you want to dive into the Crater properly you should seek a dedicated Dive Shop.

• Best Maui Dive Operators

All offer trips to the Crater but only some offer the Back Wall Dive, which is one of the best dives in Maui.

Inside the Crater

The Basic dives are inside the crater. Life in the crater is abundant. The Dives steer away from the very inside edge where the dominant species is the snorkeller and instead focus on the sunken regions of the reef. Visibility is phenomenal and you are right on the edge of reef diving and the big blue.

Back Wall

The Back Wall is one of Maui’s best Dive sites. Here you tackle the Back Side of the Crater where the Sheer cliffs plunge over 100 meters+ into the Abyss. It is a stunning Dive with abundant life and plenty of big pelagics such as Manta Rays, Sharks, Whale Sharks, Whales, Jacks, Trevally, and Tuna. Along with more resident but exotic Animals such as octopuses, Giant Moray Eels, and Reef Sharks. This is one of the only Dive Sites where you can realistically, dive with HumpBacks. It’s rare and in no way guaranteed but possible.

Reefs End

Normally done as a second Dive with the Back Wall. This Dive Starts on the outside edge of the inner reef and heads out around the back wall. This is a great drift dive that starts with incredibly dense Coral Reefs teeming with fish and ends up back at the Back Wall. Expect Reef Sharks, Galapagos Sharks, and potentially any number of Big Pelagic Species.

Whale Watching

Whale Season is from November through to the end of March when a large population of humpback whales descends on Maui to winter in the warm clear water of the Maui Channel.

Witnessing these Whales is awesome. If you keep your eyes peeled you should be able to see them from the shore. But these will be nothing but dark shapes, blows, or the odd splash. Getting out onto the water is the only way to see them up close. There are a number of specific Whale Watching tours offering to take you out to see the Whales.

Best Maui Whale-Watching Tours

However, most of the Molokini Tours above also Combine Whale Watching with your Molokini Adventure. But should you take two trips or try and kill two birds with one stone?

This depends on which is most important to you. From our experience, the Molokini Cruises do not make much of an effort to find you Whales. There is NO Guarantee and this is made clear. You are going to Molokini to Snorkel, not to Whale Watch, So if Seeing the Humpback is a lifelong dream and higher on your list than a fantastic Snorkel Cruise We suggest Booking a Whale watching tour either as well or instead.

That said there is a reason they don’t make much effort. They really don’t need to. The trip out to the Islet from Ma’alaea Habour nearly always encounters Whales. The Route is prime Whale territory and they sail a zig-zagging route and liaise with other boats to try and snag a good whale sighting. It’s just not a priority.

It’s a tough call as you probably will see whales but we would hate for you to miss out if Whales are your number one priority. The Whale Watching tours will also give you a lot longer to observe Whales whereas the Snorkel Cruises will just slow down as they pass.

Remember Whether you are on a Snorkel Cruise or a dedicated Whale Watching Cruise the vessels are not allowed to get too close or approach the whales so close sightings are rare as they require the Whale to approach the boat.

The Adventure Cruises will make a far greater effort to show you Whales and can get a little closer than the bigger boats are allowed. But still a respectable distance out of respect for these incredible Giants.

Have Your Say

Have you been to Molokini? What did you think? Is it as wonderful as made out or were you more underwhelmed? What boat did you take? What life did you manage to spot? Let us know below as we love hearing about your trips. Or if you have any questions about any of the operators or the Islet in general just fire us a comment below.

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• Molokini Snorkel – YouTube

Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities in Maui. And with warm, calm clear water filled with fish, turtles, coral, dolphins, and whales found all over the island it is pretty easy to see why. We have Snorkeled all over the world and conditions and sea life are as good on Maui as anywhere else we have swum and far better than most, at least in areas that are remotely developed.

There are a huge number of Tour Companies all wanting to cash in on this activity by offering to take you out on a boat and let you snorkel under the safety and supervision of a lifeguard. But are these tours a good idea, when there are so many great opportunities for beach snorkeling? Our Best Maui Snorkeling Tours Guide lets you know exactly what tours are available where they go, what you may see, and what is included. So you can be sure you are booking the best tour suited to your needs.

Why Take a Snorkel Tour?

Our Favorite Activity in Maui is Snorkeling. It is a pretty rare day we are not heading out into the ocean from one beach or another. With such incredible snorkeling right off the beach, it can seem a bit unnecessary to pay to go snorkeling.

And indeed it can be. However, there are a few reasons why it’s a good idea to pay for a tour.

The first reason is simply you can get to places you just can’t reach without a boat. The obvious one is Molokini, but there are others such as the Aquarium on the Lava Coast and the Manta Point way out from Mile Marker 13 and of course the remote coasts of Lanai. While Molokini is Suicidal without a boat, the others are possible but definitely at a very advanced level.

Another reason is your comfort level. Snorkeling can be intimidating and risky if you are a weaker swimmer or not too confident in the water. A tour can get you straight to the places you need to be and assist you in the water and provide surface cover in case anything goes wrong. It is really reassuring knowing someone is looking out for you!

The tours also provide all the gear you need and if you don’t have your own and don’t want to hire then this is a hassle-free way to get snorkeling.

And Finally, there is always more to these tours than JUST Snorkeling. The Boat trip itself is always an enjoyable experience. It could be a Sailing boat and Power Boat or just a fun Party boat with an Open bar. Whatever the Experience it’s always nearly as fun if not more than the actual Snorkeling. We have no need to pay for Snorkeling trips anymore but still do and always have a great time.

Best Molokini Snorkel Tours

While Technically not on Maui, sitting just off the coast of Wailea is the Partially Sunken Islet of Molokini. This is a collapsed Volcanic Crater that now forms a partially eclipsed moon-shaped islet. The inside of the crater is still partially sheltered from the ocean swells and hosts a phenomenally Pristine Coral Reef.

Flushed daily by fresh Pacific Ocean water the Visibility here is breathtaking. Marine life is varied and abundant, Coral Growth is healthy and widespread. It really is a wonderful place to snorkel. Getting there is more of an issue, however, it’s quite a swim* Fortunately there are a whole host of Boat Charters that will take you out to the Crater, feed you, allow you plenty of time in the water and then provide drinks and dessert afterward.

These Trips are Hugely popular and with good reason. They are great fun and get you out to a truly unique location that, does have some of the best snorkeling in the world. A big boast, but it really is good out there. However there are a lot of operators out there and some are better than others, and some are just different. A good trip to Molokini is fantastic, a poor one a bit of a wasted tourist trap.

*That is a JOKE, it’s a 3-mile swim across Wild and Open Ocean, Do not even Consider it!

Almost all the Molokini Tours operate out of Maalaea Harbor

Best Maui Molokini Tour Operators:

Here is our list of Top Molokini Operators.

• 1 – Four Winds II
• 2 – Trilogy Sail
• 3 – Maui Sail
• 4 – Pride Of Maui
• 5 – Calypso
• 6 – Maui Magic
• 7 – Pacific Whale Foundation

This list is obviously very light on details, but that is because we have gone to GREAT lengths in detailing these trips in this Article. If you fancy Molokini check this Article out.

Best Maui Adventure Snorkel Tours

If you are looking for something a little more exciting, then these Adventure Tours may be for you. The boats used for these tours are Fast, Powerful RIBs that really do move along well. Being Fast and Maneuverable means they can cover much more ground and get you to places you just could manage in a bigger slower boat.

These are the only Tours that will take you to the remote Lava Coast and the back wall of Molokini and can offer some very unique sites on Lania.

These are pretty intense boat trips especially if the chop is up. Expect some serious bumping around and spending the day pretty wet. These are not trips for people expecting a relaxing cruise. While we love them, it’s important to know what to expect and be ready for some discomfort. That is the payoff for the fun!

All Adventure Tours depart from the Kihei Boat ramp in Kihei

See our In-Depth Review of Redline Rafting here

Redline Rafting

• 5-Hour Adventure Tour – $189
• 2-Molokini Adventure Tour – $129
• Whale Watching Tour – $85

Redline Rafting offers two excellent tour options and a Whale watching option in season. The 5 Hour tour is our favorite on Maui. Starting off, very early morning at a deserted Molokini snorkeling the inner and outer reefs. As the rest of the tour boats arrive, redline heads off to the Back Wall of Molokini for one of the most stunning snorkel spots in the world. 100ft deep along the sheer rock face and incredible visibility, a real adventure and utterly thrilling.

The tour then heads off to the remote Lava Coast. Here the sea caves, and remote uninhabited coastline, are truly stunning. You then head to La Parouse bay with your fingers crossed for dolphin sightings. The tour finishes up with a visit to Turtle Town where you get a great packed lunch and some quality time with the Turtles

The two-hour trip just heads to Molokini and is still a great tour but misses some great locations out.

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Blue Water Rafting

• Kanaio Coast & Molokini Snorkel Adventure – $144
• Kanaio Coast – $115
• Molokini Express – $57
• Molokini Whale Watch Express – $62
• Guaranteed Whale Watch – $41

Blue Water Rafting offers several tours but their best tour is the Kanaio and Molokini tour (see more here). This takes you to many of Maui’s best and most remote Snorkelling locations. Including the Back Wall of Molokini.

It’s a fantastic trip and one of the best half days you can spend in Maui. With all tours, you can expect some whale action in whale season (Nov-Apr) and Both Breakfast and lunch Are provided on the Kanaio Coast and Molokini tours.

Captain Steve’s Rafting Adventures

• Deluxe Dolphin Lanai Snorkel – $144.66
• Whale Watch – $44.99-$54.99

Captain Steve is known for two things. The fantastic adventure snorkel trips over to the remote and stunning reef of Lanai and one of the best ways to get close to whales.

Like all Whale Watching tours, they are still limited to the same minimum distances from the whales, and all the same restrictions, however, the smaller more maneuverable boat means they can get to more groups, kill the engines, and hope the whales approach them. If Whales want to come and say hello they can, we are not protected from them. And Captain Steve’s Boat is known for having more success in this regard than most.

The Raft is also Much closer to the water level so when the whales do approach you are much closer to the action. On a good day, when the whales play ball this trip is life-affirming. Even on a bad day, just getting out amongst the whales is unforgettable.

Captain Steve does not offer a “Whale Guarantee” like a lot of trips, but that is OK as you would never get to use it…YOU WILL SEE WHALES.

Pacific Whale Foundation – Molokini Wild Side

• Molokini Wild Side – $1197

A sort of cross between the adventure Tours and the Molokini Tours. This takes you to the more remote sites on Maui including the Back Wall of Molokini. The Vessel is a fast Cat with Row seating which is a bit odd and it’s nothing like the fast, small RIBS used by the other operators.

This is a long six-hour tour that really makes up the itinerary based on the Day’s ocean Conditions. But it’s sure to get you to the best, wildest, most remote spots in and around Maui.

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Best Turtle Town Snorkelling Tours Maui

Many Snorkel trips offer to take you to Turtle Town. People’s first question is always “where is Turtle Town?” The answer is, It is Made up. Essentially any tour offering to take you to Turtle Town could be taking you to any number of locations around the Maui Coast where Turtles can be found. They all tend to have their own spot, to avoid overcrowding and will be filled with Coral, Fish, and almost certainly have Turtles.

Most of these tours are done in the afternoon when the conditions for Molokini are not as favorable so are great choices for Late risers. They are usually a lot cheaper as well.

Four Winds II

• Price – Adult – $101 – Child – $85
• Duration – 3.5 Hours
• BBQ Lunch and Open Bar
• Snuba

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Trilogy Excursions – Olowalu Reef Turtle Snorkel Cruise

• Price – Adult – $157 – Child – $95
• Duration – 4 Hours
• BBQ Lunch and 2 Cocktails
• Excellent Reef to Explore

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Sea Maui

• Price – Adult – $133 – Child – $80
• Duration – 3 Hours
• BBQ Lunch and Open Bar
• Kaanapali Beach Boarding

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Pride Of Maui

• Price – Adult – $159 – Child – $119
• Duration – 3.5 Hours
• BBQ Lunch and Open Bar
• Snuba

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These three Tours are all quite similar. They are 3-3.5 Hours left with Included Drinks and a Good BBQ lunch. They Visit Either a Coral Garden or a Turtle Town of their choosing and will allow you ample time to hit the water and get some Turtle Action.

The Outlier and our preferred choice are Trilogy. It is more expensive but it’s aboard a real sailing Catamaran and they often drop the sails and blast along on the power of the wind. The limited numbers and higher quality lunch served on real plates easily makes up for the extra cash.

Pride of Maui, Sea Mai, and Four Winds II are so evenly matched there is nothing to choose between them. Whichever you go for you should have a great time.

Best Honolua Bay Tours Maui

Very Similar to Turtle Town Tours are the Honolua Bay Tours. These are usually done on a Sailing Catamaran and are peaceful relaxing tours that cruise up the coast and deposit you into the protected waters of Honolua. Filled with fish coral and Turtles the bay is one of the best spots on the island for snorkeling. Unfortunately, it is also susceptible to some pretty epic surf conditions and some poor water conditions in heavy rains. In this case, the tour operators will likely pick an alternate site, normally Olowalu (Mile Marker 13).

On its day though Honolua is a genuinely incredible site and one of Hawaii’s best Snorkel sites. Check it out in the below Video taken from the Air…It is simply stunning.

Trilogy Sail

• Discover Kaanapali – Adult $167 – Youth(13-17) $144 Child(3-12) $105

Fantastic and Relaxing tour to Honolua. Boarding is done from the Beach in Kaanapali before cruising up the coast to the Snorkel spot that is usually Honolua. This is a morning tour and you are served breakfast, BBQ Lunch, and then two Alcoholic drinks for your cruise back. You can upgrade to Snuba as well but at Honolua, with its very shallow reefs, this is not really needed.

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Sea Maui

• West Maui Snorkel Half-Day Adventure – $144

The Sail Maui, West Maui Snorkel, and Performance sail is another great option. Like all of Sail Maui’s tours, they put the emphasis on REAL sailing not just cruising about under engine power. Honolua Bay is their first choice but they will head elsewhere if the conditions are poor.

BBQ Lunch and an Open bar are available, but alcohol will only be served once you have finished snorkeling.

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Pacific Whale Foundation

• Discover Kaanapali – Adult $186 – Child(0-12) $133

The Pacific Whale Foundation tour operates from Lahaina Harbor aboard the Ocean Spirit. Including lunch Diner and two Alcoholic drinks. It takes in two Snorkel spots one of which will hopefully be Honolua Bay. You also have on board a trained Naturalist so any questions about the marine life of Maui will be easily answered. Other tours will do this but the quality of these answers can vary significantly!

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Best Lanai Snorkeling Tours From Maui

Just across the Channel lies the Island of Lanai – You Probably spend a lot of your time on Maui gazing out towards the Island. This island is barely populated with a mere 3000 residents in the city of Lanai. It is also highly un-developed and its coast is pristine and largely untouched. Unsurprisingly this makes for some incredible Snorkeling.

The Crossing can be a bit wild but it’s a fantastic journey and often encounters Whales, Dolphins, and flying fish. Once across the Tours will take you to a host of incredible sites that are teeming with life. These Sites were once one of the biggest sources of Marine Fish for the Home Aquarium Market and as such Snorkeling here is akin to being in an aquarium. Often Featured in the Worlds top 10 Snorkel sites, its resident pod of Spinner dolphins will make anyone’s trip.

A confession here though. We don’t often take Snorkel trips to Lanai. If we are to cross the channel we do it aboard a Dive Boat. But the below video should give you a good idea of how rich the Sea Life is!

Second Video Shot on Lanai – YouTube

Sail Maui – Lanai Snorkel Beach Picnic and Performance Sail

• Price – Adult – $72 – Child – $90
• Duration – 5 Hours
• Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Open Bar
• Only 40 Passengers per Trip

One of the best Trips on Maui. The Sail Maui Lanai Picnic Snorkel trip takes you across to Lanai for an epic Snorkel spot before allowing time on the island to enjoy a beach picnic and/or hike to Sweetheart rock. You can also snorkel the reef just off the beach as well.

The trip is fully catered and the sail back to Maui gives you plenty of time to enjoy the drinks on offer. The low numbers are one of the main reasons we love this trip but it comes at a high price. But it’s one you will not forget.

Currently, this is just limited to a sail to the Island and no landing is made.

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Trilogy – Lanai Deluxe Snorkel Sail

• Price – Adult – $218 – Child – $128
• Duration – 7 Hours
• Breakfast, BBQ Lunch, and 2 Drink Included
• Limited Numbers

We really love Trilogy and their sail over to Lanai on one of their sailing cats is a real highlight of any Maui Trip. As you cruise along the waves expect Dolphins, Flying fish and of course whales in season. The food is excellent and while we are disappointed in the 2-drink limit, you will only be drinking on the ail back as you can’t have alcohol before snorkeling.

This is one of our favorite trips on Maui.

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Or consider the Lanai Landing trip with Trilogy. This is the same as the Sail Maui trip above and offers time on Lanai to explore or just enjoy the beach.

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Quicksilver – Lanai

Not currently running since the Lahaina Fires

• Price – Adult – $154 – Child – $123
• Duration – 5.5 Hours
• Breakfast, Lunch, and Cash Bar ($3 Drinks)

This Tour is run by Calypso but it is not on the monster boat, instead, it is on the older Quicksilver Catamaran. This is probably a good thing as the calypso is a real beast of a boat and has no business flooding the quiet coasts of Lanai with tourists.

This is a basic tour but it gets you to a TOP Lanai Snorkel Site and provides all the amenities you could wish for at a pretty competitive price.

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Pacific Whale Foundation

• Price – Adult – $154 – Child – $111
• Duration – 5 Hours
• Breakfast, Lunch, and 1 Alcoholic Drink
• Certified Marine Naturalists onboard

This is one trip that regularly receives great reviews. We are not really PWF’s biggest fans but their Lanai trip stands out as one of their better offerings. It trip takes you across the Channel to one of Lanai’s top snorkel spots before lunch and a cruise back with drinks. Only drink one is included (boo) but you can purchase more.

In Whale Season you are almost certain to see Whales. Dolphins are year-round regulars. The attendance of a Marine Naturalist onboard is great and they will be able to answer any of your questions about this wonderful marine paradise.

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Best Maui Submarine Tours

If you want to Go Snorkelling but don’t want to get wet then this could be the answer! There are two options available and they both get you a glimpse of the undersea world without getting wet.

Atlantis

Not currently running since the Lahaina Fires

Price – Adult: $143 – Child: $62

This is a real Submarine that dives down to over 100ft to get a real glimpse of Maui’s undersea world. The Trip starts with a boat ride out to the Sub where you board before plunging to the depths. You will explore Reefs and the Sea Floor before stopping by the Wreck of the Carthaginian where you will see schools of fish, Reef Sharks and possibly even a group of Scuba Divers!

It’s a very unique experience and well worth it. We tend to prefer to actually get wet but this is a suitable alternative to getting to see the undersea world.

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Reef Dancer

Price – Adult: $143 – Child: $62

While the Appearance of the Reef Dancer is a very Yellow Submarine the actual experience is not quite so under the sea. The Vessel is not actually a Sub at all but a Deep hulled Glass Bottom Boat. The experience is somewhat less unique than the Atlantic and you should not expect too much but if Snorkelling and Submarines are a little too much then this glimpse of the sub-nautical realm may be your only option.

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Have Your Say

Whew!, that’s a lot of trips and a lot of information. We are sure you will still have a ton of questions if so feel free to Fire away in the comments section below. Also if you have any other thoughts or comments please share them with us below. We love hearing about anything Maui Related. Maybe you went on a particular trio and loved it? Maybe you had a particularly poor trip? Whatever it is, just Fire Away Below.

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