Makai Adventures

Makai Adventures – Explore the Ocean Wonders Alongside Knowledgeable Naturalists
Local Expert's Rating:
5.0 / 5
The Bottom Line:

For a chance to see all the ocean wonders up close, let Makai Adventures lead the way to greatness. Built for small groups, their sailing, snorkeling, and bottom fishing tours let you explore the waters all around Lahaina and beyond alongside knowledgeable naturalists. They even have whale watching excursions available from December through April.

- The HawaiianIslands.com Local Expert Team

At Makai Adventures, they offer truly memorable ocean day trips built to delight all ages. Snorkeling, bottom fishing, and sailing are always on the itinerary, letting you decide how you want to explore the waters of West Maui. They even put whale watching tours on the schedule, starting in December and running through April.

No matter what tour you sign up for, you can count on it being an intimate affair. They keep their groups small, often only taking up to 20 people out at a time. In addition to their guests, the boat carries the captain, of course, plus his crew and at least one naturalist. The naturalists engage with the guests most, offering key insights and pointing out wonderful sights all through the trip.

For their snorkeling, bottom fishing, and whale watching trips, you’ll ride on the Kainalu, a relatively small vessel with the spirit of a big boat. The deep “V” design cuts through the waves like butter, so you never feel jostled around during the journey. When going on sailing adventures, you’ll hop on their 45-foot Beneteau Oceanis, the Kainani, instead.

Since they only take small groups out, you’ll need to sign up for a spot as early as possible. You can either book online or by phone – just be ready to choose your ideal tour time and date. Then, just show up on your selected date wearing comfortable swimwear and sun-protective clothing. Also, bring a towel, sunglasses, and your camera in a waterproof case. They’ll provide the refreshments, reef-safe sunscreen, and all the other gear you need.

Their top adventures include:

Snorkeling
If you’ve always wanted to see dolphins and other marine life up close, sign up for the snorkeling tour. You’ll spend six hours exploring all the best dive spots around the island of Lanai, including beautiful coral reefs. The crew will provide top-of-the-line Cressi snorkeling gear, plus food and drinks to keep you fueled up for fun. By the end of the day, you’re likely to have encountered spinner dolphins, sea turtles, tropical fish, eels, and so much more.

Bottom Fishing
On their bottom fishing tours, you can try your luck in reeling in monstrous fish, all while enjoying picturesque views of Maui. Depending on the day, you might end up with big fish stories about catching peacock razorfish, grey snapper, or barracuda. Or you could even nab yourself giant trevally or grouper weighing up to 100 pounds. No matter what you get, they’ll clean your catch for you, making it easier to grill up once you get to shore.

Sailing
The sailing tours let you kick back and relax while riding the waves through paradise. You can chill on the bow to see all the sights as they come into focus or even try your hand at trying to sail the boat. Either way, you’re sure to have a delightful time cruising through the beautiful blue seas.

Whale Watching
From December 1st through April 15th, you can join a small group of 20 or fewer for a Whale Watching tour to remember. The captain will take you out to all the best viewing spots, while the naturalist shares fun facts. You’ll get to see whales swimming alongside the boat, slapping their fins on the surface, and even leaping into the air. The onboard hydrophone will even let you hear them singing their beautiful songs as you glide through the water.

You’re welcome to BYOB to enjoy after snorkeling or otherwise dipping in the water. They just ask that you keep it sealed up until all the in-water activities end. Then, go ahead and sip away while enjoying the phenomenal views all around.

Insider Tips:
-Want a discount on your tour? Sign up for the 6:45 am time slot for their early bird special pricing.
-If you need to cancel, give them at least 48 hours’ notice. Otherwise, you’ll forfeit your full refund.