Maui: Molokini Crater And Turtle Town Snorkeling From Kihei

My husband and I were on a boat with Captain Matt & Lucia. They provided excellent service and safety. We went to Molokini Crater and snorkeled for a bit but the waves were pretty crazy and for safety we left early to go to Turtle Town were we spent more time there. We saw many sea turtles (Honu) and had an overall amazing experience. Then on the way back we enjoyed some good sandwiches, chips and soft drinks. Highly recommend!

Great time. Saw dolphins, turtles and lots of colorful fish. Capt Jack and his crew were accommodating, professional and friendly.

This was a great snorkeling experience! The crew was friendly, equipment was newer, and the wildlife was abundant around Molokini. Turtle cove was a bit more sparse but we did see turtles.

Romina and Alex were awesome tour operators! We felt completely safe the entire journey. Alex took us to the turtle spot first so we could enjoy the molokini crater by ourselves--genius! They had all the equipment we could possibly need and they had yummy sandos and chips for us at the end. The waters did end up getting choppy towards the end of our tour but the two of them navigated it gracefully and brought us right back to shore. We saw so many cool fish, the experience was surreal and the water so unbelievably clear. Would totally recommend this experience.

Great experience, would recommend for couples or families seeking a fun and enjoyable snorkelling experience.

We really enjoyed this adventure with a fun and experienced crew. We preferred this smaller group experience over a crowded boat.

This company MaKena Cosstal Charter is hands down the best to experience snorkeling in Maui. All was GREAT. Capt Matt and Lucia were off the charts great. A generous lunch was included and the spots we were taken to to were an unbelievable experience.

Super fun and well organized tour, would highly recommend - lots of delicious snacks and drinks provided as well

We thought the snorkeling was well organized. However, we expected to see significantly more coral and a wider variety of species, though that can certainly vary from time to time. Instead, we were lucky enough to see a large number of dolphins.

We had a great morning with mat and Lucia , snorkelling was superb. Certainly a highlight for us.

Highly recommend snorkeling adventures to Molokini Crater and Turtle Town in Maui. Captain Matt’s expertise in piloting the boat along with his humor kept us entertained and engaged. 1st Lieutenant Lucia showed skill and elegance handling the chores of “dock off,” mooring & docking, along with making sure all guests were ready to jump in the water. We plan on using Makena Coast Charters again. Mahalo

Great experience! Worth the money and the overall time of the trip 3 hours was perfect. Our tour guide was fun and engaging the entire time. Easy trip out to the crater and turtle town. Would recommend

Nice place to snorkel. Great crew, boat. Safe, professionally run. Easy trip for 3 hours. Friendly crew.

Excellent experience! I've never snorkeled before, but Lucia and Matt made sure I knew what to expect, AND they had prescription goggles for people blind like me! That was so appreciated! We got the bonus with the dolphins 🐬 showing off for us too as we left the turtles!

The experience is awesome. Romina and the captain are super friendly and thoughtful. Also took us to the hidden spot that no one knows about. Definitely recommend.

Captain Matt and crew were very welcoming and friendly. We had a great time!

This was a fantastic experience, definitely worth the money for me as I had never done this before. I did the 7 AM departure from the Kīhei boat launch. That departure time I believe is best since the earlier in the morning the calmer the waters. Our boat was at capacity but not overly crowded and quite comfortable. We saw many colorful fish and aquatic plant life at molokini and at turtle town we saw several turtles swimming. The captain was great and I felt safe. The snorkel guides Lucia & Romina were very welcoming and friendly especially for a solo guest like me. They are certified lifeguards as well. They offered life vests and styrofoam pool noodles to make things more comfortable especially for swimmers who are not super confident. It was not physically strenuous but the hardest part was having some upper body strength to pull yourself up into the boat on a ladder from the water however the guides are there to support if needed. Snacks, cold juice/water and turkey sandwhiches were provided. I will definitely book with them again upon return to Kīhei.

I had the pleasure of booking a snorkeling tour with Makena Coast Charters. Our trip was bestowed upon the Makena Mele 2 with Captain Ryan. We were blown away with the hospitality and customer service we received throughout the entirety of our trip. When we arrived at our pickup spot there was a family running a little late and the captain and crew were generous enough to wait. While no one wants to be late it would be heartbreaking for the boat to leave without you. Our captain and crew took us to Turtle Town first where we discovered so many turtles. So beautiful in their natural habitat. My sister was afraid to go in the water, but First Mate/Mermaid Michelle got in with her and stayed right with her until she felt comfortable. This is hands down the absolute best customer service I have seen. They were very personal with everyone. After our first dive we were catered with a variety of Hawaiian Sun canned juice, chips and granola bars. We then headed to Molokini and were amazed by all the beautiful fish. So many of them, I was in awe. After this final dive we were given delicious turkey sandwiches and more juice and chips. We had a beautiful trip back to shore. If you want a more intimate excursion with an excellent friendly crew be sure and get ahold of Makena Charters. We will definitely be using them again.

The captain made it fun and entertaining and he cared for our safety. definitely recommend

Captain Alex and Michelle were great! They were so nice and accommodating . Loved the boat ride and snorkeling locations. Highly recommend!

Had a great time . Crew was professional and made for an entertaining day

Absolutely incredible experience! Captain Matt and First Mate Trevor were amazing and took such great care of us from start to finish. Molokini Crater and Turtle Town were beautiful, the snorkeling was awesome, and the food was perfect. We had the best time and highly recommend Makena Charters!

If you only do one thing in Maui, make this it! This was the best snorkeling experience that we have ever taken. The crew was phenomenal and the experience was breathtaking.

Had a great time at both molokini crater and turtle town. Crew was great ( Captain Matt or Mike and Lucia) wish I was better with names. We couldn’t believe the views under the water. We might go again before we leave.

Capt Matt and Lucia were great. Saw multiple turtles at turtle town. We have snorkeled Molokini before. Still great trip.

Couldn’t snorkel at Molokini crater because the sea were too rough. But we did get to swim with sea turtles at turtle town.

Our boat captain and the asst were very kind and did a great job! We were able to see dolphins, a flying fish and snorkel the crater when it wasn’t a busy. Our whole family really enjoyed this excursion!

This was a great and easy excursion to do! Our guide,James, was extremely knowledgeable about the different fish, sea creatures and he led us right to where turtles swim . We did our snorkeling at 7:30am and it was the perfect way to start the day. James also took amazing underwater pictures and videos that he shared with us.

Great trip, well organized and executed. The scheduled turtle town portion of the trip had rough water and poor visibility, so went back to Molokini again! Saw a baby shark and two big morays, and tons of colorful reef fish.

Really enjoyed this excursion. Captain Matt and his first mate Lucia were amazing. First stop at molokini was great (20 minute boat ride). We were one of the first boats there so it wasn't super crowded. Lots of coral and fish. The only complaint is have about this whole thing is that you have to stay in a fairly small area (it's a safety thing with lots of other boats and snorkelers). We stayed for 45 minutes which was enough given the smaller area you are asked to stay in. Then it was 10 minutes to Turtle town. We saw about a dozen turtles and some more colorful coral. We were given 45 minutes here as well before about a 15 minute ride back. Snacks and drinks were provided along with a very tasty turkey sandwich. MOST IMPORTANTLY: This is not an excursion where guides hover over you. They give guidelines of where to stay and then you have free reign which is much appreciated! Although they did offer more help for anyone who wanted it. 10/10 recommend and would do it again

Kyle and Alex were great! Highly recommend a snorkeling tour with them!

We had an amazing experience on our Molokini Crater snorkel trip! Our lead guide (Matt) and his crew were knowledgeable, professional, and made the day so much fun. They made everyone feel safe and comfortable in the water while sharing interesting information along the way. The crew provided plenty of snacks and drinks throughout the trip and made sure everyone was well taken care of from start to finish. Their attention to safety, friendliness, and enthusiasm really made the experience memorable. If you’re looking for a fun, organized, and stress-free snorkeling adventure in Maui, I highly recommend this tour. It was one of the highlights of our trip!

Captain Matt and Lucia were amazing. Very helpful and accommodating. The snorkeling was the best I’ve ever done - visibility was incredible. I can’t imagine a better way to spend a morning.

We had the best time on this charter! The staff was incredible to work with to get it booked. But the trip itself was definitely worth it! We saw lots of turtles and amazing fish!! It was incredible and would definitely do it again!! This snorkel charter did not disappoint and actually exceeded our expectations!

Great experience with Captain Matt. Very fun, informative and safe. Saw beautiful tropical fish, coral and several turtles.

The snorkeling tour is second to none. Lucia & Matt were the most helpful and knowledgeable tour guides and hosts out there.

The early morning trip is the best time to go. The crew were friendly, knowledgeable and gave a great tour.

Alex and Lucia were amazing! They were really friendly and helpful throughout the entire tour. I usually get motion sickness on boats but this style boat was perfect for me and I didn’t feel anything. Alex was still prepared and had ginger candies to help just in case! Also, the music during the tour was on point! Would definitely recommend this company again!

Excellent 3 hour trip this morning with Matt and Kyle. About 25 mins to Molokini. Spent 45 mins there. Snorkeling is amazing. Then a 10 min ride to turtle town, which was a highlight! We saw 10-12 turtles about the size of a dishwasher! Matt did a quick tour of the local beaches. Back by 10am. Perfect amount of time for a snorkeling tour! Highly recommend these guys!

Outstanding experience, terrific host, Matt, pleasant, informative, and patient.

Amazing! The best 3 hours I’ve spent in the water in years.. Captain and his Mermaid were the best at both safety and adventure. Reversed trip and herd of dolphins were the crown jewel as they were “showing off”.. Thanks, we’ll book again..

This was the perfect excursion for our family of 5. Our guides, Matt & Lucia, took great care of our group to make sure that we maximized our visit to the Molokini Crater and Turtle Town. The 3 hour tour worked really well for our vacation and is well worth the cost Happy we did our research prior to booking to pick this trip…best part of Maui so far. Highly recommended to anyone looking for snorkel fun!

Best snorkeling experience! Captain Matt and Lucia were awesome. Very informative and helpful. We learned a lot about the area and of course saw some amazing fish, turtles, and dolphins!! The equipment was easy to use and the snacks/lunch were great. We couldn't have asked for a better experience, and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Great Captain Alex and his first mate Michelle. Knew everything about the local area and places to see. They did a fabulous job!!! Was a great trip

Kyle and Alex were awesome! They put safety first but were also laid back in a fun and casual way. Snacks, drinks, and sandwiches were provided along with wet suits and lots of floatY optionsSmaller boat was a huge plus for maneuvering into smaller places and not having to wait on a lot of people to get on and off the boat. We got to make 3 stops and saw multiple sea turtles, sharks and a beautiful side of the Molikini crater where we were the only boat. Thanks for an amazing morning!

This was such an amazing experience. My 12-year-old and I saw so much marine life, experienced water that was so clear and we got to swim with the turtles. Matt and Lucia were great guides and took good care of us. Highly recommend this to anyone, adult or kid.

It was great. The water was so beautiful. Snorkeling fun and Alex and Michelle were terrific hosts. Highly recommend

Lucia and Alex were awesome. Three different areas. Spent alot time out there. Saw so many things.

Great experience! Helpful and friendly staff! Recommend for the first time snorkeling people like us, no worries, they have very good guidance and professional equipment.