We had such a lovely time on the boat with the crew! There was a small hiccup at the beginning but the crew was amazing and helped to make it up to us - and even got us close to back on schedule. The water was some of clearest water I have ever seen! Incredible snorkeling. The entire crew really takes care of you. I'm not used to being waited on, but they came around and cleaned up our dishes, brought us beverages, and started up conversations with everyone. I would absolutely do another one of their tours in the future!
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Two snorkel stops: Molokini Crater plus a second Hawaiian Sea Turtle site
- Professional photographer onboard & in-water capturing every moment
- Bow hammocks, shaded cabin, freshwater showers & two full-size restrooms
- True open ocean sailing aboard one of Hawaii's widest catamarans
- Chef-prepared breakfast, passed snacks and full island-style buffet lunch
- Maui's only zero proof program at sea with non-alcoholic wine & beer
- Full open bar featuring Maui Brewing Co. favorites and Hawaiian mimosas
- Premium snorkel gear, flotation, snorkel instruction & reef-safe essentials
Excludes
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick-up and drop off
- Towels - to help conserve Maui's fresh water, please bring a towel from your hotel or home
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Check in location is Slip #56 at Ma'alaea Harbor on the Oceanside Pier. Look for signs with "Ali'i Nui Sailing Charters". Please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to departure for parking, check-in and boarding process. Parking is available for approximately $1/hour, using posted QR codes.
Return
- Check in location is Slip #56 at Ma'alaea Harbor on the Oceanside Pier. Look for signs with "Ali'i Nui Sailing Charters". Please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to departure for parking, check-in and boarding process. Parking is available for approximately $1/hour, using posted QR codes.
Itinerary
A morning sail aboard a custom built 65’ luxury catamaran, in the water at Molokini before the crowds arrive. Chef-prepared breakfast on the way out, full island lunch buffet on the ride home. A second snorkel stop to see Hawaiian green sea turtles in summer, and whale watching in the winter. Open bar and open ocean sailing to end the perfect day at Maui’s most famous destination.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
We had an inedible time. The team was so nice and caring. It was a perfect day. The only feedback would be to give better instructions where to park. Pier closest to the ocean really doesn’t make sense until after you get to the area.
Great trip! There is plenty of space on the boat. The food and drinks were great. And all of the snorkel gear was provided including sunblock.
5 star experience! Staff was very personable! Attention to detail was amazing! I loved watching the crew doing figure 8's around the vessel ....they were always doing something and helping someone. Food was delicious! I enjoyed the housemate ginger ale! The pineapple was a nice pass around treat! Cleaning my sunglasses at the end of our excursion was again 5 star service! Highly recommend Alii Nui
The crew on the Ali’i Nui was fantastic. They were informative, personable, and kind. They didn’t hesitate to help when needed. Instructions were clear and we spent an adequate amount of time in the water seeing plenty of fish and turtles! Service for drinks was quick, and the food was plentiful. I had a great experience!
We LOVED our day on Ali’i Nui catamaran. The snorkel trip to Molokini Crater was fabulous. Could see for 100ft clear water. All of staff were super friendly and helpful. Loved having a female captain. Jordan was awesome as was all of her crew. Food and drinks were great. We will definitely book with them again when we are in Maui.
This is our second time on this particular excursion, and the crew and the boat are fantastic. The initial stop was too murky to be able to really snorkel, so we sailed straight over to Molokini and got some extra time in the water. If you're thinking about doing a snorkeling trip on Maui, I can't recommend this more.
Amazing experience, from the food and open bar, to the clear blue water snorkelling. The equipment provided was very good, sealed very well against your face so you can relax and see all the marine life. The boat itself was very comfy and smooth. The buffet breakfast and lunch were very tasty. The photographer did an amazing job at taking beautiful photos. The crew were all super friendly and fun. Totally worth it and would do it again.
Our day aboard the Alii Nui was, without question, one of the highlights of our trip to Maui. From the moment we arrived, the entire experience was first-class. We were warmly welcomed, the check-in process was seamless, and the crew made us feel like valued guests from start to finish. A special thank you to Captain Tim, who did an outstanding job explaining the day’s itinerary, safety procedures, and the activities ahead. His professionalism, knowledge, and friendly personality set the tone for an incredible day on the water. The crew truly made this experience exceptional. Cat, Pedro, Trent, Timmons, Dustin, Alfie, and photographer Chloe were attentive, engaging, and always one step ahead of every guest’s needs. Whether it was helping with snorkeling gear, serving drinks, answering questions, or simply making everyone feel comfortable, their hospitality was second to none. The food exceeded all expectations. The freshly prepared breakfast and delicious lunch were outstanding, and the selection of drinks throughout the trip was excellent. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, allowing us to simply relax and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Maui. Even cleaned our glasses 🙂. The views from the yacht were spectacular, with crystal-clear water, stunning mountain backdrops, and an incredibly relaxing atmosphere. Every moment felt special, and Chloe captured beautiful memories that we’ll cherish for years to come. If you’re looking for a luxury sailing and snorkeling experience in Maui, Alii Nui is absolutely worth it. The exceptional crew, outstanding service, delicious food, beautiful yacht, and unforgettable scenery made this one of the best excursions we’ve ever taken. Mahalo to the entire Alii Nui team for creating memories that will last a lifetime. We can’t wait to sail with you again! 🌺⛵️🐢
We were in Maui with family and decided to do a snorkeling excursion. It was the best day of our entire trip. The crew was amazing, the service level was top notch and our snorkeling experience was excellent. Highly recommend!
All the reviewers said this was the best snorkel cruise. So we chose this one. We had a wonderful time! Breakfast and lunch, fantastic crew and beautiful boat. I live on the Big Island. This was the best snorkel cruise I have ever been on.
We toured on funday Sunday with Captain Luke and his fabulous crew including Justin, David, Kat, Anika and Nick. The breakfast was of excellent quality and plentiful. Our reef snorkel at Molokini crater was beautiful and Captain Luke gave us plenty of time to explore the reef. We picked up anchor and headed to turtle point. I had the greatest nose to nose encounter with a magnificent sea turtle - the turtle and I were just floating with the current staring each other - one of the nightlights of my entire Hawaii experience. Lunch was even better than breakfast. The catamaran was clean and had plenty of room for all in attendance. There was reef safe sunscreen to protect us and the water. The crew was so attentive, welcoming and helpful. The entire experience far exceeded any expectations we had. I have to really give shout outs to Nick and Kat in particular for their Aloha spirit (as we were heading to port, Kat ran the entire boat cleaning everyone’s sunglasses). Cynthia the photographer did a great job as well capturing the day. If you’re contemplating a Molokini reef excursion, the Ali’i Nui should be your choice.
We took a 5 hour private charter with Alex and Travis. This was by far the family favorite activity on our 10 day vacation... Both Alex and Travis were top notch captains/crew. I cannot express how magical this 5 hours was! From our snorkel time, to all the extra special wildlife we saw (Hawaiian monk seal, spinner dolphins, turtles and reef life) it was amazing. The boat was super clean and had plenty of room for our family. We will 100% book this again!
We just completed the 1/2 day snorkeling cruise, and this was by far the best chartered boating experience that we’ve ever had. We first snorkeled to see sea turtles (we saw 2!) and then headed to Molokini crater where we saw hundreds of fish. We were lucky to be there on a calm day, so we were able to snorkel at the “drop-off” of Finding Nemo fame where the reef drops a couple hundred feet. Wow. Amazing coral, so many fish. Water was cobalt blue. Back on deck, food was delicious (full breakfast, lunch, and a snack) and drinks flowed. Captain Spencer, McKenzie, and crew were fabulous- friendly, informative, and helpful. They clearly love what they do, and it shows. It was an incredible experience!
Amazing experience! From start to finish, Captain Spencer and his crew delivered top tier service. Our family made memories we will cherish forever. I can’t recommend enough! Mahalo!!
Overall 10 out of 10 experience! I was so blown away mostly by the friendly service of every single person on this boat. Captain Josh, Mickaela (sp?) and everyone else - very eager to assist and put you at ease - it was a dream experience. We also thought the food was way beyond our expectations, really good and just a beautiful day we will never forget.
Everything with the activity was good. Beware of the parking in the lot, they should remind tourists about having enough time on the parking meters.
I challenge you to find a better crew on Maui. Captain Josh and his team (with photographer Chloe) were so much fun. They worked so hard for all of us and we had the best time. The whole experience was premier - from nice gear, to many floatation options, to the amazing dive site, to the great food, passed cookies and pineapple to the nice cool towel at the end. We loved every minute. They even cleaned our sunglasses! We saw dolphins and at the end they put up the sail and we got the joy of sailing too. From start to finish I wouldn’t change a thing. Best crew on Maui. Hands down.
We went on the Alii Nui Molokini Snorkel tour and it was amazing. We knew we were going to have a great day when we started to sail to Molokini and Bree, the captain, spotted a whale in the water ahead of us and called it out. So cool! The boat is amazing and the crew incredible. They make you feel so welcome - you really get the sense of the "aloha spirit" with them. When you get to Molokini to snorkel you feel completely safe and cared for. Highly recommend for people of all ages and snorkeling abilities. We're going to go back and try one of the evening cruises - sushi at sunset anyone?
This snorkeling/cruising/lunch tour was GREAT!! First we went snorkrling to Molokini, a partial old volcano crater. TONS of different fish. Then had lunch as we cruised to south of Kanniapali beachs where we snorkeled with sea turtles and watched other fish clean their shells. Capt. Ryan and the crew were GREAT! TOTALLY friendly and professional! It was the BEST time!!! ♥️🤙
We took the half day snorkeling cruise and had a blast. The crew was great and very helpful with our snorkeling. They made sure everyone had a good time. The lunch and snacks were delicious. Snorkeling was amazing. Saw lots of sea turtles.
We booked the “Molokini Deluxe Snorkel & Sail” with the Premium Top Deck Seating, and it was absolutely incredible from start to finish. We were initially on the fence about paying extra for the upgrade, but I’m so glad we did. The Premium Top Deck perks definitely made the day feel extra special — upgraded champagne, more personalized and attentive service, priority boarding, first access to snorkeling before the lower deck guests, and priority access to breakfast and lunch. Being on the top deck also gave us amazing panoramic views throughout the trip, which made the experience even more memorable. That said, what truly made this excursion stand out was the overall quality of the experience and the incredible crew. The boat was beautiful, the snorkeling was amazing, the food and drinks were great, and the entire atmosphere was fun, relaxing, and well organized from beginning to end. Captain Ryan and Corey were especially awesome — friendly, energetic, and genuinely passionate about what they do. You can tell this crew loves creating a great experience for their guests and it absolutely shows. Even without the Premium Top Deck upgrade, I honestly think this would have been an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend this tour company to anyone visiting Maui!
Had the most incredible time with this crew! The service was unreal & snorkeling the crater was truly a dream. Kat and Pedro were awesome as well as the rest of the crew and I can’t imagine sailing with anybody else! Food was delish as well as the drinks + they came around and cleaned your sunglasses and offered cooling towels.
Excellent experience and exceptional hospitality
This experience is worth every, single penny. Captain Bre was not only a bad a** but she was full of local knowledge (born and raised in a Maui.) She spotted a momma and baby whale calf and turned us around so we could watch them both breech. Capt. Bre clearly loves what she does and the ocean. Emiko greeted us and kept us fed, drinks full and catered to every need we had (or didn’t know we had). What a truly genuine and kind soul. Cory also took great care of us. He made sure we had everything we needed as well. He has the gift of gab and truly engaged with the guests. The snorkeling experience itself was incredible. No rush. No worry. Totally safe. We never felt like we were on a schedule. The water was clear. The turtles and fish and coral put on a mesmerizing show. The food was delicious. The drinks never ran out. The staff was all professional, safety oriented and top notch. And super friendly. Book this tour! It’s worth every penny.
Amazing experience! Loved every minute- staff was attentive, checked in on us, and did everything to make our experience 10 out of 10. We were lucky to see whales as a bonus! Thank you to Josh, Cat, Lila and the rest of the crew for making our trip to Maui so memorable.
The crew on this boat are top notch. They have this trip down - very professional. We didn’t see a ton of fish, but it’s still worth going. The buffet breakfast and lunch were good. The only heads up - our boat had 54 people on board, which made it feel crowded at times.
Don't even think twice, just book it! Amazing experience. Great staff and friendly interactions, amazing views.
Our family recently enjoyed an unforgettable snorkeling trip aboard the Alii Nui Maui and I can't recommend it highly enough! From the moment we boarded, the crew made us feel welcome and excited for the adventure ahead. **Highlights of Our Experience:** - **Stunning Views:** The catamaran itself is beautifully maintained, providing plenty of space for everyone to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery of Maui's coastline. - **Knowledgeable Crew:** The crew was not only friendly but incredibly knowledgeable about the marine life and the surrounding area. They shared fascinating insights about the coral reefs and the various fish we encountered. - **Snorkeling Spots:** We visited some amazing snorkeling locations, teeming with colorful fish and vibrant coral. The water was crystal clear, making it easy for us to spot sea turtles and even a few rays! - **Family-Friendly:** The trip was perfectly tailored for families, with equipment provided for all ages. - **Delicious Breakfast and Lunch:** The breakfast and lunch served on board was delicious and plentiful. - **Fun and Relaxation:** The atmosphere was relaxed and enjoyable, with plenty of time to snorkel and sunbathe. Overall, this snorkeling trip with Alii Nui Maui was a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making it a highlight of our family vacation. We left with wonderful memories and a new appreciation for the beautiful underwater world. If you're considering a snorkeling trip in Maui, this is definitely the way to go!
The staff was exceptional, helpful and attentive throughout the trip. Extra assistance was provided for those who needed it. Guides were stationed on boards at various places in the water to help while snorkeling. We had high north winds and could not get to the crater, unfortunately; however our captain chose two other spots that provided great snorkeling experiences. We saw all kinds of ocean life including many sea turtles. The trip included breakfast and lunch. By far the best meals ever provided on this type of an excursion. The beverages, including open bar, were top notch. Towels, sunscreen, all the gear was fabulous, clean and well maintained. It felt "luxurious"!
Days before snorkel excursion weather was known to be too windy to go to the destination. We should have canceled but felt confident that we would be contacted if plans were to be changed, Cruise should have been canceled and guests refunded. Instead, we were cruising around trying to find something to do. Two very windy/choppy snorkeling spots. Staff was kind except for one who I noted rolled his eyes once a guest expressed their dismay of the plan for our expensive 5 hour excursion and was told, “ just have drinks.” This seemingly higher end excursions was purely money driven not at all in the best interest of their guests.
amazing high-end catamaran boat with incredible amenities, food drinks, and highly professional staff
I would give this review 10 stars if I could. We felt like royalty with the level of service. The breakfast served was better than the breakfast at our resort. The captain kept us safe and the crew had every thing down to a science. They also had a photog on site. We will be back!
Mahalo for such an incredible experience out on the water! From start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations. The captain and crew were not only extremely knowledgeable about the boat, the island, and the sea life, but they also made the entire trip feel personal and welcoming. You can truly tell it’s a tight-knit team—the same crew providing full service with food and drinks throughout made it feel seamless and special. Their attention to detail and genuine care really captured the spirit of aloha. It was an unforgettable part of our Maui adventure, and we’re so grateful we got to experience it. Highly recommend to anyone looking for something truly memorable on the island. Mahalo again for such an amazing day! 🌺🤙
We had a great time on the Molokini snorkel tour. The boat is the nicest catamaran I've been on for lounging/eating. We started off with a mimosa after sunrise. There are small tables and nice seating options. We lounged on one of the day beds. The staff was amazing. We saw whales on our way out snorkeling, which was a treat. They fed us breakfast and lunch, as well as snacks (including poke!). The snorkel gear was very good (better than our personal gear). There are Rx masks, but make sure to ask when you board and get your gear. Our boat was only half full, so there was plenty of room, but I think even if it were full, it would be fine.
Great experience! Crew and food were great. Snorkelling was fun. The bonus whale watching was awesome!
Incredible morning catamaran excursion. We saw so many whales and turtles while snorkeling. The food was great and captain and crew were wonderful.
Awesome trip. Staff was on point. Whales were giving us quite the show. Food was delish. This was my second trip with this company and I would absolutely do another.
This san incredible tour and probably won of our most favorite ever. Captain Tim and his screw when above. And beyond to make everybody comfortable and deliver an excellent experience. We paid extra for the top deck experience and we were very happy that we did this. They gave us a great service fun atmosphere and beautiful places to visit.
We had an absolutely outstanding day whale watching and snorkeling! From the moment we arrived, the crew went above and beyond to make us feel at home. Their customer care was truly exceptional—friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about what they do. They made my family feel valued and welcomed the entire time, which made the experience even more special. The whale watching was unforgettable, and the snorkeling was beautiful and well-organized. This company doesn’t just offer a tour; they create an experience filled with care, professionalism, and heart. We couldn’t recommend them more highly and can’t wait to come back!
This was our second time booking with Alli Nui and once again, it did not disappoint. The boat was beautiful, the food was great and the staff was super friendly and knowledgeable. On our way to molokini to snorkel, we saw a bunch of humpback whales. It made our experience with our adult children pretty special. We Highly recommend! Also, do yourself a favor and upgrade to the top deck. It is worth it!
Hands down the best snorkel trip we have taken.. and we've been on many. This trip was magical.. partly because of the boat and crew-- and partly because we got really lucky! We had glassy, smooth seas for our trip to Coral Gardens to see turtles and to Molikini. It's really early in the season for whales.. but someone forgot to tell the whales that-- because we saw TWO separate pods.. and our captain, Timothy, wasn't going to let us miss the thrill of that. He turned the boat and bee lined over to where they were playing and we had spectacular views of them playing and diving. The turtles were also out and playing at Coral Gardens. Breakfast and lunch on the boat were fantastic. Cory was graciously making homemade ginger ale for anyone who didn't like the motion of the ocean. Pedro, Cat, Alfie and Feral were so friendly and engaging - everyone loved chatting with them. The visibility at Molikini was incredible and we got to see turtles, eel, octopus and more. Special shout out to Danny, the photographer, who took some incredible underwater photos and to Captain Tim's playlist that kept everyone grooving and singing along. The five hours came to a close too soon. Highly recommend.
Had a great experience all around. Captain Marcio was awesome, Pedro from San Diego was very nice and you can tell the whole crew enjoys their work.
Crew was fantastic. Friendly, kind, thoughtful. Boat was very comfortable. Plenty of seats, shade if you wanted it. We were lucky to see humpbacks spouting and sea turtles.
UNBELIEVABLE! We booked direct with Alii Nui and did both this excursion and the evening 5 course seated sunset dinner. Both excursions were literally THE BEST sailing and snorkeling we’ve ever been a apart of. Alii Nui came highly recommended by a colleague of mine in the US, who said that when he goes to Maui, and he goes every year, he doesn’t ever entrust a night of his trip to any other sailing outfit. That said, we knew without doubt, we were going to limit potential for anything going wrong by going with them. Will you find one that is less expensive? Sure, much less for the “same” type of excursion? Probably, but the difference is in the details that make ALL of the difference. First, the number of spaces available is small – we passed other excursions vessels going out that were simply cattle calls. On our trips, there were 20 on the sunset sail and 35 on the snorkeling trip. Fewer people on the snorkeling meant you got in and out of the water more efficiently so that you had more time, you know it, IN the water with the octopi, mantas, turtles, eels, and hundreds of species of fish. On the dinner cruise it meant that you had more space to stretch out and really relax like you belonged there. Add to it, in both cases, our captain was a consummate pro and his crews were caring, capable and very friendly. You could tell they love their jobs. These are folks who know sailing and service, including food and wine. They visited with us and wanted to spend time with the folks who were enthralled by the views, experience, the sea, locale and beautiful Alii Kai (the luxury catamaran). Next, they serve high-end wine and spirits – no well stuff, with options to upgrade to the VIP experience. The food is top notch, freshly made and DELICIOUS. When you consider what you’d spend going out to a multi-course, served dinner in Maui with cocktails and wine, and then consider the sunset cruise, it was a no brainer to do the dinner versus just the cocktail sunset sail. We couldn’t have gone out and had that kind of meal with drinks per person for what we spent AND had that kind of experience. No question. We can’t wait to find our way back to Maui and the crew of the Alii Kai for more incredible sailing adventures!! And as my friend said to me when he made the recommendation, “I’d never entrust a precious day or night of my vacation in Maui to any other outfit.”
Captain Josh was incredible! Great schedule, crew and great time. Wanted to do other excursions with this team but did not have time on this trip.
One of the most fabulous excursions we’ve ever done (and yes; go ahead and splurge on the ‘upper deck’ /it’s swanky AND worth it!) Cat and Captain Luke are just the best!
From the get-go, the Alli Nui crew was very friendly and so attentive! We felt very well taken care of, making the time go by very quickly. Cat makes some fantastic drinks and Lila did a wonderful job capturing both us and the scenery/nature. Would highly recommend if you're looking for a luxurious snorkel experience to Molokini + nearby Turtle Town in Maui!
A great day on the water. Food and beverages were plentiful with lots of personal service. Good job on customer service!
We had an amazing time on our snorkel tour with Bri and the staff. I was slightly anxious as I’m not a great swimmer, and I’d never been snorkeling, but the crew made everything so simple and their instructions were easy to understand, even for a novice like me! We started off on the wrong foot as we got stuck in a big traffic jam And were running late, but Bri called me on my cell phone and told us that they were waiting for us. I was so worried we were going to miss the whole day! The crew explained everything in detail… how to make sure your mask was sealed correctly so it would not leak, when to put your flippers on, etc. I felt very secure and very safe, which was important to me. Our first stop was turtle town and we saw beautiful turtles swimming beneath us. Truly magical. We then headed to Molokini where we saw so many stunning fish. One of the crew members, I wish I could remember his name, was so great at explaining all the different fish to us and directing us where to see them.The food and drinks aboard the boat were top-notch. There was an onboard photographer who captured some breathtaking photos of our experience, highly recommend purchasing those! The boat itself was beautiful and I cannot recommend enough, we will definitely be back. Amy and Donnie Chase
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
Reach us by phone
Reach us by email
