From Kihei: Molokini Crater and Turtle Town Snorkeling

If you’re heading to Maui and want a taste of its legendary underwater scenery, this 3-hour snorkeling trip offers a fantastic way to see two iconic spots—Molokini Crater and Turtle Town—with a knowledgeable crew and all the essentials included. It’s a well-rounded experience for those who love vibrant marine life, beautiful scenery, and a bit of adventure, all wrapped into a compact half-day tour.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the focus on quality guides who are passionate and attentive, making sure everyone feels comfortable and gets the best possible experience. Plus, the fact that the tour includes snacks and drinks adds a nice touch of comfort after long periods floating among colorful fish.

On the flip side, a possible consideration is that this trip requires physical capability—it’s not suited for those with mobility issues or who aren’t comfortable swimming or climbing a boat ladder. Also, it’s best for those over 10 years old, so if you’re traveling with very young children, this might not be the right fit.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a focused, quality snorkeling adventure in Maui—especially if you’re eager to see turtles, explore coral reefs, and enjoy expert-guided marine encounters without spending an entire day at sea.

Key Points

• Excellent Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly, and caring guides like Joe, Lucia, Brandon, Jess, and Megan make the experience informative and fun.
• Two Iconic Spots: Snorkel at Molokini Crater with its crystal-clear waters and at Turtle Town, where green sea turtles are common.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Gear, flotation devices, soft drinks, water, and sandwiches are provided, ensuring you’re well taken care of.
• Great Value for Time: The 3-hour format packs in two snorkeling stops and some whale watching, offering a compact yet comprehensive trip.
• Limitations: Not suitable for non-swimmers, pregnant women, people with mobility or medical issues, or those under 10 years old.
• Customer Favorites: Reviewers highlight the professionalism of the crew, the stunning marine life, and the chance to see whales and turtles.

What to Expect from the Tour

This excursion, operated by Makena Coast Charters, is a balanced mix of sightseeing, snorkeling, and marine wildlife spotting, all aboard the spacious boat called “The Getaway.” Starting from the Kihei Boat Ramp, it’s easy to find with free parking nearby and straightforward check-in.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Departure & Whale Watching (20 mins)
The trip kicks off with a scenic cruise from Kihei, giving you a glimpse of south Maui’s coastline. The crew often stops briefly for whale watching, especially in season, which reviewers have noted as a delightful perk—“We saw many whales on this tour,” said one guest. The boat’s comfortable size ensures you won’t feel crowded, and the crew’s relaxed manner helps everyone settle in.

Stop 2: Molokini Crater (1 hour)
Molokini is a favorite for many because of its partially submerged volcanic crater shape, which creates a natural barrier against strong currents, resulting in calm, clear waters perfect for snorkeling. Expect to see hundreds of tropical fish such as triggerfish and butterflyfish, along with starfish and rays. Reviewers describe it as “like snorkeling in a saltwater fish tank,” emphasizing the vibrant, lively scene below.

What makes Molokini special? Its visibility is often praised, with some noting it’s among the clearest waters in Maui. However, some mention that while the reef is impressive, other spots might offer more fish diversity. Still, the sheer amount of marine life and the crystal-clear clarity make it a highlight.

Stop 3: Turtle Town (1 hour)
Next, the boat heads to Turtle Town, which is renowned for green sea turtles (Honu). Many reviewers mention the thrill of swimming alongside these gentle giants—“We saw so many turtles,” they say, and “the guides took us early to avoid crowds,” which made the experience even better.

Here, you’ll likely spot reef triggerfish, butterflyfish, octopus, and more. The guides are attentive to safety and marine conservation, ensuring respectful encounters with the wildlife. Multiple reviews highlight the professionalism and care of guides like Joe, Lucia, and Megan, who make sure everyone gets a good look and feels comfortable.

The Experience in Detail

Comfort and Safety
This trip offers mask, snorkel, fins, and flotation devices—all quality gear, as praised by guests for their attentiveness. The guides give a detailed safety briefing and help fit snug gear if needed, making it accessible even for those new to snorkeling. Reviewers like Preston and Alexandra appreciated the team’s friendliness and support, noting the trip is perfect for beginners with some swimming ability.

Snacks and Drinks
After each snorkeling session, you can enjoy soft drinks and sandwiches, which is a thoughtful touch after swimming in the water. Several reviews mention the sandwiches—one reviewer described them as “a half sandwich and a bottle of fruit drink tossed to me as we sped off in search of whales”—which adds a nice sense of refreshment and energy.

Additional Highlights
Many guests enjoyed the whale sightings on the way out and back, with some noting breaching whales or playful jumps—these moments add a special touch to the morning. Since the tour operates in season, whale watching can be a bonus, elevating the overall experience.

Group Size and Duration
The tour runs for about 3 hours, with check-in, boat ride, snorkeling, and some sightseeing. It’s a small-group feel without feeling crowded, especially since the vessel is spacious. However, keep in mind it requires a minimum of 6 guests; if not met, the trip could be canceled or rescheduled, so booking early during peak seasons is wise.

Analyzing the Value and Practical Details

Pricing
At $179 per person, this experience offers good value, considering all gear, snacks, and the expertise involved. The reviews reflect this value, with many saying guides like Joe and Lucia “made the trip memorable” and that the overall experience surpasses expectations.

What’s Included & What’s Not
Included are guides, boat transportation, snorkeling gear, flotation devices, soft drinks, water, and sandwiches. Not included are hotel pickup, towels, or sunscreen—so plan to bring your own if needed. The meeting point at the Kihei Boat Ramp makes it accessible, and parking is free, reducing logistical stress.

Suitability
The tour is ideal for adventurous, active travelers over 10 years old who are comfortable in the water and able to climb a boat ladder. It isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility limitations, or those prone to seasickness, as some reviewers pointed out. Also, if you have recent surgeries or medical conditions, check with your doctor first.

This snorkeling adventure is perfect for those wanting quality marine encounters in Maui without a full-day commitment. If you’re eager to see sea turtles, tropical fish, and possibly whales, while enjoying knowledgeable guides and a relaxed atmosphere, this tour ticks all those boxes.

It’s especially suited for first-time snorkelers or families with older children who are comfortable swimming. The inclusion of snacks, drinks, and whale watching makes it a well-rounded experience that balances fun, comfort, and education.

Travelers looking for authentic marine life encounters in clear waters will find this tour offers a vivid, memorable slice of Maui’s underwater world.

This From Kihei: Molokini Crater and Turtle Town Snorkeling trip provides a high-value, well-organized, and genuinely enjoyable way to explore some of Maui’s top underwater sights. With expert guides like Joe, Lucia, Brandon, Jess, and Megan, you’re in capable hands as they ensure your safety and help you get the most out of every moment in the water. The combination of crystal-clear Molokini and the chance to hang out with gentle sea turtles makes this a memorable adventure for most travelers.

The inclusions of snacks, drinks, and quality gear, plus the opportunity to see whales (season permitting), make this tour a standout for those who want a compact yet comprehensive Maui snorkeling experience. While not for everyone—those with mobility issues or young children—it’s a fantastic choice for active, curious travelers seeking authentic encounters.

Overall, if you value friendly guides, good value, and stunning marine scenery, this trip delivers. It’s a practical, fun, and worthwhile addition to any Maui itinerary, especially for those eager to deepen their appreciation of the island’s underwater beauty.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Non-swimmers are restricted to the boat, so they won’t be able to snorkel but can still enjoy the scenic cruise and whale watching.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and any motion sickness prevention if needed. Towels and sunscreen are not included, so plan accordingly.

Can I see whales on this tour?
Yes. The tour often includes whale watching, especially in season, and some guests have reported seeing breaching whales and jumps.

Are the snorkeling gear and flotation devices provided?
Yes. The gear is supplied and praised for its quality, and flotation devices are available for extra confidence in the water.

What is the minimum age for participating?
Snorkelers must be over 10 years old. Children under 5 are not permitted, and minors under 15 need a guardian-signed waiver.

What if the trip is canceled?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. It’s best to book early to secure your spot, especially during peak times.