Makai Adventures - Maui Whale Watching, Dolphins, Lanai Snorkeling, Bottom Fishing (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Makai Adventures - Maui Whale Watching, Dolphins, Lanai Snorkeling, Bottom Fishing?
What makes it 80% Kids-Friendly: Crew welcomes kids, supplies snorkel gear, flotation and fishing help; whales, turtles and dolphins keep them engaged, but open-water swims and long boat rides may fatigue some under-12s.
Positives:
- Family-Friendly Amenities: All boats have shaded seating, restrooms, and freshwater showers to keep kids comfortable.
- Educational Naturalist: Onboard guides explain marine life and play whale songs through hydrophones for engaging learning.
- Included Gear: Snorkel and fishing equipment for kids up to age 12 are provided at no extra charge.
Challenges:
- Swimming Ability Required: Snorkeling trips need basic swim skills and can tire younger children quickly.
- Motion Sickness Risk: Open-ocean tours can get choppy; pack seasickness remedies and choose morning departures.
- Age Recommendations: Some snorkel and Lanai tours recommend participants be at least 4 years old; confirm before booking.
What is Makai Adventures - Maui Whale Watching, Dolphins, Lanai Snorkeling, Bottom Fishing?
- A Lahaina-based marine tour company offering specialized boat trips for whale watching, dolphin viewing, Lanai snorkeling, and bottom fishing
- A fleet of custom rafts and powerboats equipped with hydrophones, shaded seating, onboard restrooms, and quality snorkeling gear
- Shared and private charters operating from West Maui beaches during discrete seasonal windows for humpback whales and year-round marine activities
What is so special about Makai Adventures - Maui Whale Watching, Dolphins, Lanai Snorkeling, Bottom Fishing for with kids?
- Spot humpback whales with hydrophone audio on a shared raft tour
- Swim alongside green sea turtles in shallow, kid-friendly snorkel waters
- Explore reefs for fish and occasional dolphins on a 3-hour snorkel
- Learn to fish with light tackle and bring home your catch
- Enjoy onboard restrooms, shaded seating, and free gear for kids
Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours
Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for boarding, whale watching, snorkeling, and breaks without rushing younger children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Makai Adventures - Maui Whale Watching, Dolphins, Lanai Snorkeling, Bottom Fishing
Shared Whale Watching Tour:
Join a small-group raft to spot humpback whales with naturalist commentary and hydrophone audio.
Tip: Sit near the railing for clear views, wear a windbreaker, and bring binoculars for distant sightings.
Sea Turtle Express Snorkel:
Snorkel in shallow waters known as Honu Heaven and swim alongside green sea turtles.
Tip: Kids must wear provided flotation belts, follow the in-water guide, and start close to the boat for confidence.
Best of West Maui Snorkel:
Explore coral reefs and encounter reef fish, turtles, and sometimes dolphins on this 3-hour tour.
Tip: Apply reef-safe sunscreen, bring a rash guard, and pack motion-sickness remedies.
Bottom Fishing Charter:
Try light-tackle fishing in deeper water and learn to reel in snapper and trevally.
Tip: Wear non-slip shoes, ask crew to help kids rig gear, and pack extra snacks and water.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Makai Adventures - Maui Whale Watching, Dolphins, Lanai Snorkeling, Bottom Fishing
- Early Booking: Reserve tours at least one week in advance during whale and dry seasons to secure spots.
- Morning Departures: Choose early sail times for calmer waters and softer sunlight for young eyes.
- Soft Carrier for Toddlers: Leave strollers ashore and use a soft carrier to move around the boat safely.
Reviews of Makai Adventures - Maui Whale Watching, Dolphins, Lanai Snorkeling, Bottom Fishing
Ashraf Hijaz
My family really enjoyed this snorkeling and sunset boat ride trip. It was unforgettable and truly the highlight of our Maui trip. Our guides were so much fun and so patient with some of us who were more hesitant to jump in. Will definitely come again!
Stephanie Schwartz
We had the absolute best time whale watching with Makai Adventures! We took the 4pm sunset tour which I would highly recommend - Golden hour for any photographers out there! First and foremost the staff was amazing which can be a real make or break on any tour - they were so warm and welcoming from the very start and made sure to give everyone important info upfront. They were super engaging the w...
Nhi Nguyen
I took a 4:00 pm whale watching tour and had an amazing time with Noah and Sylvia as my guides! They were extremely knowledgeable and easy-going people. I enjoyed being on a comfortable, smaller boat since it made the experience more intimate. I normally get motion sickness, but I felt fine on the boat. Since Noah and Sylvia were always quick to bring us straight to the action, we saw a ton of wha...
Shannon Maxey
My friend booked a Whale watching tour for us and I was so impressed. Loved the all girl crew of Kristy and Tiffany. We saw so many whales, momma and baby, several groups of whales, lots of fin slapping, a couple breaches too. I was lucky enough to capture one on camera. I would highly suggest this tour as they have a boat that is clean, comfortable and able to move quickly to catch up to the wh...
Melinda
Highly recommend Makai Adventures for whale watching 🐳 From the moment I first called Makai Adventures I knew I was in good hands. Eva assisted me with booking my whale watching reservation and was an absolute delight- friendly, patient and informative. Noah and Andrea (boat crew) were very personable and provided us with an abundance of whale facts throughout our 2 hour excursion. The boat i...
When is the best time to visit Makai Adventures - Maui Whale Watching, Dolphins, Lanai Snorkeling, Bottom Fishing (Hawaii, United States)?
Book whale watching from December to mid-April for best sightings; from May to November waters warm up for smoother snorkeling trips.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Shared Whale Watching (4 tickets) | USD 190 |
| Sea Turtle Express Snorkel (4 tickets) | USD 250 |
| Best of West Maui Snorkel (4 tickets) | USD 330 |
| Bottom Fishing Charter (4 tickets) | USD 320 |
| Total Estimated | USD 1,090 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Makai Adventures - Maui Whale Watching, Dolphins, Lanai Snorkeling, Bottom Fishing
Address: Mala Boat Ramp, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA
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About Makai Adventures - Maui Whale Watching, Dolphins, Lanai Snorkeling, Bottom Fishing
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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