What Are the Check-In Details, Departure Times, and Duration of the Pacific Whale Foundation Maui Snorkel and Sunset Sail — Maalaea?
Tour duration: Approximately 4 hours
Available days: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (through end of October)
Seasonal departure times:
- May 1 through August 31: 3:15 PM departure, returns approximately 7:15 PM
- September 1 through April 30: 2:30 PM departure, returns approximately 6:30 PM
Check-in time: 45 minutes prior to departure
Check-in location:
Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store
Maalaea Harbor Shops, next to Maui Ocean Center
300 Maalaea Road, Suite 211, Wailuku, HI 96793
Your exact departure time will be listed on your E-Ticket. Check your voucher for the most current schedule before heading to the harbor.
What is the Location and Directions for the Pacific Whale Foundation Maui Snorkel and Sunset Sail — Maalaea?
Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store, Maalaea Harbor Shops
Maalaea Harbor is centrally located and convenient for guests staying across Maui.
Approximate driving times:
- 20 minutes from Kahului Airport (OGG)
- 20-30 minutes from Kihei and Wailea area resorts
- 30 minutes from Kaanapali area resorts
- 45 minutes from Napili and Kapalua area
- Parking at Maalaea Harbor Shops: $2 per hour
Your discounted rate has been activated for the Pacific Whale Foundation Maui Snorkel and Sunset Sail — Maalaea!
Maalaea Harbor • Snorkel Maui’s Leeward Waters • Sunset Sail on Pacific Whale Foundation’s Newest Vessel • Certified Marine Naturalist Onboard
Questions about this or any other Maui activity? Text or call us at (808) 298-3021, 7am-7pm daily. We are fun specialists and island experts, and we can help you find the perfect Maui snorkel and sunset experience for your crew. We are Maui family-owned and operated, and Maui’s highest-rated activity and rental shop!
It’s easy to book your Pacific Whale Foundation Maui Snorkel and Sunset Sail — Maalaea right here online.
Auntie Snorkel offers the lowest prices guaranteed!
We will email you an E-Ticket once we complete your reservation.
Free cancellation up to 72 hours prior.
Text or Call (808) 298-3021, Daily!
Auntie Snorkel’s Reviews
Why You’ll Love the Pacific Whale Foundation Maui Snorkel and Sunset Sail — Maalaea
⭐ Two Experiences in One Four-Hour Adventure
The Pacific Whale Foundation Maui Snorkel and Sunset Sail is exactly what the name promises and more. The afternoon begins with a snorkel in Maui’s crystal-clear leeward waters, where sea turtles, tropical fish, and colorful coral reefs reward every guest who puts a mask on. Then, as the sun moves toward the horizon, the Kai Ko sails into the golden hour with Maui’s coastline stretched out behind you.
A grilled BBQ meal prepared with locally sourced island ingredients is served on board, two complimentary cocktails are included for adults, and a certified marine naturalist is there throughout. Four hours on the water. One price. Two genuinely great experiences.
⭐ Snorkel Maui’s Best Leeward Waters
The Pacific Whale Foundation captain selects the best snorkel location each day based on conditions, targeting Maui’s calm leeward reef environments where sea turtles, tropical fish, and vibrant coral formations are consistent highlights. A certified marine naturalist is on board to explain what guests encounter in the water, turning a beautiful snorkel into a genuine marine education.
⭐ A Waterslide Makes the Boat Part of the Fun
The Kai Ko features a waterslide and a wide in-water swim ladder, details that families immediately appreciate and that turn the boat itself into part of the adventure. The combination of snorkeling a reef and then launching off a waterslide on the way back makes this tour one of the most all-around fun afternoon options available in Maui.
⭐ A Grilled BBQ Meal Made With Local Ingredients
As the sail transitions from the snorkel stop to the sunset portion of the cruise, a grilled BBQ meal is served on board using locally sourced island ingredients. The Pacific Whale Foundation team grills fresh chicken, kiawe-smoked pork, vegan burgers, and hot dogs alongside island-style sides and dessert, all prepared on the Kai Ko’s 48-inch DCS grill.
⭐ A Maui Sunset Sail on Pacific Whale Foundation’s Newest Sailing Catamaran
The Kai Ko is Pacific Whale Foundation’s newest vessel, a 65-foot custom sloop-rigged sailing catamaran built in 2025 and designed from the keel up for exactly this kind of tour. It sails under wind power rather than simply motoring back to the harbor. The combination of a brand-new sailing vessel, a grilled meal, cocktails, and a Maui sunset is genuinely hard to improve on.
⭐ Certified Marine Naturalists and the Jr. Naturalist Program
Pacific Whale Foundation naturalists bring genuine scientific knowledge to every tour and provide wildlife interpretation throughout the experience. The Jr. Naturalist Program gives children their own structured curriculum on board, so kids engage with the marine environment rather than simply watching adults snorkel. For families, this educational dimension consistently ranks as an unexpected highlight.
⭐ Your Ticket Funds Ocean Conservation
Pacific Whale Foundation is a nonprofit organization and 100% of the profits from every tour go directly to ocean conservation research and education programs. Booking this tour is a direct contribution to protecting the marine environment you are about to snorkel through.
What’s Included in the Pacific Whale Foundation Maui Snorkel and Sunset Sail — Maalaea?
✔ 4-hour snorkel and sunset sail departing Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from Maalaea Harbor
✔ Snorkel stop at the best daily leeward location selected by the captain based on conditions
✔ Premium snorkel equipment provided, including optical masks for eyeglass wearers
✔ Snorkel 101 class led by the captain for beginners, plus flotation devices for all guests
✔ Certified Marine Naturalist on board throughout the tour
✔ Jr. Naturalist Program for kids
✔ Waterslide and wide in-water swim ladder on the Kai Ko catamaran
✔ Grilled BBQ meal served on board (see full menu below)
✔ Two complimentary adult premium beverages per guest (21+ with valid ID)
✔ Unlimited soda, juice, filtered water, and Social Hour coffee
✔ Two onboard restrooms and a freshwater shower
✔ Binocular rentals available while inventory lasts
✔ Sunset sail on the Kai Ko, Pacific Whale Foundation’s newest 65-foot sailing catamaran
✔ E-Ticket emailed from Auntie Snorkel after booking
✔ Free cancellation up to 72 hours prior
Please note: The vessel is cashless for purchases. Bring a credit or debit card for any on-board rentals or purchases. Cash accepted for gratuities only. Full-face snorkel masks are not permitted on this tour for safety reasons.
What’s on the Menu?
The Pacific Whale Foundation team grills the meal fresh on board using locally sourced island ingredients. The bar is stocked with locally sourced spirits and beverages in line with Pacific Whale Foundation’s sustainability commitments.
Grilled BBQ (served during the sail)
- Crudite with hummus and Green Goddess dressing
- Free range chicken
- Kiawe-smoked pork with guava BBQ sauce
- Vegan burgers
- All beef hot dogs
- Local style potato mac salad
- Asian edamame slaw
Dessert
- Kula strawberries
- Chocolate chip cookies
Beverages Included
- Two complimentary adult premium beverages per guest (21+ with valid photo ID)
- Unlimited soda, juice, filtered water, and Social Hour coffee throughout the tour
Good to Know
Note any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so the crew can prepare accordingly. The vessel is cashless for all on-board purchases. Bring a credit or debit card; cash is accepted for gratuities only.
What Can I See on the Pacific Whale Foundation Maui Snorkel and Sunset Sail — Maalaea?
The captain selects the snorkel location each day based on ocean conditions. Wildlife sightings are weather-dependent and not guaranteed. These are the marine life and sights guests frequently encounter on this tour.
✔ Hawaiian green sea turtles resting or grazing on the reef
✔ Large schools of colorful tropical reef fish including yellow tang, parrotfish, and butterflyfish
✔ Vibrant coral reef formations in Maui’s clear leeward waters
✔ Occasional eels, octopus, and other reef inhabitants identified by the marine naturalist
✔ Stunning Maui coastline views during the sunset sail
Who Should Book the Pacific Whale Foundation Maui Snorkel and Sunset Sail — Maalaea?
This tour is a great fit for:
- Families with children – the Jr. Naturalist Program, the waterslide, the grilled meal, and kids 4 and under sailing free make this an outstanding family afternoon
- Anyone who wants two distinct ocean experiences in one tour, snorkeling and a sunset sail, without booking two separate activities
- Guests who want a snorkel experience guided by a certified marine naturalist who can identify species and explain the reef ecosystem
- Guests staying in Kihei, Wailea, or Central Maui who want a convenient Maalaea departure on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday
- Anyone who values ocean conservation and wants their activity dollar to fund Pacific Whale Foundation’s research and education programs
- Couples and groups who want a relaxed social afternoon on the water that transitions naturally into a beautiful evening
For the same great tour departing from Lahaina Harbor on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, check out the Pacific Whale Foundation Maui Snorkel and Sunset Sail — Lahaina.
Browse all Maui sunset cruise options and Maui snorkel tours available from Auntie Snorkel.
Are There Special Restrictions for the Pacific Whale Foundation Maui Snorkel and Sunset Sail — Maalaea?
⚠️ Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
⚠️ Snorkel locations, sailing conditions, and wildlife sightings are weather-dependent and not guaranteed.
⚠️ Full-face snorkel masks are not permitted on this tour for safety reasons. Premium snorkel gear is provided on board for all guests.
⚠️ Guests should be comfortable in open ocean conditions. If prone to seasickness, take preventative measures before boarding.
⚠️ Guests must be able to board the vessel independently and use hand railings when entering and exiting on the gangway.
⚠️ Not recommended for guests with serious cardiac, respiratory, back, neck, or mobility conditions without prior physician consultation.
⚠️ No smoking or vaping of any substance on the vessel.
⚠️ Alcoholic beverages require guests to be 21+ with a valid photo ID.
⚠️ Note any dietary restrictions at the time of booking.
Pro Tips from Your Fun Specialists
- Check your E-Ticket for the exact departure time before heading to the harbor. Departure times shift seasonally and your voucher will show the correct time for your date.
- Allow extra time for parking. The Maalaea Harbor Shops lot costs $2 per hour. Build in time to park, pay, and walk to the Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store before check-in closes.
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding. Hawaii law requires reef-safe or mineral-based sunscreen at all snorkel sites, and reef-safe sunscreen is available at the Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store and on board.
- Bring a light jacket or layer for the sail back. Even in summer, the trade wind breeze cools down noticeably after sunset.
- Bring cash for crew gratuity. The Pacific Whale Foundation crew delivers an exceptional experience and tips are genuinely appreciated.
- Rent a GoPro from Auntie Snorkel before your tour to capture the snorkel and sunset portions of the experience on video.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Pacific Whale Foundation Maui Snorkel and Sunset Sail — Maalaea
What days does this tour run from Maalaea?
The Maalaea departure runs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday through the end of October. For the same tour on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, see the Lahaina departure. Beginning in November, this tour transitions to the Snorkel and Sunset Whale Watch Sail.
What does the four hours include?
The tour has two distinct phases. The first is a snorkel stop at the best available leeward site selected by the captain based on daily conditions. The second is a sunset sail back to Maalaea Harbor aboard the Kai Ko, with a grilled BBQ meal served on board and two complimentary adult cocktails included. The waterslide and Jr. Naturalist Program are available throughout the tour.
What is the full BBQ menu?
The grilled BBQ menu includes crudite with hummus and Green Goddess dressing, free range chicken, kiawe-smoked pork with guava BBQ sauce, vegan burgers, all beef hot dogs, local style potato mac salad, Asian edamame slaw, Kula strawberries, and chocolate chip cookies. All ingredients are locally sourced when possible. Note any dietary restrictions at the time of booking.
Is snorkel equipment provided?
Yes. Premium snorkel gear is provided on board for all guests, including optical masks for eyeglass wearers. Note that full-face masks are not permitted for safety reasons. For guests who want a personal well-fitted set before boarding, consider renting snorkel gear from Auntie Snorkel.
What is the Kai Ko?
The Kai Ko is Pacific Whale Foundation’s newest vessel, a 65-foot custom sloop-rigged sailing catamaran built in 2025. The Kai Ko features a waterslide, a wide in-water swim ladder, underwater lighting, forward and aft sundecks with top deck netting, a 48-inch DCS grill, and cushioned seating inside and out.
Is this tour good for beginners or non-swimmers?
Yes. The captain offers a Snorkel 101 lesson before guests enter the water, and flotation devices are available for all guests. Guests who are not comfortable in the ocean are welcome to stay on board and enjoy the scenery, the waterslide from the boat, and the sunset sail without snorkeling.
What is the cancellation policy?
Auntie Snorkel offers free cancellation up to 72 hours prior to your tour.
Why Book the Pacific Whale Foundation Maui Snorkel and Sunset Sail — Maalaea With Auntie Snorkel?
⭐ Best-Value Tickets for Maui Snorkel and Sunset Sail Tours
⭐ Secure Checkout with Easy Cancellation Up to 72 Hours Prior
⭐ Real Local Support from Our Family-Owned Kihei and Lahaina Shops
⭐ Personalized Help Choosing the Right Maui Activity for You
⭐ Trusted by Thousands of Happy Maui Guests
More About the Pacific Whale Foundation Maui Snorkel and Sunset Sail — Maalaea
A Perfect Afternoon That Becomes an Evening
Most snorkel tours wrap up by early afternoon. Most sunset cruises start in the early evening with nothing beforehand. The Pacific Whale Foundation Snorkel and Sunset Sail fills the gap between them. Guests who do this tour often describe it as their favorite single afternoon on the water because it delivered more than any one activity typically does.
What a Certified Marine Naturalist Changes
Snorkeling the reef is a remarkable experience on its own. Snorkeling the reef while a certified naturalist explains what you are looking at is a meaningfully different experience. Learn why the parrotfish scrapes the coral, how the turtle navigates, or what the specific fish species at this site tells us about reef health. Pacific Whale Foundation naturalists bring genuine scientific knowledge and real enthusiasm for the ocean to every tour.
Your Booking Supports Ocean Conservation
Pacific Whale Foundation has conducted ocean research and education in Maui for decades. The organization’s scientists study humpback whale populations, track reef health, and educate the public about Hawaii’s marine ecosystem. One hundred percent of the profits from every tour fund this work directly.
The Kai Ko: Pacific Whale Foundation’s Newest Sailing Catamaran
Many Maui tour boats are catamarans in appearance but motor-powered in practice. The Kai Ko is a genuine sailing vessel, a 65-foot custom sloop-rigged catamaran built in 2025 specifically for tours like this one. When conditions allow, it sails under wind power for the sunset portion of the tour, creating a quieter, more natural ocean experience than a motor cruise delivers.
The sound of wind in the sails, the gentle movement under natural power, and the absence of engine noise change the quality of the sunset watch in ways that guests notice immediately. The 48-inch DCS grill on board produces the BBQ meal that comes with every ticket, and the underwater lighting gives the vessel a distinctly atmospheric quality as the evening deepens.
Location: Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store, Maalaea Harbor Shops, 300 Maalaea Rd Suite 211, Wailuku, HI 96793
Learn More About Maui Sunset Cruises and Snorkel Tours from Auntie Snorkel’s Fun Specialists
Auntie Snorkel’s Maui Guidebook offers all our Island Expert knowledge at your fingertips to help you find the perfect Maui activities for you. Learn more about Maui sunset cruises and snorkel tours in the articles below.
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