Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
charters for whale watches during winter, however, so check ahead of time that snorkeling
tours are available for the date of your excursion.
Of all the rafts,
Ultimate Snorkel Adventure
(808/667-5678,
www.ultimatewhalewatch.com
)
is the best option. It operates out of slip 17 of Lahaina
Harbor. Group sizes are kept to a minimum at only 16 passengers, and this rigid inflatable
is the fastest boat in Lahaina Harbor at speeds in excess of 35 mph. Snorkeling locations
are chosen off the island of Lana'i based on the best conditions, and unlike some of the
other options which head ashore on Lana'i, this excursion takes place from off the raft.
Due to its small size, the raft can navigate close to the shoreline of Lana'i to find blowholes
or follow pods of spinner dolphins hanging out by the rocks. Five-hour snorkeling trips
are offered at $139, and there is also a two-hour option available along the West Maui
shoreline for only $49. Snorkel gear, drinks, and snacks are included in the price of the
excursion. This is a great option for those wanting a semiprivate tour with relaxed but pro-
fessional captain and crew.
Hawaii Ocean Rafting
(808/661-7238,
www.islandstarexcursions.com
) operates out
of slip 8 in Lahaina Harbor. Group sizes are kept low on these charters, which are offered
as either full-day tours to Lana'i for $115 or half-day tours for $73. Full-day tours depart
at 6:30am and return at 2:30pm, whereas the half-day option departs at 7:30am and is back
in Lahaina by 12:30pm. Snorkeling gear, snacks, and beverages are included.
For a raft that docks at Manele Harbor and spends time on the island of Lana'i,
Maui
Adventure Cruises
(808/661-5550,
www.mauiadventurecruises.com
)
operates two trips
out of Lahaina Harbor, one of which allows passengers to spend three hours of beach time
at Lana'i's Hulopo'e Bay. This $115 excursion operates on Monday, Wednesday, and Fri-
day, docks in Manele Harbor, and allows its guests to walk Hulopo'e Bay unsupervised.
Breakfast, snacks, and a deli lunch are included in the cost of the trip. Excursions depart at
both 7am and 9pm from slip #11 in Lahaina Harbor. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday,
an abridged 4.5-hour trip is offered for $87 where you will still have the opportunity to
snorkel off Lana'i from the boat, rather than docking at Manele Harbor.
Departing from Mala Ramp at 6:30am,
Maui Ocean Riders
(808/661-3586,
www.mauioceanriders.com
) is the only boat to circumnavigate the island of Lana'i. Cover-
ing an astounding 70 miles over the course of the trip, this excursion features multiple
snorkeling spots and the opportunity to witness little-seen areas of Lana'i such as the wa-
ters off Shipwreck Beach, Polihua Beach, and the snorkeling area known as Three Stone.
On calm days this excursion is the best of all the rafting options, although on days when
