Maalaea Harbor is Maui’s central hub for unforgettable ocean adventures, conveniently located between Kahului Airport and the renowned Kaʻanapali resort areas. From this ideal starting point, guests can enjoy some of the island’s top sailing, snorkeling, sportfishing, and whale watching experiences. You can also book live, secure reservations for ocean activities right here, making it easy to plan your time on the water with confidence.
Explore Maui’s vibrant marine world on snorkeling excursions to the legendary Molokini Crater or along the island’s scenic coastline, where sea turtles, dolphins, and colorful reef fish are often spotted. Crystal-clear waters and thriving coral reefs create an underwater experience that’s as breathtaking as it is memorable.
In the evening, unwind on a sunset sail, and during the winter months, witness majestic humpback whales as they breach and glide through the warm Hawaiian waters. Set against Maui’s glowing sunset, it’s a truly unforgettable way to end the day.
Start your journey at Maalaea Harbor and discover the very best of Maui’s ocean experiences—where adventure, beauty, and lasting memories come together.
• 89 Berths / Moorings • Boat Ramp • Loading Dock • Vessel Washdown
• Restrooms and Shower • Dry Dock • Fuel Delivered by Truck
• Repair Facilities • Restaurant and Boat Club • Harbor Office • USCG Station
MA'ALAEA HARBOR
MAUI
Maui Custom Charters is a small family-run business; we are a team of captains and crew who strive to exceed every one of your expectations. Whether it is sailing, snorkeling, whale watching, or enjoying the sunset, your charter will be an unforgettable experience. We are your captain, your crew, your concierge for the rest of your vacation, and hopefully someone to whom you can consider referring all of your family and friends.
Live Reservations
MAUI CUSTOM CHARTERS
Live Reservations
SAIL MAUI
Maui is the place to see humpback whales. Each year these magnificent creatures migrate south from Alaska, and although you can see them throughout Hawai'i, the ‘Au ‘au channel off the coast of Maui boasts the greatest number. Our warm, relatively shallow and protected waters make an ideal location for the humpbacks to mate and give birth to their calves. These whales are known for their acrobatics, and are often seen fully breaching out of the ocean!
We generally spot humpbacks on all of our trips during the winter, but this season we’re offering an exciting opportunity to sail with the whales! We’ll embark from Mā’alaea harbor and set sail in the afternoon tradewinds. This trip is exclusively sailing, so we can head to wherever the whales may be.
MAALAEA HARBOR
101 Maalaea Boat Harbor Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793
Harbor Office: (808) 243-5818
DLNR Maui Office: (808) 243-5824
E-mail: dbor.maui@hawaii.gov
20° 47′ 28″ N, 156° 30′ 36″ W
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HARBORS:
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CRUISES & TOURS
This site is NOT affiliated with the Maalaea Harbor management, the State of Hawaii, Harbors Division, DLNR nor Dept. of Boating and Ocean Recreation.
PAC-WHALE ECO-ADVENTURES
This whalewatch experience is led by certified Marine Naturalists for fun and informative interpretation of humpback whale behaviors and characteristics. Watch mothers and calves interact, see males compete for females, hear underwater whale songs – every trip is unique.
Whale sightings are guaranteed or go again free on another whalewatch of equal or lesser value within one year. We are proud of our 97% sighting success rate.
Live Reservations
Check-In Location: Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store at the Ma'alaea Harbor Shops, next to Maui Ocean Center.
Parking is paid throughout the harbor. Please review signage upon arrival.
Ocean Spirit Photo by Steve Harris
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QUICKSILVER
Live Reservations
This whale season, our award-winning Sunset Dinner Cruise will now include extra time for meeting and learning about Maui's favorite winter visitor: humpback whales! Our crew will provide onboard wildlife interpretation and will even deploy an underwater microphone to share live whale songs.
Dinner will be served tableside and all guests are guaranteed outdoor private seating; no buffet line here. Your dinner will be grilled on board and locally sourced whenever possible. Even our bar is sourced from Maui; enjoy Ocean Organic Farm and Distillery spirits and Maui Brewing Co. seltzer and beer.
Island-style music and open views of Maui’s scenic coast add to the ambience of this memorable experience. But leave a seat at the table for the North Pacific's biggest dinner guest, the Humpback Whale! This is an island experience not to be missed.
Ocean Spirit is a state-of-the-art catamaran offering luxury, space and comfort for a maximum capacity of 49 passengers. Whalewatch Sail is led by certified Marine Naturalists for fun and informative interpretation of humpback whale behaviors and characteristics.
We sail when possible depending on weather conditions or whale activity and may need to use our engines for the safety of the animals, in accordance with our “Be Whale Aware” policies for safe and sustainable humpback whale viewing.
Multiple departures daily from historic Ma'alaea Harbor.
Photo courtesy Pac-Whale
Photo courtesy Pac-Whale
Enjoy an unforgettable 2-hour dining experience aboard the Quicksilver catamaran. Savor a delicious three-course meal while sipping cocktails and watching the stunning Maui sunset. Experience live island-style music (most nights), friendly crew service, and panoramic views from this spacious double-deck catamaran.
Come aboard a power catamaran with two decks, each providing excellent vantage points for viewing the Humpback whales. Whether you are seated outside on the upper deck or inside the shaded cabin, all feel like front row seats. Our Captain will provide an expert narrative of the Humpback whale's historical significance in Maui waters and "play-play" commentary of the incredible whale behaviors as you view them.
Have your cameras ready to capture these majestic creatures blowing huge sprays into the air, slapping their fins and tails, spy hopping, and the awe-inspiring breach. This is when a whale the size of a school bus launches its body clear out of the water and crashes down, creating huge splashes that can be seen from great distances. You can even listen to the magical whale songs when our crew lowers the hydrophone, an underwater microphone into the water below.
Molokini is one of Maui’s most incredible snorkeling destinations. The unique, crescent shaped crater is a natural marine preserve, and is home to over 250 species of tropical fish. Sail Maui combines the elements of performance sailing in the trade winds with snorkeling in the protected, crystal clear water at Molokini crater for a truly outstanding experience.
Discover Molokini aboard Akialoa, where your trip includes a continental breakfast on the leisurely sail across Mā’alaea Bay. Take in the stunning landscape that makes Maui special, and during whale season (December – May), spot the humpback whales as they swim nearby. While at Molokini, swim, snorkel, and rinse off with our fresh water shower. After snorkeling, we’ll invite you to indulge in a freshly prepared lunch and refresh with a variety of beverages, including wine and local beer.
Aboard Akialoa you will experience the thrill of a lifetime! Our Molokini snorkeling trip boasts the best sailing of all our trips. Maui’s afternoon trade winds can really get the boat going, so join our friendly crew at the helm and try your hand at sailing the high seas!
Photos courtesy Quicksilver
Photos courtesy Sail Maui
Sailing off the coast of Maui offers some of the most scenic and exciting sailing in the world. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to learn from the best!
Temporarily departing from Ma'alaea Harbor for your day on the water until the docks and slips are rebuilt at our home base at historic Lahaina Harbor. Trips range from two to four hours and can feature whales, dolphins and beautiful scenery. Don’t forget your camera!
All trips include non-alcoholic drinks and clients are welcomed to bring their own alcoholic beverages and food. GungHo has refrigeration.
Live, Secure Reservations
The Daytime Sailing Tour is great for groups or families of 6 looking to enjoy a few hours sailing around the Lahaina Coast. We can custom tailor a day on the water for you and your group during your Maui vacation.
Sail GungHo into the sunset on a beautiful and unforgettable Maui sailing charter. We offer a unique take on the evening offshore adventure. You and your group will be treated to the rare experience of sailing a private yacht offshore Maui as the sun dips below the horizon.
This is a private lesson for up to 4 people. Whether you are a beginner looking to get into sailing, or have some experience and looking to reinforce and build upon what you already know. We will tailor this lesson to challenge you at your pace.
Snorkel and sail - enjoy the best of Maui's gorgeous marine coastline! Our snorkel sail includes snorkelling followed by sailing along Maui's spectacular coastline. All snorkel gear and instruction is included. Fresh pineapple is included. All sails accommodate up to 6 guests, adults or children.
GUNGHO SAILING
All tours depart from Ma'alaea Harbor, slip #70 • 808-727-0094