Boat Trips in Maui

Hawaii is characterised by its extraordinary scenery: huge rock cliffs that end in the sea, impressive vegetation and constant sunshine attract a large number of tourists to the archipelago. If you're thinking of Maui as your next destination, you won't regret it.

The attractions on Maui are many and it's hard to pick out the best. However, any trip to the island should include a boat trip. Here are some of the most recommended options.

The west side is probably the best part of the island. Here you'll find the towns of Lahaina and Ka'anapali as well as luxury resorts and hotels. These catamaran tours depart from Ka'anapali and travel along this stretch of coastline inhabited by sea turtles and Hawaiian spinner dolphins.

The excursions include not only the rental of snorkelling equipment, but also two meals (breakfast and lunch), cocktails, soft drinks and an expert guide.

Once back at Ka'anapali, you can have a drink or a cold beer at Leilani's beach bar (2435 Kaanapali Parkway, Bldg. J 1, Whalers Village)

• Duration: about 4 hours
• Price: about 150 €
• Recommended for those who want a complete activity without spending too much money.

Turtle Town is a dive site between Nahuna Point and Black Sand Beach, along the south coast of Maui. Underwater, a coral reef grown over a lava formation has become home to green turtles.

They are curious animals, used to being in close proximity to humans. If you move carefully, the turtles will approach you and you will have the opportunity to take some very nice pictures. By the way, don't forget to buy a disposable waterproof camera before you leave or once on Maui.

These tours usually reach Turtle Town by kayak. The starting point is Makena Beach, one of the best beaches on the island. If you don't have your snorkelling gear, you don't have to worry about anything. The agencies usually have equipment which is included in the price of the excursion.

• Duration: about 3 hours
• Price: about 80 €
• Recommended for those who want to do a small group experience. Normally, these trips involve a maximum number of 10 people.

The island of Molokini is a caldera, i.e. a large depression formed after the eruption and collapse of a volcano. The part that remains above the surface is the only part that has survived the explosion, and in the depths you will see underwater terraces and ledges.

The trip departs from Maalaea harbour on a 3-deck catamaran. Despite its height, the boat is very stable even in rough seas. To enter the water you have two options: the diving steps or two slides.

These waters are teeming with manta rays, humpback whales, monk seals, moray eels and other species. It is a marine sanctuary and visibility can reach 50 metres. For all these reasons, I consider Molokini Crater to be one of the best places to snorkel in Maui.

Most of the time, the price includes breakfast, lunch and both hot and cold drinks. You also don't have to worry about snorkelling equipment, which is usually provided by the tour operators.

By the way, if you're looking for accommodation and don't want to spend too much, I recommend checking out Maalaea. It is a less touristy area, with no hotels and well connected to the rest of Maui.

• Duration: more than 5 hours
• Price: from 130 €
• Recommended for those who want to snorkel in a unique place. The coral reefs are home to 250 different species and the absence of sandy bottoms means that the waters are always crystal clear.

A mini-cruise for small groups departing from Ka'anapali harbour. During the cruise you can drink whatever you want while enjoying the sunset.

Between December and April, with a bit of luck you will have other sailing companions: the whales. For more information, I recommend you check out the post about whale watching in Maui.

In addition to drinks, the tours usually include a local snack: pupus, an assortment of small appetizers: teriyaki, chicken wings, poke and pretty much any kind of food that can be prepared and eaten on social occasions.

• Duration: about 2 hours
• Price: from 80 €
• Recommended to anyone who

A medium-sized group excursion in an authentic submarine - what more could you ask for? Unlike traditional bathyscaphs, this one is characterised by less narrow spaces (but don't expect big spaces either) and a porthole in front of each seat.

This curious submersible departs from the harbour of Lahaina, one of the island's prettiest towns. Please note that most tours do not include pick-up and drop-off at your hotel.

The Atlantis submarine tours are very popular with the younger members of the family. Unfortunately, not everyone can participate. For safety reasons, children must be at least 36 inches tall (about 90 centimetres).

You will sail along the coastline, about 30 metres below the surface. Along the way, you'll reach the Carthaginian, a replica of a whaling ship. It was sunk in 2005 to become home to dolphins, sharks, turtles and other species.

• Duration: 2 hours or a little more
• Price: between 250 € and 300 €
• Recommended for families.

Do you want to surprise your partner? If the answer is yes, I recommend you book a mini sunset cruise. The boats depart from Lahaina harbour and cruise along a stretch of coastline. Along the way you'll enjoy live music as well as the splendid scenery.

Routes usually stop at:

• Ka'anapali, one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. It is located on the west side of Maui, where the vegetation is at its most lush
• Lanai, also known as Pineapple Island. It is located a few miles from Maui and is home to resorts and golf courses, cultural sites and the town of the same name. There are also opportunities for horseback riding and helicopter rides. If you're curious, you can visit by taking an Expeditions ferry to
• Puu Kukui, a mountain over 1700 metres high. It is surrounded by a large park belonging to the state of Hawaii where dozens of endangered species live. Admire its silhouette from the water
• Baby Beach, a calm water beach, ideal if you are visiting Maui with children
• Puamana Beach Park, a stretch of coastline frequented mainly by local surfers

The price usually includes a dinner with a main course, side dish and dessert. If it's on the menu, I recommend you try the Hawaii-style chicken, a recipe with red pepper, pineapple and sweet and sour sauce.

• Duration: 2 to 3 hours
• Price: around €50
• Recommended for those who are looking for a complete plan and don't want to spend too much.

Of course it is. Most of the activities - perhaps with the exception of the open bar - are designed for a general public, including families.

Remember to protect them from the sun with a hat and sunscreen. The price of the excursions includes water and soft drinks, which are necessary to keep them hydrated.

Another popular activity for the little ones is a visit to Maui's waterfalls. The waterfalls are very inviting and, in most cases, swimming is allowed. They' ll feel like little adventurers.

How often are you lucky enough to be in a dream place like Maui? No trip to Hawaii should be without a mini-cruise. There are various types of routes, designed to meet the demands of different audiences.

There's also another factor to consider: Hawaii is a fairly expensive destination and an organised tour can save you money. The total cost usually covers boat transfer, water and soft drinks, snorkelling equipment hire and food. Remember that you are in the USA and tipping is required.

In case you're unlucky and encounter bad weather, you can quench your thirst for the sea at the Maui Ocean Center Aquarium (192 Maalaea Road, Wailuku).

For daytime excursions, sunscreen is highly recommended. Beware, not all sunscreen is suitable! The state of Hawaii has banned chemical sunscreens. It serves to protect the environment: substances such as oxybenzone and octinoxate are very harmful to coral.

To protect you from the sun, a hat is always a good ally and should be in your backpack. It is also worth bringing a few small mats or floats to help you while swimming. As for snorkelling equipment, it is usually provided by the agencies organising the tours.

Of course you can. There are different options for visiting the island. You can also opt for a jeep tour in Maui that will take you along the famous Road To Hana. The 84-kilometre stretch of road alternates between tropical rainforests, waterfalls, a rushing river and breathtaking scenic spots.

Another alternative is helicopter rides in Maui. They're shorter and more expensive, but the bird's-eye view is priceless. There are also experiences that combine a flight and a jeep or minivan ride.