Maalaea Harbor
Maalaea, Maui, Hawaii
Maalaea Harbor is the starting point for many of Maui’s top snorkeling adventures, sunset cruises, fishing, and whale-watching excursions. Conveniently located between the Kahului Airport and the Lahaina and Kaʻanapali resort areas, the port’s integral role in the island’s water sports means it is rarely left out of a Maui vacation itinerary.
The scenic 89-slip harbor is nestled in the southern inlet between West Maui and the Haleakala Crater. In addition to water sports activities, visitors can enjoy shopping at the Maalaea Harbor Shops, oceanfront dining, and a visit to the nearby aquarium. Some of the harbor’s most popular activities include snorkeling adventures to the crescent-shaped Molokini Crater, whale and dolphin watching excursions, and sport fishing adventures. You can also charter private yachts, take sailing lessons, and more.
- Maalaea Harbor is the go-to spot for travelers who want to get out on the ocean—book a tour in advance or head to the harbor to learn more about tour options and activities.
- Restrooms and showers provide a place to clean up after a snorkeling adventure.
- Some of the tours departing Maalaea Harbor are wheelchair accessible but check with the tour operator to make sure their accommodations suit your needs.
- Shops, restaurants, and a marina store ensure you have everything you need for a day out on the water.
The harbor is located less than 10 miles from Kahului and Hawaii’s major airport—take Highway 380 to Highway 30 south. From the West Maui resort area, take Highway 30 south. If you want to avoid driving and enjoy the views along the way, book a tour that includes round-trip transportation.
The harbor is open daily, all year round. Choose a morning tour to avoid the winds that tend to pick up later in the day. For whale watching, visit from late November through early April.
Known as the Aquarium of Hawaii, the Maui Ocean Center offers an immersive and educational experience. Visitors can explore a living reef, encounter a vast diversity of marine life in the open ocean exhibit, and learn about humpback whales in a unique virtual simulation. Visit the center before a snorkeling or whale-watching excursion to give yourself a headstart on learning about the area’s marine life.
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