Lanai Snorkel Tours
Nine miles across the Au'au channel from West Maui lies the privately-owned island of Lanai. It was once the largest pineapple plantation in the world; now very little pineapple is grown there. The island's economy is centered around the two resort hotels - the Manele Bay Hotel and the Lodge at Ko'ele. Most visitors to the island come over for the day from the island of Maui. The island is very dry and doesn't have the lush beauty found in Maui's rainforests, but Lanai has the longest stretch of coral reef in Hawaii. But the biggest attraction of Lanai is the large pod of Spinner Dolphins frequently encountered on Lanai's southern coast ... watching these marine mammals in their natural environment will surely be one of your most memorable vacation highlights!
Makai Adventures Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Adventures
$193.17 per Adult, $170.43 per Child (4-12) (Hawaii sales tax included)
Escape the crowds of Lahaina and explore the pristine waters of Lana'i with Makai Adventures! This 4 hour tour is offered April through November on Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30am - 11:30am. Their NEW boat, Kaiao, is a comfortable and spacious small boat that features easy ocean access with a large swim step, dual swim stairs, cushioned seats, on-board restroom, freshwater shower, dry storage, flotation gear, and 50/50 shaded seating. You will depart from Mala Wharf, which was not damaged during the Lahaina fire. Makai adventures provides you with the top of the line Cressi brand snorkeling gear and fins ensuring the most comfortable snorkeling experience. They also have extension poles for gopro cameras if you need one!
Cruise across the 'Au'Au Channel to the island of Lana'i, and sit back and enjoy while their Captain points out sites along the way. Lana'i is home to remote coastlines with sea caves, miles of sea cliffs, blowholes, sea caves and arches, King Kamehameha The Great's favorite fishing grounds, ancient Hawaiian burial sites, and many of Hawaii's best coral reefs. You will stop at the Captain's choice of the best 2-3 snorkel sites based on the day's conditions making each trip unique. Above the water, keep an eye out for humpback whales and dolphins. Watch Lanai's resident pod of dolphins ride the bow wave and do acrobatic tricks. You may see Spinner dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, or the elusive spotted dolphins! Under the surface, swim with turtles, schools of fish, and colorful coral.
Before heading back to Lahaina and anchored in a remote cove, you will be served a deli lunch. Soft drinks and ice cold water, and you are welcome to bring own alcoholic drinks for after snorkeling. To keep plastic out of our oceans, they provide a 5-gallon jug of ice cold water for you to refill your reusable water bottles or use the provided paper cups.
They recommend wearing your swimsuit, and bringing a towel, sunscreen (no spray sunscreen), hat, sunglasses, camera, reusable water bottle and a light jacket or sweater. You can also bring a wetsuit top or sun protective clothing. If you need a speciality mask such as a prescription mask, rent one at a snorkel shops before your trip.
The minimum age for this tour is 4, and it is not suitable for anyone with back or neck injuries or problems, or for pregnant women.
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Cruise Ship Clients
NCL cruise ship passengers in Kahului are NOT able to do the Makai Lanai Snorkel as they do not operate on the days that your ship is in port.
Lahaina cruise ship passengers can do any of these tours as long as you are in port on the correct day of the week.
ACTIVITY TIPS
A Lanai dolphin adventure is a must-do on my list of Maui activities. If you have time for two snorkel boat tours, go to Molokini and Lanai. If you only have time for one, go to Lanai!!! The reef there is just as good as Molokini (better in places) with lots of fish and turtles ... and there are a lot less people.
Lanai trips are definitely a good way to go for people staying in the West Maui area (Kapalua, Kahana, Honokowai, Kaanapali, and Lahaina). Lanai trips leave from Lahaina, so much less driving is involved than most of the Molokini boats.
While none of the Lanai trips GUARANTEE dolphin sightings, it is unusual to not encounter dolphins along the south coast of Lanai. Your chances of seeing dolphins is in the 75-80% range on any given day.
Lots of people ask if they can swim with the dolphins. The honest answer is "probably not." Snorkel tours have to be very cautious in approaching dolphins ... they are protected marine mammals. Once in a while a boat will stop to snorkel and the dolphins will approach out of curiosity. If this happens, enjoy the moment ... you are truly blessed. Don't plan on it happening. You will likely see plenty of activity just watching them from the boat ... the large pod of spinner dolphins at Lanai is very active. You will likely witness acrobatic behavior and dolphins will probably swim on both sides of the bow of the boat just a few feet away from you.