Four Winds Molokini Maui Snorkel Tour — Attraction in Maui

First off the boat is down almost all the way on the harbor. Just keep going down. Parking is a bear so keep erroneous that in mind when determining what time you show up. Lots of other tours are leaving from the same area. There is handicapped parking in front of the boarding ramp and close by. Hawai’i has few handicapped spots. . The boat has a QR code on the ship so you can pay on the boat if you forget. There’s info at the ramp provided the “gotta be first” crowd will let you see it. Let them know you aren’t cutting they might let you see the stuff the company put out. Excellent people.

The crew was excellent. The trip was about half full so not too crowded. The boarding was well managed as was the off loading. There was a bunch of gotta be first blocking and crowding. Most folks didn’t listen but the crew handled it with firm courtesy. Breakfast consisted of Costco muffins and fruits salad. Coffee was surprisingly good. You don’t want much more than that if you are jumping into the ocean with a bunch of semi-skilled snorkelers. It was whale watching season so we saw many whales. The were mainly from a distance as the focus was on getting to Molokini. The instructions were very to the point. I have ambulatory issues so a member of the crew was very gracious and got me my set up. We had to wait to get up our mooring as several whales were rudely making understand that they had the right of way. The crew handled this delay so it wasn’t an issue to the gotta get going crowd.

The snorkel wasn’t the best. There were swells and stuff plus lot of boats. There were t a lot of fish. The wife made me wear a float belt as this was an experiment to see how I handled it. I’m an old school certified diver but I’ve lost some basic balance and motor abilities. As such I wasn’t able to quite handle the swells. I still very Much enjoyed what I did accomplish.

It is here that I would like to comment on the crew. Did I mention the crew was excellent? A woman ahead of me who is recovering from cancer treatment was helped into the water before me. They waited until an uncooperative family was in the water to assist this woman into the water. The crew lustrned to her family barking orders. They made sure she was safely and comfortably in the water. They helped me even correcting me when I tested my mask for fit. I used my nose this was done with candor. I was unable to stay too long in the water due to my own physical (medical) issues. They assisted me into the boat while being very positive. Not all crew are this talented.

Lunch was very good. The additives were laid out in a clean and orderly manner. The cook/bartender handled kids, old farts like me along with the assorted “gotta be first” crowd. The wife said the barbecued chick sandwich was very good. I had the pulled pork, also very good. Lots of stuff to put on the vegan burger. Lettuce, slices of tomato relish, onion, dill pickles, peppercini, and the usual squeeze bottles of condiments.

Did I mention the crew was excellent? In the way back the captain helped with some whale watching. Coming and going the various folks were treated well. The photographer was pretty professional taking and organizing family, couple photos etc. The photographer added a bunch of photos she took of fish and stuff. I can see those photos being used as a slide show on my TV. The wife did the right thing and tipped. These...

We have been on many snorkel cruises on most of the islands, and they are among the very best. If you have kids (and even if you don't), this is the snorkel tour you should be on. It's #1 no question.

We have two kids, a timid/reserved 7 year old and an adventurous 3 year old. Let me tell you now, they both loved it!

The crew were extremely friendly, helpful and accommodating. Both of our kids used the flotation device that kept them safely above the water, but still able to look at the sealife below through the "window". The crew helped getting them in and out of the water.

It was a very clear and smooth day, and we were able to snorkel right along the ridge of Molokini's crater, where there was so much sealife to view.

We had more than enough time to snorkel, and never felt rushed. The food was cooked on the way out in a charcoal grill, and by the time you finish snorkeling you will definitely be hungry!

I'm giving this crew 5 stars, and would rate them 100/100. I'd rate the ownership probably more like a 90/100. Here are a few areas I think will be good to know, and also a bit of feedback for the ownership. Because the crew was outstanding. None of the items below are controlled by the crew. These are ownership decisions.

Wetsuit Jacket: You actually had to pay $10 per person if you wanted one. If you want to snorkel the full amount you pretty much need one. All other tours on all other islands I've done, this was included in the tour rate so I think this was a miss. Or just add it in to the cost of the ticket. It's just a bit tacky.

Photography: They had an underwater photographer coming around and taking photos under the water, ours was Harold. We've been at a lot of these, so it's pretty common that would be an ad-on at the end. If you liked your photos you could get the digital copies. I was very surprised this was $85. I think this is a big miss. The work has already been done, the photos are digital. This is something you want everyone to purchase. It's got to be in the $25-30 range to be tempting. We would have loved to get our photos, but couldn't justify nearly $100.

Snuba: There was a snuba instructor (scuba + snorkel) at the beginning, and it was right at the start so it was a little confusing. It was initially sounding like they were a member of the crew and offering this service as part of the trip, but it was another $120 option. But she'd only stay if 3+ people did it. Sort of an old school sales tactic that didn't seem to mesh with the rest of the crew's vibe. Ours had no takers (unsurprisingly) so she departed.

So it seems ownership had a couple of business partnerships that sort of advertise their service on this tour.

But I can't stress enough, the crew is awesome. The experience is out of this world. And it's the most kid friendly tour I've...

We did an afternoon 3.5 hr snorkel tour in April. We were lucky it did actually go to the Molokini crater island.

I was hesitant to book the full 5 hr morning one, unsure how our kids (ages 7 & 9) would like it.

Overall absolutely fantastic experience! The crew is so friendly, engaging, and attentive to all: old and young! It was our first ever snorkel tour with the kids, but certainly won’t be our last. They handed out size appropriate gear (snorkel/mask, fins to match exact shoe size) during the ride there to save time. I was in between sizes and he was very kind to get me to try the other size when one was too tight. The kid appropriate gear was fantastic. From tiny fins and masks, even offered different sizes life vest. Not just those adjustable one fits all, but much better fitted ones for younger kids. Same with the wetsuits (small fee) - they found some that fit like a glove for both of our kiddoes. For me (adult female) water was comfortable temperature, so don’t think adults really need wet suits for this, but kids do get chilly. Our younger one, although proficient snorkeler/swimmer, even in wetsuit did get cold. I was coming back to the boat with him, when the crew also offered him their rafts, where child lies atop and looks through a window. Calling it a “rocketship”, he was sold, so we could go back out again. He was warmer lying atop a raft and parent could navigate him while snorkeling and he saw fishies through the window while resting atop where it was warmer. This pleasantly extended the experience for us. I can see how these rafts for younger kids, who could not snorkel, would be even more beneficial.

The underwater photography was great memories to take home (extra fee).

We only peeked at the glass bottom, as it was only open when we were stationary when others snorkeled, and you could not go in there wet (safety not to make it slippery). And snorkeling up close took priority for us. But another option if your little one is afraid to go out on those floating rafts with windows.

Side note: lunch served only after crew has anchored the boat, and given out snorkel lesson. So for 1:30-5 pm, it was around 3 pm. Just something to consider to ensure kiddoes eat lunch/snack earlier and not expecting 1:30 pm food.

Food is high quality: fish and pork tacos (vegetarian options available, and 2 kinds of salads, as well as hot dogs.

Water served throughout. Alcohol served after water activity concludes and prior to coming back to shore.

Cookies (for all) and kids temp tattoos at the end.

All in all, very family friendly, and witty fun for adults...