I gave the Maui Magic Molokini Snorkel Tour 5 stars because that is Google's limit, but they deserve 10! I was on a solo trip to Maui last week and wanted to snorkel the Molokini crater. As far as I could tell, the Maui Magic (sister to the Four Winds II) was the only game in town. They were incredibly courteous on the phone confirming my reservation and even refunded me a portion upon learning I was coming from Oahu (Kamaaina).
I did hit a snag with parking, but this is in NO WAY the fault of the Maui Magic. Just as an FYI for future travelers...There is a "harbor parking" lot when you first get there on the left. It's a pain in the butt because the machine is broken and you need to download an app. It's not exceptionally expensive ($2.50 for 5 hours or $5.00 for 10), but after arriving at the boat slip, the Maui Magic peeps were awesome and actually let me know I could park for free right there. So, definitely call or check in w/ them if you go, just to save a couple bucks.
They will let you know to wear your mask in/out of the harbor, so make sure to bring one. Also, no aerosol sunscreen! This makes the deck slippery and unsafe for people moving around.
About the tour itself: It's about 5-6 hours and includes the cruise up to Molokini, snorkel time, cruise to a 2nd spot at Captain's discretion, lunch, and cruise time back. Now, MOLOKINI CRATER WAS AMAZING!!! They give you ample time to explore and the water is so amazingly blue and clear. There are lots of fish and also different colored and formed corals. We were also the only boat that anchored and I think there was only 1 other boat coming in as we departed. Now is the time to go!!
The second spot was also lovely and common for sea turtles. I personally didn't see any, but another woman spotted a baby turtle off the side of the boat. At this point, the crew also set up a metal slide. The kids on the boat LOVED IT. It was at this spot that we had lunch.
About the food: AMAAAAZING! When you first leave the harbor, they have non-alcoholic beverages available, plus muffins and fruit plates. After Molokini, they also handed out veggies with ranch. For lunch: burger or hot dog (there's probably also a veggie option). I got a hot dog, but lemme tell you, those burgers looked huge and delicious. They also had a few extras at the end, so don't worry that you'll go hungry. They also had chips and at this point you could get alcoholic beverages (no extra cost)! They had beer, hard seltzer, and wine. They ALSO walked around with chocolate chip cookies and mai tais.
I was in heaven, haha! There's also a bathroom on board, which was so useful. Just remember, you can't flush anything! They'll go over all the "head" protocol with you before leaving the harbor.
It was such a fun experience for me, being from Oahu. I loved Maui and other than Haleakala, this was my FAVORITE activity. So much bang for your buck and genuinely the nicest crew ever. Even the other passengers (a mix from Oahu and Maui) were so sweet and fun. We all had a blast.
Definitely consider giving the Maui Magic a shot!!! With tourists out until September, they could really use the help from us locals. I will be trying to go out again in the next month or two.
MAHALO Maui Magic!!!
P.S. I had some last minute travel changes and called to see if I could move my rez from the 16th to the 18th, the day of my departure. The office staff was incredibly kind and did it lickety-split with no issues. They are really very courteous and...
Read moreMy family and I booked the 5 hour Mokolini snorkel activity and we were so impressed! At first I thought for a family with small children (Ages 8 and 4) that the 5 hours would be too long. However, by the end of it, my 8 year old asked why it didn't feel like 5 hours.....well, that's what happens when your having fun! The tour started with friendly greetings, breakfast of tasty muffins and fresh fruit. We learned about Hawaiian culture, including the blowing of the shell horns while we moved closer and closer to Mokolini. We went snorkel at the Mokolini reef which was amazing and fully supplied with snorkeling gear from toddler sized to children to adults. They were completely equipped with everything you could need for a great trip. We received mid morning snack of veggies and dip. The next stop was at turtle town were you could also snorkel, but this is wear they brought out the slide right off the front of the boat and all the kids had a blast sliding into the ocean again and again. We got a really tasty lunch of freshly grilled burgers, hotdogs, chips and drinks, including adult beverages. On the way back to the harbor we got chocolate chip cookies, and strong Mai Tais to top the experience off. All the while, the Captain and her crew was sooo friendly, attentative, and knowledgeable and so so chill. It must be mentioned also that this was a great mixed experience for the family and the individual couples. Not one time did I feel uncomfortable or like we were a bother to have our children on board. This was such a wonderful, relaxing, and memorable experience that was totally worth every penny. This is a smaller boat compared to some others, but they definitely do not fall short and I believe this is how they give such great attention and service to all those aboard. This is a 5 star...
Read moreGoogle reviews helped with our initial decision to choose Maui Magic for our snorkeling excursion and they lived up to their rating. Some quick logistical notes: When you book the trip online, don't forget to complete your waiver. We were staying in Kaanapali and it took us 28 minutes to drive there at 6am. There is parking, but not free. About $6 for 5-6 hours. You can pay online or at pay station. Credit card only. Bring cash for tipping the crew after if you are as happy as we were. They rent wet suits, but if you have, bring your own. You don't really need unless you are going to "SNUBA." Wear a swim shirt to prevent sunburn along with sunscreen. Bring a towel and sunglasses. You won't need water shoes as you won't get to the ocean floor. Trip details: -We were lucky in that the boat seats 45-50, but there were only around 13 fellow passengers. -After getting seated, a light breakfast is served buffet style (variety of muffins, fruit and coffee). -They provided a quick safety brief and off we went. -About 30 minutes out to Molokini Crater and you are quickly in the water. Water was a lot less cold than we expected. Visibility was extensive. In our 40 minutes, we saw a lot of different varieties of fish. -Next, we cruised over to the Maui coast (near Wailea). We snorkeled another 30 minutes or so and saw sea turtles. -After finishing, we were treated to fresh grilled cheeseburgers (Get the Maui Wowi). -They also serve beverages ( beer, wine, and sodas). -On the trip back, we saw an enormous pod of dolphins (100+). -The trip back was a little choppy, so keep your personal items contained. -We returned exactly when they said we would (around 5 hours total). -Trip was fantastic and the crew was friendly and attentive. We...
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