A Hawaiian green sea turtle swimming over a coral reef

Kainani Sails · Private Snorkel Sail — Snorkel with your crew beside you.

Five hours under sail and in the water. Our crew is always in the water with you, for the best experience.

A snorkeler glides above a Hawaiian green sea turtle in clear blue water

Where we snorkel

Private Snorkel Sail

We sail to the best protected spot of the day along the west side of Maui, anywhere between Honolua Bay and Olowalu Reef. The captain picks the spot on the day: destinations depend on the weather and sea conditions, and even when it’s windy, our snorkel spots are protected.

Choose performance sailing in the Pailolo Channel or leeward sailing in the ʻAuʻau Channel, then swim with the Hawaiian green sea turtle, the honu, and the state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa. Keep a sharp lookout for spinner dolphins on the way.

Duration: 5 hours — we recommend 6Snorkel trips really take 6 hours to be at their best. Snorkeling is guaranteed on our 5-hour trips, and adding an hour (or more) is popular, especially in whale season.
Departs: Kaʻanapali Beach, 8:30 AMPrefer an afternoon trip ending with the sunset? Call to book. In front of Leilani’s at Whalers Village; the exact spot depends on beach conditions. Please arrive on time, and come earlier if you need to find parking.
Gear: All snorkel gear provided
Lunch: A catered lunch, includedWraps. Food allergies catered for.
Drinks: Bottled water, aloha juices and flavored seltzer waters, includedBYOB welcome — we don’t provide alcohol.
After: A hot shower on board
Rate: $599 per hourPlus taxes, fees and gratuity. Live availability on FareHarbor, or call (808) 495-1001.

Check availability Call (808) 495-1001

Aerial view of SV Kainani at anchor above the reef, two swimmers off the stern

A guided snorkel

First-timers and families welcome.

From experienced snorkelers to people who have never tried it, your in-water guide makes sure everyone is properly fitted with gear, then shows you the best of the reef. That’s why families often sail with us: when the kids need a little more attention or help with snorkeling, the crew is right there.

Back on deck, relax in the sunshine with lunch, rinse off in the hot shower, and take the helm on the way home if you feel up to it.

December – mid-April

Snorkel in whale season.

During humpback season, spend time whale watching and listen to them sing through our onboard hydrophone. Add an hour for more time with the whales — Keao recommends six hours with snorkeling.

Private Whale Watch

“We went for a half day excursion with Kainani Sails and it was one of the best things we chose to do on Maui. Everything you could want: sailing, snorkeling, whale-watching, and getting out into the ocean. We saw turtles, heard the whales from our snorkeling location, and made some unforgettable memories.”

Tracey N. · review quoted on kainanisails.com

Two sea turtles silhouetted against sunlight from below the surface

Good to know

Before you sail.

Wear easy-off sandals and shorts — we leave from the beach
Bring swimsuits and towels; we provide all the snorkel gear
Sunscreen, but no spray sunscreen, please
Need a prescription mask? Most snorkel shops rent them before your trip
Not included: suggested gratuity of 18–25%, by card, in cash or by Venmo

Weather: unsafe weather is the captain’s call, and if we see bad weather coming we call ahead to reschedule. Passing showers aren’t a reason to cancel.

Cancellations: you can cancel outside 7 days. If we have to cancel for any reason, you can reschedule or get a full refund. Trip protection is offered.

Before you sail & FAQs

Read: the Mala Wharf experience

Into the blue, together.

Check live availability for the Private Snorkel Sail, or call or text to plan an afternoon snorkel that ends with the sunset.

Check availability Call (808) 495-1001