Private Charters
Do you want experience that Hawaiian waters and sights without the crowds? Your customizable private charter awaits you! Choose where you want to go, what you want to do, and what time you'd like to depart. A private charter gives you the ability to enjoy a day on the water with just your immediate friends and family! Sailing into the sunset cruise, powerboat to world class snorkel destination, enter sea caves in a zodiac raft, enjoy bottom fishing and catch dinner ... there are options here to do all of those things.
A few things that all these boats will have in common:
1) A captain / crew will be included with these rates. The exact size of your crew will depend upon the size of the boat and the number in your party.
2) Crew gratuity is not included in these rates, and they do work in the service industry and rely on the generosity of those who have received great service for a significant portion of their income. Just like a waiter in a restaurant ... we suggest a 15-20% gratuity paid onboard to the crew if you are happy with their service.
3) The maximum capacity for each boat includes ALL passengers regardless of age. A party of four adults and three children can't go on a boat that is only licensed for 6 passengers, no matter how little the kids are. A person is a person for state boat license requirements.
Aloha Kai - 27 foot power catamaran
Aloha Kai is a great affordable choice for a small family private charter. Catamaran-styled hull provides a more stable ride and the vessel features 60% shade coverage.
Maximum Capacity: 6 Guests
Departs: Mala Boat Ramp in Lahaina
$1,155.39 per 2.5 Hour, $4.00 per 1848.64 (Hawaii sales tax included)
Crew Gratuity of 15% is also included in this rate.Minimum Length: 2 hours for whale watching or sightseeing, 3 hours for snorkeling
Restrictions: Minimum age 3 ... no one with neck or back injuries and no one pregnant
Changes / Cancellations: Minimum notice is 48 hours prior to charter
Wiki Wahine - 27 foot Rigid Hull Inflatable
Wiki Wahine is a great size for medium-sized groups or extended family outings. She is large enough to be comfortable but small enough to provide an adventurous ride.
Maximum Capacity: 18 Guests
Departs: Lahaina Harbor
$985.94 per 2 Hour, $1,971.87 per 4 Hour, $2,957.81 per 6 Hour (Hawaii sales tax included)
Crew Gratuity of 15% is also included in this rate.BYOB for Alcohol?: Yes, alcohol permitted to be brought on board but no glass containers
Minimum Length: 2 hours for whale watching or sightseeing, 3 hours for Maui snorkeling, 5 hours for Lanai
Restrictions: Minimum age 3 ... no one with neck or back injuries and no one pregnant
Changes / Cancellations: Minimum notice is 48 hours prior to charter
Wahine Kai - 43 foot Rigid Hull Inflatable
Wahine Kai is the largest Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat available for private charter. The vessel features an easy-access swim platform at the stern, and a marine head on board.
Maximum Capacity: 26 Guests
Departs: Lahaina Harbor
$0.00 per (Hawaii sales tax included)
Crew Gratuity of 15% is also included in this rate.BYOB for Alcohol?: Yes, alcohol permitted to be brought on board but no glass containers
Minimum Length: 2 hours for whale watching or sightseeing, 3 hours for Maui snorkeling, 5 hours for Lanai
Restrictions: Minimum age 3 ... no one with neck or back injuries and no one pregnant
Changes / Cancellations: Minimum notice is 48 hours prior to charter
Kainani - 45 foot Beneteau Oceanis Sailboat
Kainani is a fantastic value in a private charter, and offers a true blue water sailing experience. We recommend a 5 hour charter to allow ample time to enjoy snorkeling, and the sailing along the way. This is a more leisurely trip and offers you the chance to learn a bit about sailing!
Maximum Capacity: 6 Guests
Departs: Kaanapali Beach ... guests ride a tender vessel from the beach, and you will likely get a bit wet during the transfer
$1,503.44 per 3 Hours, $2,004.59 per 4 Hours, $2,505.74 per 5 Hours, $3,006.89 per 6 Hours (Hawaii sales tax included)
BYOB for Alcohol?: Yes, alcohol permitted to be brought on board
Minimum Length: 3 hours for whale watching or sightseeing, 4 hours for snorkeling (but we recommend 5)
Changes / Cancellations: Minimum notice is 7 days prior to charter
Kainalu - 37 Foot Speedboat
Kainalu is a deep-V hull and 12' beam ... designed for a smooth ride and spacious deck. Vessel is equipped with a marine head. Great selection of destinations and activities ... whale watch, snorkel, or fishing available (fishing by request with advanced notice).
Maximum Capacity: 20 Guests
Departs: Lahaina Harbor
$1,709.99 per 2 Hours, $2,849.98 per 4 Hours, $3,989.97 per 6 Hours (Hawaii sales tax included)
BYOB for Alcohol?: Yes, alcohol permitted to be brought on board but no glass containers
Minimum Length: 2 hours for whale watching or sightseeing, 3 hours for snorkeling, 5 hours for Lanai
Restrictions: Minimum age 3 ... no one with neck or back injuries and no one pregnant
Changes / Cancellations: Minimum notice is 7 days prior to charter
Cruise Ship Clients
NCL cruise ship passengers in Kahului are able to do private charters on either day in port. For all charters, we recommend a rental car as the drive to Kihei Boat Ramp is about 25 minutes, Lahaina Harbor is about 50 minutes, and Ka'anapali is about 60 minutes. Rental car rates vary throughout the year but start around $40 per day in low season; see our rental car page for more information.
Lahaina cruise ship passengers can do any of the private charters leaving from Lahaina Harbor (where your cruise ship tenders) or from Kaanapali. The charters that leave from the Kihei boat ramp aren't practical as it would require a rental car and a drive of about 45-50 minutes.
ACTIVITY TIPS
For those who don't mind spending a little more, private charters are a great way to experience Maui's ocean but completely avoid the crowds. It gives you the feeling of "owning the boat" for the day.You don't have to worry about crying babies on board, or, if you have crying babies, you don't have to worry about bothering other people on your excursion. Don't worry, the Captain will survive! And of course, given the "social distancing" that's a good idea these days, it can be a healthy alternative to a larger, crowded vessel.
The most important aspect of a private charter is to match your group size with the appropriate vessel. From a cost standpoint, it doesn't make sense for a party of 4 to reserve a charter on a boat that holds 18 people. Private charter boats start at 6 guest capacity, and go up from there.
The next thing to consider is the departure point. You probably want a departure that is close to your acommodations, however there are exceptions. If you are staying in Kaanapali but want a private charter to visit Molokini Crater, you are better off driving to Kihei. The Kaanapali sailboat charter is going to take a long time to go that far. If your goal is Lanai, we'd suggest leaving from Lahaina Harbor and not Kihei. Wherever your destination and departure points, make sure you book a long enough charter to get where you are going and allow yourself time to enjoy the snorkeling at your destination. Generally speaking, if your goal is to go out whale watching, 2 to 3 hours is sufficient. If you plan to snorkel and don't want to go far, 3 hours is the minimum we'd recommend. If you have a further destination in mind (like Lanai ... or Molokini if you are leaving from Lahaina ... we suggest 5 or 6 hours. And if you want to go out on the sailing charter, add an extra hour for sure. This vessel is going to travel at a more leisurely pace than a speedboat or one of the rafts.