Where do charters launch from?

Most private charters depart from boat ramps and marinas in Kihei; confirm the exact meeting point when you book.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Policies vary—ask the operator whether masks, snorkels, and fins are included or available to rent.

Can children join these trips?

Yes, many private charters welcome children; check minimum age, lifejacket availability, and safety briefings in advance.

When is the best time to see humpback whales?

Humpback season typically runs from late fall through early spring; book winter trips for a better chance at sightings.

What should I do to protect the reef?

Use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching coral or taking marine life, and follow guidance from your crew at all times.

How far in advance should I book a private charter?

Book as early as possible during high season (winter and summer) to secure preferred dates and crew; last-minute spots can be limited.

Private Charters from Kihei: Custom Maui Boat Tours & Snorkel Adventures

Out on the water off Kihei on Maui’s sunny southwest shore, -------- Private Charters --------- runs private boat experiences that put you where the island’s marine life and geology are most immediate. Choose a morning snorkel to Molokini Crater, a customized reef tour, or a sunset cruise that slides past lava-studded headlands. The departure point is Kihei, Hawaii, a practical home base for visitors staying on the south shore.

These private charters carve a personal route through volcanic seascapes: black basalt cliffs, remnant lava shelves, and shallow coral gardens that shelter green sea turtles and reef fish. Molokini’s crescent caldera and its steep, clear walls are a focal point for visibility and schooling fish; nearershore, the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve offers tidepools and exposed lava formations for a quieter snorkel. During winter months, look offshore for humpback whales that migrate into Maui’s warm waters.

What sets this outfitter apart is the flexibility of a private booking—no crowds, adaptable timing to light and wind, and room to tailor stops for snorkeling, freediving practice, or photography. Guides can point out unique features: branching eleuthera corals, urchin gardens, and the delicate black coral that grows in deeper pockets. On a well-run private charter you’ll learn the local etiquette—how to surface away from turtles and where to step back from fragile bommies.

Practicalities matter: expect sea conditions that change with trade winds; captains choose launch windows from Kihei to maximize calm water. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a light wind shell, and a reusable water bottle. These trips typically range from half-day snorkels to evening sails, and are ideal for families, small groups, or photographers who need time to compose shots without shuffle-board crowding.

Beyond the boat, these charters connect to Maui’s broader outdoor scene—Haleakala’s eroded summit landscapes and the island’s ancient fishpond systems are only part of the story; on the water you see the geological forces shaping shorelines and the ongoing resilience of reef life. For visitors who want a focused marine experience that respects the ocean and supports local stewardship, a private charter out of Kihei is one of the clearest ways to read Maui’s marine story.

Before you book, ask about passenger capacity, whether snorkel gear and flotation devices are included, and how the captain adjusts the route for sea state and marine protection zones. If you’re photographing, request extra time at calmer bays or a drift through eelgrass pockets at slow speed. Expect crew to brief you on coral-safe behavior and wildlife distance rules; reputable charters will brief on how to avoid contact with reef organisms. For travelers based in Kihei, these private departures shave transit time, maximize water minutes, and create a memorable day that fits into a Maui itinerary.

About Makena Coast Charters

Makena Coast Charters operates from Wailuku, Hawaii, offering guided snorkel trips, sunset sails, whale-watching excursions, and private charters around South Maui and Molokini. The company runs a small fleet that includes the authentic Hawaiian-built catamaran Winona, the Makena Mele II, and a private raft boat used for custom charters. Trips highlight Molokini Crater, Turtle Town (Kihei Turtle Town), and departures for whale watching from Maalaea Harbor during peak season.

Each experience provides gear, on-board guidance, and attentive crew service. Snorkel trips feature beginner-friendly instruction, complimentary snacks, and opportunities to see Hawaiian green sea turtles, vibrant coral, and tropical fish. Whale-watching cruises include hydrophone listening and narrated sightings during the December through March humpback migration. Private charters are customizable for celebrations, weddings, family outings, and corporate events, with options for tailored menus, island-style music, and beverage service. Vessel descriptions, durations, and passenger capacities vary by trip offering; details are listed per experience to match group needs. Makena Coast Charters emphasizes Aloha hospitality, local knowledge of Maui waters, and personalized attention on every outing. Safety briefings, equipment fitting, and crew support are standard components of the guest experience. Guests can choose half-day and multi-hour options, including focused snorkeling adventures and flexible private sails. Reservations and specific itinerary questions are handled through the company's booking channels, and trip pages list accurate times, departure points, and inclusions. Trip durations range from two-hour snorkels to five-hour private charters, and sunset sails and custom itineraries are listed with each trip description for accurate planning needs today.

Private Charters from Kihei: Custom Maui Boat Tours & Snorkel Adventures

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