About this experience
The first boat on the crater, and the only tour that gets you there before anyone else does.
Kai Kanani loads off the beach at Maluaka in Mākena rather than a harbor, which puts the boat closer to Molokini than any other operator. You leave at 6:15 a.m. and you are in the water while the crater is still empty - about 45 minutes of snorkeling in water that can run 150 to 200 feet of visibility, before the Māʻalaea fleet arrives.
After the crater the 65-foot catamaran moves to the Mākena coast to snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles, then cruises home. Coffee, hot chocolate and warm cinnamon rolls on the way out; frittata, breakfast sausage, potatoes and an open bar with mimosas after you swim. You are back on the beach by 9:45 a.m. with the whole day still ahead of you.
Honest trade-off: it is an early alarm, and boarding is a wet-feet beach load from a shore boat, not a dock. If you would rather sleep in and see the reef in full midday light, take the Signature Deluxe instead.
Highlights
- Launching from Makena, Kai Kanani is the first snorkel boat into Molokini each morning
- About 45 minutes of pristine solitude in water with up to 200 feet of visibility
- Sunrise over Haleakala and the Big Island from the water
- Maui Coffee Roasters coffee, Ghirardelli hot chocolate and warm cinnamon rolls to start
- Second stop at Turtle Town to swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles
Photos
What's included
- Two guided snorkel stops and all gear
- Round-trip resort transportation
- Breakfast courses aboard, from cinnamon rolls through parfait and fruit
- 65-foot luxury catamaran
Not included
- Gratuity
- Alcohol beyond included service (photo ID required)
- Items purchased onboard
Where you'll meet
Early resort pickup in the Wailea/Makena area, then beach loading at Maluaka Beach, Makena, Maui.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation: 48 hours' notice for 1-4 guests, 7 days for 5-9 guests, 14 days for 10 or more.
A 7% service fee is added at checkout — shown in full before you pay.