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Hire Your Own Boat and Crew

Private Charters

Private Charters are currently unavailable for the foreseeable future due to the damage Lahaina Harbor sustained during the 8/8/2023 fire. For the latest on West Maui's recovery and the availability of tours, see our Lahaina Fire Recovery page.


Description

Experience the Hawaiian waters and sights without the crowds on one of these amazing and customizable private charters! You can choose where you want to go, what time you'd like to depart, and what you want to do! A personal captain and crew is at your disposal. And while most people will snorkel on a private charter, you can also do other things too ... dolphin and whale watching, sunset cruise, sightseeing along the coastline ... on longer charters even go to Molokini or to Lanai!

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.

Most of these vessels operate group tours too, so in order to arrange a private charter you need to request a date FAR IN ADVANCE. If they already have confirmed reservations for space on group tours on your date, they won't be able to accommodate your request for a private charter.


BOATS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE CHARTERS


ALOHA KAI - 27 foot powered catamaran

Aloha Kai is a great affordable choice for a small family private charter to snorkel destinations along the West Maui coastline or to go whale watching between Maui and Lanai. The minimum charter length is 2 hours for whale watching or sightseeing, or 3 hours for snorkeling.

Depart from: Mala Boat Ramp in Lahaina

Capacity: 6 guests plus crew

Gear provided: Reefsafe sunscreen, snorkel gear. Catering options available for breakfast and snacks ($10pp) and lunch ($5pp)

BYOB for Alcohol: Yes, alcohol permitted to be brought on board but no glass containers.

Restrictions: Minimum age 3. No one with neck or back injuries and no one pregnant.

Cancellation Policy: Minimum notice 48 hours before the start of the charter.

Gratuity: A crew gratuity of 15% is INCLUDED the rates quoted below.

Aloha Kai Private Charter Rate (ULT4p)

$739.45 per 2 Hour, $1,109.18 per 3 Hour, $1,478.90 per 4 Hour, $1,848.63 per 5 Hour, $2,218.36 per 6 Hour   (Hawaii sales tax included)


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. The minimum charter length is 2 hours for whale watching or sightseeing, or 3 hours for snorkeling … 5 hours if you'd like to cross the channel for a trip to Lanai.

Depart from: Lahaina Harbor

Capacity: 18 guests plus crew

Gear provided: Reefsafe sunscreen, snorkel gear. Catering options available for breakfast and snacks ($10pp) and lunch ($5pp).

BYOB for Alcohol: Yes, alcohol permitted to be brought on board but no glass containers.

Restrictions: Minimum age 3. No one with neck or back injuries and no one pregnant.

Cancellation Policy: Minimum notice 48 hours before the start of the charter.

Gratuity: A crew gratuity of 15% is INCLUDED the rates quoted below.

Wiki Wahine Private Charter Rate (ULT5p)

$985.94 per 2 Hour, $1,478.90 per 3 Hour, $1,971.87 per 4 Hour, $2,464.84 per 5 Hour, $2,957.81 per 6 Hour   (Hawaii sales tax included)


WAHINE KAI - 43 foot rigid hull inflatable

Wahine Kai is the largest Rigid Hull Inflatable available for private charter. The vessel features an easy-access swim platform at the stern and a marine head on board. The minimum charter length is 2 hours for whale watching or sightseeing, or 3 hours for snorkeling … 5 hours if you'd like to cross the channel for a trip to Lanai.

Depart from: Lahaina Harbor

Capacity: 24 guests plus crew

Gear provided: Reefsafe sunscreen, snorkel gear. Catering options available for breakfast and snacks ($10pp) and lunch ($5pp)

BYOB for Alcohol: Yes, alcohol permitted to be brought on board but no glass containers.

Restrictions: Minimum age 3. No one with neck or back injuries and no one pregnant.

Cancellation Policy: Minimum notice 48 hours before the start of the charter.

Gratuity: A crew gratuity of 15% is INCLUDED the rates quoted below.

Wahine Kai Private Charter Rate (ULT6p)

$1,355.67 per 2 Hour, $2,033.50 per 3 Hour, $2,711.32 per 4 Hour, $3,389.16 per 5 Hour, $3,536.51 per 6 Hour   (Hawaii sales tax included)


MAKAI ADVENTURES SAILBOAT - 43 foot Beneteau Oceanis

Makai Adventures is a Maui owned and operated business. Along with first class service, their crew loves sharing information about marine life, Hawaiian history, and local knowledge. The Captains have US Coast Guard licenses and certifications, and the entire team is First Aid & CPR certified. They also provide a naturalist & in-water guide who will give you personalized instructions in the water. Makai Adventures' sailing boat, Kainani, is perfect for those who want to experience the thrill of a sailing adventure. You and your party can enjoy the sights, relax on the bow, or learn how to sail! Kainani features a shaded cockpit, swim step, 3 cabins, solar power, and 2 bathrooms. Relaxing sunset sails, snorkeling and sailing trips, thrilling performance sails, multi-day, live-aboard adventures…anything is possible!

Depart from: Kaanapapli Beach

Capacity: 6 guests plus crew

Gear provided: Highest quality Cressi Brand snorkel gear, dry snorkels, frameless masks, adjustable fins, and optional flotation belts.

BYOB for Alcohol: Yes, alcohol permitted to be brought on board.

Restrictions: Minimum age 3. No one with neck or back injuries and no one pregnant.

Cancellation Policy: Minimum notice 7 full days before the start of the charter.

Note: The sailboat departs from Ka'anapali beach, and they load onto a zodiac first. Guests must be able to walk through the sand and climb a short ladder. If you would like to be picked up from Lahaina Harbor instead, they need to be notified at least a week in advance to arrange it.

Kainani Private Sailing Charter Rate (MAKAI6)

$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)


MAKAI ADVENTURES POWERBOAT- 37 foot custom vessel

Along with their sailing vessel mentioned above, Makai Adventures also offers a private charter aboard their powerboat, Kainalu (ocean wave). This vessel was custom built for small group experiences, and it is 12 feet across, which is more comfortable than any other raft. Kainalu has a smoother ride, back rests, cushioned seats, and you can effortlessly move around the vessel. Other features include a large swim step, swim stairs, on board restroom and a freshwater shower. The possibilities are endless with Makai Adventures… Whale watching, sightseeing, snorkeling! This private charter is perfect for a group activity, memorable family getaway, or just a brand new adventure!

Depart from: Lahaina Harbor

Capacity: 20 guests plus crew

Gear provided: Highest quality Cressi Brand snorkel gear, dry snorkels, frameless masks, adjustable fins, and optional flotation belts.

BYOB for Alcohol: Yes, alcohol permitted to be brought on board but no glass containers.

Restrictions: Minimum age 3. No one with neck or back injuries and no one pregnant.

Cancellation Policy: Minimum notice 48 hours before the start of the charter.

Makai Adventures Powerboat Private Charter Rate (MAKAI4)

$1,709.99 per 2 Hours, $2,849.98 per 4 Hours, $3,989.97 per 6 Hours   (Hawaii sales tax included)


Kevin at Falls

Kevin's Activity Tips:

Private charters are a great way to get out on the water without worrying about the social distancing issues aboard larger vessels. It is pricey though to go this route, UNLESS your group size happens to perfectly match the capacity of the boat ... that's when these private charters start to become affordable.

The other issue though with private charters is that most of these boats are also operating a daily schedule for public (group) tours. In order to reserve the boat for yourself, you have to plan ahead enough (weeks or months usually) to secure a date when they don't already have some seats sold on a group tour. We do have other boats available to hire out as a private charter, but this list is a good one for extended family groups. If you've got a larger party and need a boat with greater capacity than these vessels, contact us and we'll find a larger boat for you.