Luxury on the Water: The Best Private Boat Tours in Maui

Whether you're dreaming of snorkeling with the green Hawaiian sea turtles, watching humpback whales breach during the winter season, or imagining a sunset kiss with champagne, adventuring Maui by sea offers something truly magical for everyone.

At Maui Resort Rentals, your time in Hawaii should be nothing short of amazing. As a locally owned and operated vacation rental company, our team is made up of long-time Maui residents who live and breathe the aloha spirit. We help guests find the perfect vacation home, from beachfront estates to resort-zoned condos. Our mission is to make every Maui vacation seamless, memorable, and uniquely local by also sharing our insider recommendations on what to do while you're here.

In this guide, we've curated our top picks for private boat tours in Maui. Whether you're planning a surprise escape, a family sail, or a corporate event, each of these hand-selected operators offers exclusive Maui boat experiences. All combine world-class service with unforgettable ocean adventures.

Ali'i Nui Sailing Charters: High-End Catamaran Adventures with Five-Star Service

When it comes to Maui luxury boat tours, Ali'i Nui Sailing Charters sets a pretty high bar. Their immaculate 65-foot sailing catamaran offers multiple charter options that blend adventure and indulgence. Guests can enjoy a Molokini snorkel sail, complete with premium snorkel gear and a gourmet breakfast and lunch spread. Or they can opt for the Sunset Dinner Sail, which features a five-course fine dining experience on the water, perfect for romantic evenings or special celebrations.

Their Turtles & Tacos Snorkel Sail is another fan favorite, bringing you face-to-face with Maui's gorgeous marine life, followed by a gourmet taco lunch. Many of their tours conveniently depart from Maʻalaea Harbor and select private charters may even pick up right from Kaʻanapali Beach, making them a perfect fit for guests staying in one of our Kaʻanapali resort rentals or at the Ka'anapali Beach Estate.

Ali'i Nui is perfect for those seeking a high-end boat tour in Maui with top-notch hospitality, gourmet cuisine, and the kind of professional crew that elevates your entire vacation experience.

Best for: Luxury travelers, couples, group celebrations

Pride of Maui: Versatile, Eco-Conscious & Ideal for Events

Are you looking for a charter that can handle larger groups without sacrificing service or sustainability? Pride of Maui has you covered. With two exceptional vessels available for Maui private charters, the spacious Pride of Maui and the sleek 'Elua, this operator is ideal for weddings, corporate events, and big family outings.

'Elua stands out as one of the best and newest luxury catamarans on Maui, complete with a stylish interior and an air-conditioned main cabin. The VIP cabin is perfect for relaxing in comfort between snorkeling, whale watching, or sunset cruising. Meanwhile, the original Pride of Maui is a spacious, eco-conscious vessel with a devoted and knowledgeable crew.

From reef-safe sunscreen to reef-safe practices, Pride of Maui is serious about protecting the ocean. You'll enjoy a seamless experience from check-in to disembarkation, and guests often remark on the professionalism and warmth of the staff. 

Best for: Larger groups, weddings, corporate events

Maui Pacific Divers: Custom Dive & Ocean Discovery 

For certified divers and marine life enthusiasts, Maui Pacific Divers delivers a boutique-style boating experience unlike any other on Maui. Owned and operated by a passionate husband-and-wife team, this company offers personalized scuba diving adventures that often include world-famous sites like the Cathedrals of Lana'i. For experienced divers, these underwater lava tubes are a bucket-list location, and nobody visits them like Maui Pacific Divers.

But it's not all scuba. Maui Pacific Divers also runs private whale watches, underwater photography tours, and even educational scuba diving tours. They're known for their warm hospitality, deep respect for the ocean, and intimate group sizes that make you feel like you're exploring with friends rather than just another tour group.

This is one of the best Maui private charters for ocean lovers who want meaningful, immersive, and safe ocean adventures guided by people who genuinely care.

Best for: Divers, marine life enthusiasts, families wanting an educational experience

Maui Custom Charters: Tailored Private Cruises for Families & Small Groups

For a more personal and flexible ocean adventure, Maui Custom Charters is another one of our top choices. They offer intimate tours aboard three luxury vessels: two that accommodate up to 6 passengers each and a third larger boat that can carry up to 13. Their offerings include sunset sails, snorkel trips, whale watches, and more. All tours are fully privatized and customizable to your group's preferences.

Unlike many big-group tours, Maui Custom Charters tailors your experience to your schedule and interests. Want to spend more time at a secluded snorkeling spot? Do you prefer cruising the coastline during golden hour with wine in hand? It's your call.

This is one of the best private sailing tours in Maui for families, friend groups, or anyone looking to escape the crowds and experience the island's waters at their own pace.

Best for: Families, friend groups, flexible itineraries

Gung Ho Sailing: Authentic Wind-Powered Adventures

If your idea of luxury leans toward unplugged, wind-in-your-hair, toes-in-the-spray sailing, Gung Ho Sailing is your dream charter. Operated by a warm and knowledgeable couple, this sailing company offers authentic, wind-powered excursions on their classic monohull sailboat.

Their Private Sunset Sail is especially popular with couples looking for a romantic Maui yacht tour type of experience. But they also offer snorkel sails and even private sailing lessons for those wanting a more hands-on adventure. With a maximum of six guests per trip, you're guaranteed a peaceful, uncrowded, and incredibly scenic escape.

What sets Gung Ho apart is their genuine passion for sailing and the ocean, plus their desire to share it with you. With these guys, safety, relaxation, and connection with nature are at the heart of every sail.

Best for: Couples, honeymooners, sailing purists

Featured Property: Kaʻanapali Beachfront Estate

If you're booking a charter that departs from Kaʻanapali Beach, there's no better place to stay than our stunning Kaʻanapali Beachfront Estate. This nine-bedroom, 11,076 square foot luxury property is located just steps from the sand and minutes from select boat tour pickups.

Perfect for multi-generational families, wedding parties, or groups of friends, this home offers the ideal blend of privacy, space, and location. With a spacious oceanfront lanai, a private pool, and resort-style finishes (and so much more!), it's a perfect match for travelers seeking opulence with both land and sea.

Pairing your stay at this estate with one of the Maui luxury boat tours above will undoubtedly create a super elevated vacation experience. Complete with sunrise coffees on your lanai and sunset sails from your front yard, your group’s dream vacay is made!

Learn more about the Kaʻanapali Beachfront Estate. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Private Boat Tours in Maui

What types of private boat tours are available in Maui?

Maui offers a wide variety of private boat tours to suit every interest and occasion. Popular options include snorkeling adventures, sunset sails, whale-watching (in season), scuba diving charters, sailing lessons, and even private event cruises for weddings or corporate gatherings. Whether you want a romantic getaway or a family-friendly adventure, there's certainly a Maui private charter for you!

How much do Maui private boat tours typically cost?

Prices for private boat tours in Maui vary depending on the type of vessel, duration, and services included. Smaller, more intimate boats may start around $800–$1,200 for a few hours, while larger luxury catamarans or fully catered charters can run $2,000 and up. It's best to book in advance and compare options based on group size, itinerary, and your requested amenities.

What's the difference between a private boat tour and a group tour?

A private boat tour offers an exclusive experience for you and your group only. You'll have full control over the schedule, more personalized service, and a quieter, more comfortable atmosphere compared to public tours. It's the perfect way to enjoy luxury boat charters in Maui (without the crowds).

When is the best time to book a private boat charter in Maui?

Private charters are available year-round, but peak travel seasons (winter holidays and summer months) book up quickly. If you're visiting during whale season (December through April), be sure to reserve your Maui luxury boat tour well in advance to make sure your group gets to see the incredible humpback migration firsthand. 

Are private boat tours in Maui appropriate for kids?

Absolutely! Many Maui private snorkeling tours and sailing charters are family-friendly and include safety gear, shaded areas, and flexible schedules. Always check with the operator to make sure the tour is age-appropriate for your children.

Do private boat tours in Maui include food and drinks?

Many high-end tours offer gourmet meals, snacks, and beverages, and some even include a full bar. Be sure to confirm what's included when booking, especially if you're planning a sunset dinner sail or special celebration.

How to Make Your Maui Dream Vacation a Reality

Maui is calling! There's no better way to explore her breathtaking coastline than by setting sail on your private charter. From luxury catamarans to intimate sailboats, each of these private boat tours on Maui offers something special for every kind of traveler.

And when you book your stay with Maui Resort Rentals, you're not just getting a vacation home; you're gaining a team of local experts who are passionate about helping you experience the very best the island has to offer. Let us help you pair your perfect home base with an incredible Maui private charter.

Ready to plan your dream escape? Reach out to the Maui Resort Rentals team to book your stay or to learn more about listing your property with a trusted, locally rooted team that truly knows and loves Maui.