Originally Posted August 2019, Updated July 2026
In December 2025, Lahaina Harbor took a meaningful step forward with a partial reopening, allowing a limited number of boat tours to resume operations. The return has been approached with care, intention, and respect, recognizing both the history of Lahaina and the emotions tied to this moment. At this time, access to Front Street is limited to entry via Shaw Street, where tour operators meet guests at the County lot on the corner of Prison and Front Street and guide them on a short walk to the harbor.
While this reopening marks an important milestone in West Maui’s path toward recovery, it also serves as a reminder that the area is still healing. Visitors are encouraged to move through the space with awareness and respect, honoring the resilience of the community and the ongoing efforts to rebuild Lahaina with care and purpose.
The waters off Maui are special, and each and every day brings a new way to experience the ocean. Whether you’re after a romantic sail, a family snorkel adventure, spotting dolphins, or learning to surf for the first time (it’s never too late!), here is a list of activities you might consider.
Lana’i Coast Snorkel and Sail with Sail Maui
- Departs from Lahaina Harbor
- Snorkel and whale tours
- All gear provided
- Private charters
The crew at Sail Maui is ready to take you on an unforgettable ocean adventure off the shores of Maui. Set sail aboard ‘Alihilani, a 64-foot performance catamaran, and head across the ‘Au‘au Channel toward the stunning coastline of Lāna‘i. Here, crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life come together in a setting that feels both energizing and peaceful.
With expert guidance and plenty of time in the water and under sail, the day unfolds naturally, with moments to snorkel, relax on deck with food and beverages, and take in the dramatic sea cliffs. During whale season, the chance to spot these magnificent creatures adds an extra layer of excitement.
Wild Dolphin Sail with Teralani Sailing Adventures
- Departs from Ka’anapali Beach
- Dolphin sightings guaranteed
- 2.5-hour adventure with food & beverages
- Marine naturalist on board
Set sail aboard Teralani’s luxury Schooner Creek vessel, where stunning coastline views and the chance to encounter Hawaiian spinner, bottlenose, and spotted dolphins in their natural habitat create a truly memorable experience. Guided by a knowledgeable marine naturalist, you’ll gain insight into dolphin behavior while enjoying a scenic cruise with a crew that brings both expertise and a genuine passion for Maui’s marine life. Dolphin sightings are guaranteed, or you’re invited to go again during your stay.
Along the way, enjoy a chef-inspired island-style lunch fresh off the grill, featuring favorites like coconut-crusted shrimp, an island-style BBQ Kalua pork sandwich, or a vegan teriyaki Beyond Burger available upon request. With refreshing side dishes and ocean breezes, the day flows naturally from time on the water to relaxing on deck, blending wildlife encounters, sailing, and the natural beauty of Maui’s coastline into one memorable experience.
Submarine Tours with Atlantis
- Departs from Lahaina Harbor
- 45-minute tour
- Children must be a minimum of 36” in height
- Nearly vertical 10-step ladder to board the submarine
- Foreign language narration downloads available
Join the crew from Atlantis Submarine for this one-of-a-kind adventure that takes you aboard a battery-powered submarine for an unforgettable journey beneath the ocean’s surface. Descend more than 100 feet below and watch a vibrant underwater world come to life, with colorful reefs, tropical fish, and fascinating marine life all around you. Along the way, a knowledgeable narrator shares engaging insights into Maui’s unique marine environment.
A highlight of the dive is the Carthaginian, a replica 19th-century ship intentionally sunk to create a thriving reef, now home to a wide variety of marine life. During whale season, you may even spot humpback whales on the journey out, adding more excitement to your experience. For international guests, narrated tours are available in multiple languages via download prior to arrival.
It’s an adventure that offers a whole new perspective, and is one you’ll be talking about long after you’ve surfaced.
Deep Sea and Shore Fishing with UFO Fishing
- No experience necessary
- Ideal for light tackle anglers and families
- Crew fillets your catch
- Departs from Mala Wharf or Ka’anapali Beach
Whether you’re chasing big game offshore or enjoying a relaxed day closer to shore, UFO Fishing Maui offers a customized experience for every level of angler. Troll for mahi mahi, ono, and ahi, or explore deep sea fishing, inshore jigging, and seasonal live bait fishing, with the captain selecting the best approach based on conditions and experience. From calm, family-friendly waters to more advanced outings, each trip is designed to maximize your time on the water and your chances of landing something memorable.
Departing from Mala Wharf and Ka’anapali Beach, these fast, comfortable charters provide easy access to some of Maui’s best fishing grounds, where you’ll target a variety of local species in a scenic nearshore setting. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or casting a line for the first time, UFO Fishing delivers a fun, memorable day on the water, with the added bonus of the crew cleaning and filleting your catch to enjoy later.
Scuba Certification & Dive with In2Scuba
- No experience necessary
- 1.5 to 2-hour class
- Private classes and dives
- Must be a good swimmer
In2Scuba Diving Maui offers an ideal introduction for first-time, non-certified beginners looking to experience the thrill of diving in Maui’s beautiful waters. With safety-focused instructors and small group sizes, you’ll feel supported from the start, building confidence at your own pace.
Conveniently located near Ka’anapali and Lahaina, each session includes a guided reef dive that provides a relaxed, up-close look at Maui’s vibrant underwater world, with private lessons available for those seeking a more personalized experience.
Beyond the intro, guided shore dives explore some of Maui’s most rewarding sites, from coral-rich reefs to unique underwater landscapes. With a focus on ease, comfort, and enjoyment, every dive is thoughtfully paced and designed to match your experience level, making it no surprise that guests return after discovering just how special Maui is below the surface. Once you’ve experienced it, it’s the kind of adventure that stays with you and draws you back for more.
Scuba Dive in Maui and Lana’i with Extended Horizons
- 5:1 guide-diver ratio
- Certification courses offered
- Up to 60 minutes of bottom time
- Classes and shore dives out of Lahaina
- Daytime and nighttime dives
Diving with Extended Horizons offers a more personal way to explore Maui and Lana‘i’s underwater world, where small groups and attentive instruction make all the difference. With instructors who double as knowledgeable naturalists, whether it’s your first time underwater or you’re working toward certification, you’re not just along for the ride, you’re part of the experience.
Shore dives offer a relaxed introduction to shallow reefs, while boat dives open access to some of Maui and Lana‘i’s most remarkable underwater landscapes, including the famous Cathedral dive sites off Lana‘i. Known for their dramatic lava formations, archways, and cathedral-like skylights where sunlight streams through the water, these world-renowned sites create an unforgettable diving experience. With a range of dive sites and conditions to choose from, each outing is paced and selected to match your experience level.
An Extended Horizons scuba experience strikes the perfect balance between adventure and awareness, where encounters with turtles, reef fish, and other marine life unfold alongside a genuine respect for the ecosystem. Whether it’s a daytime reef dive, a night dive where the ocean reveals a completely different world, or an eco-focused dive that builds conservation skills, each moment feels purposeful without losing its sense of fun. Once you’ve seen Maui from beneath the ocean’s surface, it’s not just about checking off a dive; it’s about wanting to go deeper, again and again.
Surf Lessons with Keep It Simple Hawaii
- 2-hour lessons
- All skill levels welcome
- One-on-one private lessons
- All equipment and water gear provided
Keep It Simple Hawaii Surf School offers a true Maui surf experience, blending the spirit of aloha with private, family-friendly lessons designed for all skill levels. Every session is personalized to your group, with a strong instructor ratio that means more coaching, more waves, and more confidence in the water. The one-on-one lessons are an especially fulfilling experience for those who want a little extra support, with your guide right beside you the entire time—except when you're riding a wave!
Lessons take place at “Guardrails” south of Lahaina on Hwy 30. This beginner-friendly spot is known for its sandy entry, consistent rolling waves, and wide-open space to learn with ease. With stunning mountain views and a relaxed, encouraging atmosphere, it’s the kind of place where standing up on your first wave feels not only possible, but likely, turning your Maui vacation into a story you’ll be proud to never stop telling.
Kayak Tours with Maui Adventure Tours
- Scenic coastal paddle
- Wildlife encounters
- Beginner-friendly experience
- 90-Minute adventure
Maui offers some of the most memorable water adventures in Hawaii, and this guided kayaking experience is a perfect way to experience the beauty of the island’s coastline. Paddle the scenic shores of West Maui with expert guides leading the way through calm waters, hidden coves, and pristine stretches of shoreline. Along the journey, keep an eye out for sea turtles, dolphins, and tropical fish while enjoying magnificent views of the West Maui Mountains.
Designed for all experience levels, these small-group tours keep things personal and easy to enjoy. The 90-minute paddle along Olowalu Beach offers a relaxed yet engaging way to connect with the ocean, with time to explore and take in the surroundings at your own pace. It’s a simple, rewarding adventure that captures the beauty of Maui one paddle at a time.
Paddle Boarding with Maui Stand Up Paddle Boarding
- Lessons and tours
- Beginner-friendly and easy to learn
- West Maui location launches near Olowalu
- Scenic & wildlife-rich experience
Maui Stand Up Paddle Boarding offers a fun and easy way to explore the waters of West Maui, with lessons and guided tours designed for all skill levels. With expert instruction and easy-to-learn techniques, you’ll be up and gliding in no time, enjoying a relaxed and engaging experience on the ocean. Whether you’re looking for a light workout or a peaceful paddle, it’s a great way to take in Maui’s coastline from a whole new perspective.
Tours often explore the stunning Olowalu marine reserve, where calm, clear waters offer ideal conditions for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Along the way, you may spot Hawaiian green sea turtles and other marine life while taking in sweeping views of the West Maui Mountains and neighboring islands. With each outing thoughtfully planned around conditions and experience level, it’s an easygoing and memorable way to connect with Maui’s coastal environment.
From snorkeling vibrant reefs and sailing along the coast to learning to surf, paddling through calm waters, or discovering Maui’s underwater world, West Maui offers endless ways to make the ocean part of your vacation.
After a day spent exploring, Maui Resort Rentals offers the perfect place to come home to, with a curated collection of luxury Maui vacation rentals near some of the island’s most beautiful beaches, resort amenities, and unforgettable coastal adventures.
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family getaway, or a once-in-a-lifetime island vacation, our team is here to help you find the perfect home base for every moment of your Maui stay.