Due to the fires in Lahaina and Lahaina Harbor, all vessels and trips out of Lahaina Harbor, including Hawai’i Ocean Projects‘ Maui Princess Dinner Cruises, are postponed until U.S. Coast Guard allows operations to resume at Lahaina Harbor them to resume. Will update as soon as we have more information.
Our reservation line is (808) 667-6165.
We are located near the lighthouse at the north end of the Lahaina Harbor.
Lahaina Harbor
Loading Dock Main Booth
675 Wharf Street
Lahaina, Hawaii 96761
Our reservation line is (877) 500-6284.
We are located near the lighthouse at the north end of the Lahaina Harbor.
Lahaina Harbor
Loading Dock Main Booth
675 Wharf Street
Lahaina, Hawaii 96761
Monday — Sunday
7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (HST)
Towel
Sunglasses
Sunblock (Although we offer complimentary reef-friendly sunscreen available on-board)
Cover-up
Hat
Underwater Camera (If you own one. If not, we have underwater cameras for sale)
Cash for Souvenirs or Tipping
Seasickness Medication (If needed)
Light Jacket or Sweater
Cash for Tipping
Seasickness Medication (If needed)
Camera. You'll want to capture the amazing sunsets!
Light Jacket or Sweater
Camera. The bigger the lens, the better!
Binoculars (If you brought a pair. If not, we have complimentary pairs available to use)
Cash for Tipping
Seasickness Medication (If needed)
Click here to see availability
Although all of our vessels are Coast Guard certified to be able to hold more passengers, we limit the number of guests that can join us for each activity in order to maintain the best experience and comfort for our guests.
Kaulana -145 maximum capacity, however, we do not go out with more than 100 passengers; often less.
Restrooms can be found on all of our boats.
If you are on our morning snorkel tours, we recommend bringing towels, sunscreen, a camera, cover-ups, and your swimwear, and any medications you may need. Wearing your swimwear, underneath your clothing, is the easiest.
We welcome pregnant women on-board, as long as they are comfortable. For pregnant women, our vessels are the best, as they provide the smoothest sailing experience. We do, however, always recommend consulting your Doctor beforehand to ensure they approve.
Yes, children are welcome on all of our tours.
No, we provide snorkel gear on all of our snorkel tours. If you would like to bring your own snorkel gear, please feel free to do so.
Yes, we do. Please inform the Captain or crew if you need prescription masks, as you board the vessel.
The average water temperature ranges from 75 to 80 degrees, depending on the time of year.
You don’t need one, however, if you do get cold, we have wetsuits available to rent on board.
Our captains thoroughly check the weather for each tour-if they determine the weather to be too bad to go out in, and need to cancel the tour, we try to contact you as soon as possible, and can offer a full refund, or, the option to reschedule. It’s important to leave a good contact number or e-mail, so we can get a hold of you if we need to.
Our captains check the weather for each tour, and determine the trip based on their reports. We often have localized passing showers, so it may seem like poor weather where you are, but won’t actually affect our trip in any way. Trust your Captain!
You may cancel or change your reservation as long as you do it 24 hours before the time of your tour.
Yes. There is parking, across from the harbor, at the corner of Prison St. and Front St.
You may bring a camera on-board, but please keep in mind that by doing so, you are doing it at your own risk.
No, smoking is not allowed on any of our vessels.
Each person is different, and we cannot predict if you will become seasick, or, not. Chances of getting seasick are higher if you are prone to motion sickness such as car sickness or air sickness. When in doubt, take preventative measures!
Take a seasickness preventative beforehand. While on the boat, make sure to have access to fresh air, and make sure you can see the horizon at all times. Also, avoid the lower-deck area and restrooms, if you are feeling ill. Please inform our Captain and crew if you are feeling ill.
Yes, we do.
We do not sell Anchor Bars on-board, so if you are concerned about seasickness, please bring your own medication, or, buy an Anchor Bar before you hop on-board.
There is no proven preventative to be better than the other, but our captains recommend taking Bonine or Dramamine. Ask your doctor what is best for you.
Yes.
Children, of all ages, are welcome on-board.
At times it can be rough, with strong winds, rain and large surf. At other times, during our winter season, we have wonderful weather, with little to no surf, calm winds, and beautiful sunshine. Each year is different, and conditions change frequently throughout our winter months. Our captains do a great job monitoring the weather, so each trip will be comfortable and fun.
Mid-November through mid-March, approximately.
Click here to see availability
No, as they are wild animals, we cannot guarantee this.
We, usually, see dolphins in the morning on our Lanai snorkel tour.
No.
We, usually, see turtles throughout the day, especially when we stop at our second snorkeling location, but we cannot guarantee them.
Yes, if we are at a designated snorkeling destination. However, please be mindful of your distance, as they are federally protected, and it is illegal to touch them.
Sea turtles, flying fish, spinner /bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales (in season), tropical sea birds, and tropical fish.
Yes, if you would like to rent a wetsuit, camera, or leave gratuity for the crew.
Yes.
Yes.
Typically, you will still have cellphone service for the duration of your trip, however, it does depend upon your cellphone provider.
You may bring any type of food or nonalcoholic drinks on-board.
We do not allow passengers to bring alcohol on-board.
It is highly recommended to wear sunscreen on all of our tours. We have complimentary reef-friendly sunscreen available on-board, and prefer it to be used over the spray sunscreen. Reef-friendly cream sunscreens are encouraged on-board, and if you are snorkeling on your own.
There is a large covered cabin area, with plenty of shade, on the lower-deck of all of our vessels.
If you are having a celebration, please let our office staff know. Although you may bring cupcakes or cake (the shorter the better, because of wind), our resources are limited, and we do not have candles available on-board.
Yes, we snorkel off the coast of Lanai, usually, near Sweetheart Rock, however, we do not step foot on Lanai.
No, we do not offer transportation. However, there are many alternative methods of transportation, including asking if your hotel has a shuttle that goes to Lahaina harbor, the bus that will drop you off at Wharf Cinema (across from the harbor), and Uber/Lyft.
A bread basket and garden salad will be served prior to your entree.
At least 1.5 hours, but give yourself two hours for any boats that depart after 12:00 PM.
Half an hour or less.
We do not stop at any beaches on our boat tours.
We do provide instruction on how to snorkel and use the snorkel gear. We also provide snorkel vests which aid in flotation, and there is always one of our crew members in the water with you at all times.
Yes, you can still enjoy our tours even if you don’t know how to swim.
If you are comfortable in water over your head with a flotation device, we may be able to get you into the water. The decision will be at the captain’s discretion.
No. Unfortunately our vessels are not able to accommodate wheelchairs.
A cane or crutches can be used to assist in boarding the vessel, however once on board they cannot be used and must be stored safely. There are railings and handholds throughout the vessel. Our crew members are able to assist as well.
All of our vessels are equipped with adult and child size life vests.
The state of Hawaii does not require you to wear life vests, but if you would like to, you may.
(Body boards with viewfinders?) Yes.
We take payment at the time of booking.
Unofficially, whale watching season runs from December 1 – April 30. But you may also see the whales before and after those dates. Click here to see availability
We take payment at the time of booking.
Although we cannot guarantee whale sightings, our captains will give out “sleeping whale passes” to all of our guests that are on a rare whale watch that does not see any whales. Our sleeping whale passes allow you to go again for free.
Yes, children are welcome on all our tours.
Children, of all ages, are welcome on-board.
We welcome pregnant women on-board, as long as they are comfortable. For pregnant women, our vessels are the best, as they provide the smoothest sailing experience. We do, however, always recommend to consult your Doctor beforehand to ensure they approve.
If you are on the whale watching tours, please bring sun protection, your camera, and any medications you may need.
You may cancel or change your reservation as long as you do it 24 hours before the time of your tour.
Although all of our vessels are Coast Guard certified to be able to hold more passengers, we limit the number of guests that can join us for each activity in order to maintain the best experience and comfort for our guests.
Kaulana -145 maximum capacity, however, we do not go out with more than 100 passengers; often less.
Lahaina Princess – 99 maximum capacity, however, we do not go out with more than 80 passengers; often less.
Maui Princess – We do not go out with more than 149 passengers.
Our Captains thoroughly check the weather for each tour-if they determine the weather to be too bad to go out in and need to cancel the tour, we try to contact you as soon as possible, and can offer a full refund or the option to reschedule. It’s important to leave a good contact number or email so we can get a hold of you if we need to.
Our captains check the weather for each tour, and determine the trip based on their reports. We often have localized passing showers, so it may seem like poor weather where you are, but won’t actually affect our trip in any way. Trust your Captain!
Yes. There is parking, across from the harbor, at the corner of Prison St. and Front St.
You may bring a camera on board, but please keep in mind that by doing so, you are doing it at your own risk.
No, smoking is not allowed on any of our vessels.
Each person is different, and we cannot predict if you will become seasick or not. Chances of getting seasick are higher if you are prone to motion sickness such as car sickness or air sickness. When in doubt, take preventative measures!
Take a seasickness preventative beforehand. While on the boat, make sure to have access to fresh air, and make sure you can see the horizon at all times. Also avoid the lower deck area and restrooms if you are feeling ill. Please inform our Captain and crew if you are feeling ill.
Yes, we do.
We do not sell Anchor Bars on-board, so if you are concerned about seasickness, please bring your medication, or, buy an Anchor Bar before you hop on-board.
There is no proven preventative to be better than the other, but our captains recommend taking Bonine or Dramamine. Ask your doctor what is best for you.
Typically, you will still have cellphone service for the duration of your trip, however, it does depend upon your cellphone provider.
You may bring any type of food or nonalcoholic drinks on-board.
We do not allow passengers to bring alcohol on-board.
There is a large covered cabin area, with plenty of shade, on the lower deck of all of our vessels.
If you are having a celebration, please let our office staff know. Although you may bring cupcakes or cake (the shorter the better, because of wind), our resources are limited, and we do not have candles available on-board.
No, we do not offer transportation. However, there are many alternative methods of transportation, including asking if your hotel has a shuttle that goes to Lahaina harbor, the bus that will drop you off at Wharf Cinema (across from the harbor), and Uber/Lyft.
At least 1.5 hours, but give yourself two hours for any boats that depart after 12:00 PM.
Half an hour or less.
No. Unfortunately our vessels are not able to accommodate wheelchairs.
A cane or crutches can be used to assist in boarding the vessel, however once on board they cannot be used and must be stored safely. There are railings and handholds throughout the vessel. Our crew members are able to assist as well.
All of our vessels are equipped with adult and child size life vests.
The state of Hawaii does not require you to wear life vests, but if you would like to, you may.
Yes, the Hawaiian name is kohola. The scientific name for the humpback whale is megaptera novaeangliae, in case you were wondering.
North Pacific Humpback Whales
They are primarily grey, with some areas of white. Oh, and they’re big. Huge, in fact. The North Pacific Humpbacks are the fifth largest whale species on the planet and can grow to 60-feet long and weigh between 25 – 40 tons.
They come to mate, give birth and nurture their calves. Hawaii is the only state in the country where they will mate. It’s believed the humpbacks are drawn to Hawaii for its warm waters, underwater visibility, varying ocean depths and lack of natural predators.
Females are pregnant for roughly 11-12 months before they give birth. The calves are 10-to-12 feet when they are born and usually weight between 1 and 1.5 tons. The calves live off their mother’s milk for about six months, drinking up to 100 pounds of milk per day.
They do! Normally the first to arrive are the mother whales who are nursing their calves. Next up is the juveniles, then the adult males, followed by adult females. The last to arrive are the pregnant females. The pregnant whales bring up the rear because they feed and nourish themselves until the very last minute up in Alaska.
They basically go to two different areas. A four-island cluster comprised of Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe make up the first area. The other area, called the Penguin Band, is a section of shallow water about 25 miles southwest of Molokai. That said, whales have been spotted by residents and visitors on the Big Island, Oahu and Kauai in recent years.
In 1993, there were an estimated 6,000 humpback whales in the North Pacific Ocean. Of those, about 4,000 came through Hawai’i. Since the signing of the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which banned commercial whaling, that number has increased. Scientists estimate there are now roughly 23,000 humpback whales, with about 12,000 – 14,000 of those coming through Hawai’i each year.
They live about 50 years, but there have been accounts of some living much longer.
They survive mainly on small fish, plankton and tiny crustaceans. What’s interesting is they never eat in Hawai’i’s waters. They spend all summer eating in Alaska, then store up the food as blubber, which they then use to fuel their winter trips to Hawaii.
While adults can stay underwater for up to 45 minutes, they tend to come up for air every 10-15 minutes. The calves come up about every 5 minutes.
Humpback whale songs are known for the complexity of beauty. The songs were first recorded in the 1950s by researchers on Oahu using hydrophones developed by the Navy. It’s believed the humpbacks sing to attract females for mating purposes, yet the males sing during non-mating seasons, as well, putting that theory into question. Other theories say whales sing to communicate with one another, to protect their territory, and/or they use it as a type of biosonar.
Commonly called breaching, a study published in January, 2017 showed that humpbacks are more likely to breach when they are far apart (2.5 miles or more,) while tail or fin slapping occurs more frequently when they are together. This suggests that the humpbacks breach for long-range communication versus simply water slaps when they are near other whales.
