Maui Catamaran Cruises: Our Top 10

1.Ma’alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tour Aboard Power Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 979 reviews · 2 hours · from $49Our pick

Cruise Ma'alaea Bay aboard Quicksilver’s roomy double-deck power catamaran from December through April. Your captain and crew explain humpback behavior, track blows and breaches, and use an underwater hydrophone so you can hear whale songs. Soda, juice, water, restrooms, and paid drinks are onboard.

“Captain Kiwi was very entertaining. We saw whales in several different locations leaving on the first boat departing in the morning. The service and crew were great. This was a nice value when you consider the costs of other whale watching options. We had good time!”

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2.From Ma’alaea: ‘Alihilani Sunset Sail Catamaran Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 348 reviews · from $114

Sail the Auʻau Channel aboard Sail Maui’s 49-passenger catamaran, ‘Alihilani, for sunset views, drinks, cold hors d’oeuvres, and a chance to spot dolphins or humpback whales from December through March. Meet crew members such as James, Kevin, Jess, or Captain Nicholas, depending on the sailing.

“10/10 would do again! Great crew - great time! Worth it! Spent half day in Lanai then came and did this, THEN went to Lahaina pizza company. Full day and was awesome!”

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3.Whale Watching Tour on a Charming Hawaiian Catamaran From Maalaea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 194 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85Top rated

From Maalaea, spend about 2.5 hours aboard Winona, Maui’s only Hawaiian-built catamaran, searching for humpback whales from December through March. The crew, sometimes led by Captains Sam or Spencer, shares whale facts, plays island music, serves snacks and drinks, and lowers a hydrophone to hear whale songs.

“Excellent fun adventure reasonably priced compared to others. We were right up near the Whales. The captian turned off the engines and we drifted then the whales came to us so close. Great crew very knowable and attentive.”

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4.Turtles & Tacos Luxury Catamaran Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 103 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $199

Sail from Maalaea Harbor on a spacious Alii Nui catamaran for about three hours. Snorkel with green sea turtles, use provided gear and reef-safe sunscreen, then enjoy island-style tacos, margaritas, and local beer. Captains including Josh, Bre, and Tim have earned strong praise for their attentive service.

“This excursion was phenomenal. The crew was fantastic, meeting every need you can imagine. The food was great, the swimming with the turtles was awesome and on the way back, we were able to sail for a bit due to the wind. Would absolutely do it again.”

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5.Sunset Sailing on a Floating Tiki Bar Charming Hawaiian Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 87 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $119

Board Winona, a Hawaiian-built catamaran, at Maalaea Harbor for a roughly two-hour sunset sail. Expect island music, Hawaiian appetizers, beer, seltzers, cocktails, soft drinks, and chances to see whales from December through April. The smaller boat keeps the evening relaxed and personal.

“This was a wonderful experience on the small group Catamaran. We got to take our shoes off, and set sail out of Maalaea Bay for 2 hour cruise along the Kihei Coast. The sunsets were spectacular, we enjoyed the drinks and the food that was served aboard. I got to get out on one of the trampolines and get close to the water, which was very exciting! All in all, I would recommend to anyone visiting Maui.”

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6.Luxury Catamaran Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $119

Cruise from Maalaea Harbor aboard Ali‘i Nui’s comfortable catamaran during Maui’s whale season. A marine naturalist explains humpback behavior, a hydrophone lets you hear whale songs, and the crew serves snacks, cocktails, beer, seltzers, and sparkling wine. The trip lasts about two hours.

“Crew was amazing. Boat was so smooth even in rough waters (from someone who deals with motion sickness). Would reccomend this to anyone who wants a whale watching trip. I would also take this trip again.”

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7.Luxury Catamaran Royal Sunset Dinner Sail (Adults-Only)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $289

Sail from Maalaea Harbor aboard Ali’i Nui’s adults-only catamaran for about 2.5 hours. Enjoy a five-course dinner, open bar, espresso, sunset views, and attentive service. Choose beef, mahi-mahi, surf and turf, or a vegetarian dish when you book.

“What an amazing luxurious catamaran! Crew was amazing and top notch. From beginning to end, the entire experience was superb! Cannot recommend enough! Adult only was perfect. Drinks were rolling. 5 course meal was well timed. Food was to be expected for a boat trip- but worth it! Nothing beats a sunset view from the water. Best sunset we experienced during our entire trip!”

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8.From Maalaea: Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise with Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 26 reviews · 2 hours · from $69

From Maalaea Harbor, sail aboard the small catamaran Winona for two hours of seasonal humpback whale watching. A marine biologist explains whale behavior, hydrophones let you hear their songs, and adults 21 and older receive two alcoholic drinks. Soft drinks, juice, water, and restrooms are included.

“Everything was amazing ! The crew was perfect and nothing negative to say about that experience !! Thanks to everyone.”

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9.Ma’alaea Catamaran Sunset Sail with Appetizers

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 16 reviews · 2 hours - 150 minutes · from $137

Settle onto a catamaran for a sunset sail along Maui’s coast. You’ll get furikake ahi, prawn cocktails, kalua pork quesadillas, cheese, fruit, and dessert, plus unlimited soft drinks and water. Bring approved alcohol, then choose the trampoline, open deck, or covered seating while marine naturalists share the setting in English.

“Best experience while I was there! Just need better drink mixologists..but, loved the boat, the crew and the ppl on there. Just so relaxing!”

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10.Luxury Catamaran Whale Watch & Sail

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 2 hours · from $119

Join Alii Nui Sailing Charters at Ma’alaea Harbor for a two-hour winter whale watch aboard a 65-foot catamaran. A marine naturalist explains humpback behavior while onboard hydrophones bring live songs to your shaded cabin or viewing deck. Seasonal snacks, drinks, and a photographer round out the trip.

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