Maalaea Harbor

The Basics

The scenic 89-slip harbor is nestled in the southern inlet between West Maui and the Haleakala Crater. In addition to water sports activities, visitors can enjoy shopping at the Maalaea Harbor Shops, oceanfront dining, and a visit to the nearby aquarium. Some of the harbor’s most popular activities include snorkeling adventures to the crescent-shaped Molokini Crater, whale and dolphin watching excursions, and sport fishing adventures. You can also charter private yachts, take sailing lessons, and more.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Maalaea Harbor is the go-to spot for travelers who want to get out on the ocean—book a tour in advance or head to the harbor to learn more about tour options and activities.
• Restrooms and showers provide a place to clean up after a snorkeling adventure.
• Some of the tours departing Maalaea Harbor are wheelchair accessible but check with the tour operator to make sure their accommodations suit your needs.
• Shops, restaurants, and a marina store ensure you have everything you need for a day out on the water.

How to Get There

The harbor is located less than 10 miles from Kahului and Hawaii’s major airport—take Highway 380 to Highway 30 south. From the West Maui resort area, take Highway 30 south. If you want to avoid driving and enjoy the views along the way, book a tour that includes round-trip transportation.

When to Get There

The harbor is open daily, all year round. Choose a morning tour to avoid the winds that tend to pick up later in the day. For whale watching, visit from late November through early April.

Visiting the Maui Ocean Center

Known as the Aquarium of Hawaii, the Maui Ocean Center offers an immersive and educational experience. Visitors can explore a living reef, encounter a vast diversity of marine life in the open ocean exhibit, and learn about humpback whales in a unique virtual simulation. Visit the center before a snorkeling or whale-watching excursion to give yourself a headstart on learning about the area’s marine life.

Ways to explore

Tours from Maalaea Harbor typically include snorkeling, whale-watching (in season), sunset sailing, or scuba diving with gear and expert guides included. Many morning tours head to Molokini Crater or Turtle Town, while afternoon cruises offer scenic views and onboard drinks. You can also explore the area on land: Maui Ocean Center, restaurants, and the Maalaea Harbor Shops complex are all within walking distance. Public parking is available at hourly rates, and the harbor is easily reached by car from Lahaina, Kihei, and Kahului.

Accessibility

Most areas in the harbor are generally flat and wheelchair accessible, although the harbor is known for windy seas, which could be challenging

Age limits

None

What to pack

Reef-safe sunscreen, water bottle, sunglasses, light snack

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, swimsuit, light layers for breezy afternoons

Not allowed

Fishing from the docks, feeding wildlife, unauthorized access to tour boats or gear

Amenities

Paid public parking, restrooms, waterfront dining, tour check-in booths, shops, Maui Ocean Center

Address

Maalaea Harbor sits along Maui’s south coast, roughly 20 minutes from both Lahaina and Kahului. It’s one of the island’s busiest marine departure points, with cruises to Molokini Crater, snorkeling tours, and whale-watching excursions leaving daily. Many tours include hotel pickup, although it’s easy to visit independently by car or public bus.

Driving

From Kahului, take Honoapiʻilani Highway (Route 30) south and follow signs to the harbor. Paid public parking is available near the docks and at the Maui Ocean Center.

Public transportation

Maui Bus Route 15 (Kihei Villager) and Route 20 (Kahului Loop) both stop near the harbor. Buses are wheelchair accessible and run roughly every hour, seven days a week.

Best times to visit

Late morning or just before sunset for calm seas and scenic cruise departures.

Best days to visit

Plan a trip for Tuesday through Thursday for fewer crowds and ample parking.

Best months to visit

April to October for snorkeling in calmer seas. December through March is the best time for whale-watching tours, as humpback whales migrate through Maui’s waters.