Frequently Asked Questions

A beach loading catamaran means our vessels load directly from the sands of Ka’anapali Beach rather than a concrete dock or a harbor. To board, you will walk across the wet sand and step into the ocean a few paces before climbing onto our custom dropdown staircase. Because of this unique and exciting boarding style, we do not recommend our trips for individuals with mobility issues or anyone who has trouble walking completely unassisted. The vessel is entirely inaccessible to wheelchairs.

Yes! You should expect to get wet from about the knees down during the boarding and unboarding process. We highly recommend wearing beach attire, shorts, or dresses/skirts that can easily be held or rolled above the waterline.

📱 Pro Tip: You are welcome to bring bags and backpacks on board, but we highly recommend keeping your phones and valuable electronics zipped safely inside your bags rather than your pockets during boarding!

All Sea Maui trips are completely barefoot cruises. We will collect your shoes right on the sand during the boarding process and store them together safely in a storage bin on the boat. We recommend wearing flip-flops or slip-on sandals that are easy to kick off.

(Note: Shoes worn for strictly documented medical purposes may stay on, but keep in mind they will get wet and sandy!)

Check-In Location: Check in at our main “Sea Maui” kiosk located directly on the beach walk path at the Whalers Village Shopping Center (2435 Ka’anapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI). We are positioned right between Leilani’s on the Beach and Hula Grill.

Here is a link to our location on GOOGLE MAPS.

Parking Logistics: If you are driving, park inside the main Whalers Village parking structure. We provide up to 4 hours of free parking validation! Simply bring your physical parking ticket to our check-in kiosk before your trip departs so we can stamp it. 🚙🎫

Important Note: We do not have the ability to validate parking tickets at our kiosk after our late-evening sunset trips return, so please ensure you present your ticket to our staff before boarding the boat. Guests are responsible for any parking fees accrued past the 4-hour mark.

Yes. To participate in snorkeling, we strictly require that all guests possess basic, unassisted swimming abilities. While we provide plenty of flotation options (like pool noodles and snorkel vests) to keep you perfectly comfortable, all of our snorkel sites are offshore in open water ranging from 25 to 40 feet deep. You will not be able to touch the ocean floor at any point.

Yes! We provide all top-tier snorkeling equipment completely free of charge, including high-quality masks, snorkels, and fins. Our professional crew will personally fit your gear to ensure a perfect seal. We also provide complimentary, marine-safe reef sunscreen on board to keep your skin protected while preserving Hawaii’s fragile coral ecosystems. 

If you are looking to rent we recommend The Snorkel Store.

Our evening sails feature premium local catering and a full open bar for all guests ages 21 and older (proper physical government ID required).

• The Bar: Includes local craft beers, hard seltzers, white wine, prosecco, whiskey, rum, and vodka. Our crew can mix up custom island favorites like Mai Tais and Maui Mules. Non-alcoholic sodas, juices, water, and coffee are always complimentary.
• The Menu: Depending on your chosen sail (Dinner Cruise vs. Cocktail Cruise), food ranges from hot, chef-prepared pupus (appetizers) to multi-course buffets featuring options like braised short ribs, teriyaki salmon, and fresh local sides.
• Allergies: If you have dietary restrictions or food allergies, please note them directly next to the guest’s name during online booking so our culinary team can prepare ahead of time. We need more than 24 hours notice to provide an alternate menu for severe gluten-free and vegan options.

While Humpback Whales are consistently active throughout our entire winter season, January, February, and March are the peak months for sightings.

• Morning vs. Afternoon: Early morning trips typically offer the absolute calmest ocean conditions, making it easier to spot blows and dorsal fins on the horizon. Afternoon trips can be a bit breezier but often see highly energetic whale behavior. Every whale watch tour is guided by certified marine naturalists!

• Automatic Gratuity: Just like a traditional restaurant, Sea Maui requires an automatic 15% crew gratuity for any group booking of 12 or more passengers. This is calculated based on your total ticket price and is collected at the time of booking or check-in.
• How to Book: Our online checkout system caps individual bookings at 11 passengers. To book a group of 12 or larger, please contact us.
• Capacity Restrictions: To maintain an intimate and respectful atmosphere for all guests on board, any single party that would exceed more than half of a vessel’s standard public capacity is required to book a private charter instead.

Yes! Our luxury catamarans (accommodating up to 48 or 49 passengers max) are available for completely customizable private charters. Whether you are hosting a wedding event, family reunion, or corporate gathering, contact our events team directly to arrange custom catering, open bars, and tailored sailing routes. Bookings for 24 guests or more are given a private charter experience option.

While Sea Maui does not place an outright restriction on pregnant travelers joining our calmer sails, we strongly recommend consulting your physician before booking. Because we are a beach-loading vessel, navigating the surf line and ascending the staircase requires a moderate level of physical stability. The open ocean can experience unexpected swells and motion; your personal comfort and safety should always come first.

Our large, dual-hulled luxury catamarans are inherently much more stable than single-hulled boats or rafts, greatly minimizing rocking. However, if you are highly sensitive to motion sickness, we highly recommend booking our early morning excursions when the wind and waves are at their calmest. Taking an over-the-counter preventative medication (like Dramamine) an hour prior to check-in can also significantly improve your comfort.

Yes. All participants are legally required to sign a digital liability waiver before stepping foot onto our vessels. A link to review and electronically sign your waiver will be sent to your email immediately upon completing your online reservation.

Mother Nature always holds the ultimate itinerary. If heavy swells, strong trade winds, or severe storms cause our captains to deem beach-loading or sailing unsafe, Sea Maui will cancel the trip. If your tour is cancelled by our team due to weather, we will immediately reach out to help you reschedule for another day. If your vacation timeline doesn’t allow for a reschedule, you will receive a 100% full refund.

• Standard Public Tours: We require a minimum of 48 hours notice prior to your scheduled trip time to issue a 100% full refund. You must call us directly at (808) SEA-MAUI to process a cancellation. Cancellations, changes, or “no-shows” inside the 48-hour window are strictly non-refundable.
• Private Charters & Holidays: Private charter bookings and special holiday events (such as 4th of July or New Year’s Eve sails) require a strict 7 days notice to receive a refund.
• Third-Party Tickets: If you purchased your tickets through a third-party activity desk, travel agent, or online vendor, their specific refund restrictions apply, and you must contact them directly to handle financial changes.

Once our office processes your cancellation and clicks “refund,” the money leaves our system immediately. However, standard banking networks usually take 3 to 7 business days to clear the funds back onto your original credit or debit card statement. If it has been more than a week and you still do not see the credit, please contact your financial institution directly, as processing times vary wildly by bank.

Absolutely! We carry an official line of custom Sea Maui apparel, including UV-protective rash guards, premium hats, t-shirts, and beach accessories. You can purchase these directly at our Whalers Village beach walk kiosk during check-in or check out our retail options at the conclusion of your cruise to take a piece of Maui home with you.