Hawaii Ocean Rafting has been in business for more than 30 years. When asked why we started, Mark would probably say that he has always been mechanically inclined and developed a love for boats and the natural beauty surrounding Maui. It all started small and became a way to share this passion with locals and visitors alike.
The Mission
The highlight of a small company like ours is the intimate experience that small group tours with great Captains and crew can provide. We make a point to find and retain Captains and crew that love their jobs and believe in the mission of our company. They are always happy to answer questions you may have about the ins and outs of snorkeling, the wildlife, and the islands. If you have a question, you can always feel comfortable asking on our tours. Our Captain and crew are all experts and will do whatever necessary to make sure you are comfortable both on board and in the water. Most folks come away from our activity feeling a bit more connected to Maui. We love to show our tours several different snorkeling spots that highlight the diverse geology of the island. The Marine life surrounding a lava cave is much different than that surrounding a shallow reef. Our guests that join us between December and May will undoubtedly say, "The whales!"
What makes Hawaii Ocean Rafting Different
What sets us apart is probably our value. We specialize in taking small groups far from the beaten path. Our rafts are fast which means we can spend a lot more time snorkeling and whale watching and less time travelling. Some of the most interesting times aboard our tours happen when the wildlife decides to check us out and reverse the roles a bit. During humpback season, there have been a few very special days when a small group of whales basically held us hostage. When a whale decides to approach our raft and swim back and forth right below, we have been unable to start our engines or move for more than an hour.
What Our Snorkeling Trips Look Like
On our half day snorkeling trip, we will depart at 8:00 am for the neighbor island of Lanai. Lanai offers some of the most pristine snorkeling around and is also home to spotted, spinner, and bottlenose dolphins. On this 4.5-hour trip we will visit (at least) 2-3 different and unique snorkel spots as well as dolphin watching opportunities. This experience will be aboard our ocean raft with our knowledgeable captain and crew. They are happy to answer questions and make sure you are comfortable before you hop in the water. The trip includes a continental breakfast, snacks, water, juice, and soda. We also provide all the gear and instruction you will need, including snorkels, fins and flotation (boogie boards, waist belts, and noodles). There are waterproof cameras for purchase at our booth before departure. Best of all you will have a full snorkeling and dolphin/ turtle watching adventure and be back in time for lunch on historic Front Street in Lahaina. The half day snorkeling tour is also part whale watch if you are booking between December and May!
Here What Our Customers Have to Say
“We have done other snorkeling trips, but this was the best one we’ve experienced on Maui. We enjoyed running with a pod of Spinner dolphins, saw a lot of colorful fish and a turtle. Snacks on board were plentiful and good. Crew were very efficient, pleasant and knowledgeable.
I took the family out to Lanai to snorkel and maybe see dolphins and turtles. Lydia, our Captain, showed us all (including my teens and little ones) a great time. They explained everything and took us to their favorite spots. We went to three different spots and saw Spinner dolphins. While we were in the water, Bottle nose dolphins swam next to us for a few moments. We got very lucky because since it’s a small group, they spoil you and take their time with you. We will take them again over the bigger boats.” Check out other reviews here.
One More Thing
Because of our adventurous excursions and faster vessels, we do not recommend our tours for pregnant women, people with back problems or small children (under 5 for snorkeling). We can be more flexible on our whale watches because nobody is getting in the water. One word.... adventure. We provide safe family friendly adventures.
Hawaii Ocean Rafting offers Private Whale Watching trips and exclusive Maui rafting tours for you, your family and friends. Don't have a group to go with? Per person rates are also available. Enjoy comfortable seating for up to 16 passengers and spectacular views of Maui's gentle giants from the best seats in town. Choose from a per person outing or a 2-hour private whale watch. The guarantee the best seats in town! Avoid the crowds on a Maui rafting trip aboard Hawaii Ocean Rafting's 30-feet hard-bottom inflatable raft. Unlike larger vessels our raft allows you to get that up close and eye level photo you wish for.