Half day · All ages
Molokini Deluxe Snorkel & Sail
Molokini and the reef with an open bar.
| Adult | $259 |
|---|---|
| Child | $209 |
Editorial spotlight · Slip 56, Maalaea Harbor, Maui
2026 Golden Lei Awards nomineeBest Catamaran Sail
Ali'i Nui
A Maui sailing name that dates to 1978, billed “The Highest of Royalty.” Two 65-foot catamarans, Ali'i Nui and the newer Ali'i Kai, sail from Maalaea for Molokini snorkels, turtle snorkels with a floating taco bar, sunset cocktail and dinner sails, and winter whale watches. Two 37-foot Boston Whalers carry private groups of six.
- Molokini sail
- $259
- Sunset dinner
- $229
- Tripadvisor
- 4.9
- Reviews
- 3,250
Editorial spotlight. Ali'i Nui is a nominee in the 2026 Golden Lei Awards. They did not pay for this page and had no say in it. We earn a commission when you book through the links here; your price is the same.
The company
A 1978 name with a new owner
The operator says Ali'i Nui started in 1978; it names no founder. In March 2023 Ali'i Nui and Maui Dive Shop were bought by RED Hospitality and Leisure, which an SEC exhibit prices at $11.3 million including $2.0 million in units. Maui Now lists Anthony Valeriano as Brand Standards and Product Manager. Captains Ryan and Bree appear in recent reviews.
The fleet: Ali'i Nui, a 65-foot by 36-foot catamaran; Ali'i Kai, a 65-foot catamaran launched September 1, 2024; and two 37-foot Boston Whaler 350 Realm boats for private groups, Ali'i Nani from Kihei Boat Landing and Ali'i Nalu from Maalaea Slip 74. The operator lists USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice 2023 and runs an “Ali'i Guarantee” of rebooking or refund if the experience falls short.
“The Highest of Royalty.”
Brand Standards and Product Manager
Anthony Valeriano
Title as given in Maui Now coverage; the operator publishes no staff list.
The one to book
Molokini Deluxe Snorkel and Sail
A half-day sail from Maalaea to Molokini, with snorkel gear and flotation, an open bar, a photographer and reef-safe sunscreen included, per the operator. All ages; children 3 and under ride free as lap children. The booking page lists a premium top-deck seat on some trips.
The company describes limited capacity; the 2009 builder spec was 100 passengers, so ask for current numbers.
| Adult, 13+ | $259 |
|---|---|
| Child, 4 to 12 | $209 |
| Infant, 0 to 3 | Free |
Checked against FareHarbor on September 30, 2026. The operator's own site lists a lower adult figure; the booking price is what applies.
Check AvailabilityThe boats
Two catamarans, two private yachts
Check-in is at Slip 56 in Maalaea Harbor, 300 Maalaea Road, Wailuku, 15 minutes before departure.
Ali'i Nui
- Type
- 65 ft by 36 ft catamaran
- Built
- 2009, per Baird Maritime
Ali'i Kai
- Type
- 65 ft catamaran
- Launched
- September 1, 2024
Ali'i Nani and Ali'i Nalu
- Type
- 37 ft Boston Whaler 350 Realm
- Guests
- Six each
- Ports
- Kihei Boat Landing; Maalaea Slip 74
Book it
Sails
Per person at list price. Children 4 to 12 unless noted. Only trips with open dates at this check are listed. Checked against FareHarbor on September 30, 2026.
Morning · All ages
Turtles & Tacos Snorkel
A turtle snorkel and a floating taco bar.
| Adult | $149 |
|---|---|
| Child | $99 |
| Top deck, adults | $249 |
Sunset · All ages
Sunset Happy Hour Sail
A cocktail sail at sunset.
| Adult | $149 |
|---|---|
| Child | $99 |
Sunset · Adults only (18+)
Royal Sunset Dinner at Sea
A dinner sail with premium top-deck seating available.
| Adult | $229 |
|---|---|
| Top deck | $329 |
Winter · From Dec 1 at this check
Catamaran Whale Watch
A whale watch aboard the catamaran.
| Adult | $119 |
|---|---|
| Child | $89 |
| Top deck, adults | $239 |
Winter sunset · From Dec 15
Sunset Whales & Cocktails
Whales and a cocktail sail at sunset.
| Adult | $169 |
|---|---|
| Child | $119 |
Private · Up to 6
3-Hour Private Yacht, Maalaea
A Boston Whaler to yourselves.
| Private | $1,499 |
|---|
Private · Up to 6
3-Hour Private Yacht, Kihei
The same trip from Kihei Boat Landing.
| Private | $2,299 |
|---|
Also: a 2-hour private yacht from $999 (December dates at this check), holiday and fireworks sails, and a May to November culture and cocktail sail not open at this check.
Before you go
Know before you go
Where to check in
Slip 56, Maalaea Harbor, 300 Maalaea Road, Wailuku.
Included
Open bar, snorkel gear and flotation, a photographer and reef-safe sunscreen on snorkel sails; Maui Brewing beverages and naturalists on whale watches, per the operator.
Ages
Children 3 and under sail free as lap children. Royal Sunset Dinner and top-deck seats are adults only.
Cancellation
A full refund more than 48 hours ahead; inside 48 hours typically none unless trip protection was bought. The captain may cancel for weather and offer a rebook or refund.
Transport
Resort round-trip transport is extra on select trips.
Reviews
What guests say
- 4.9Tripadvisor3,250 reviews on the Maalaea listing as of September 30, 2026
- #5of 16Outdoor activities in Maalaea, Tripadvisor
- 1978SinceUSA Today 10Best Readers' Choice 2023, per the operator
Reviewers praise attentive crews, food and drinks, sunsets and whale sightings on clean, well-kept boats. A few reviews of a New Year's Eve sail and a top-deck package said the experience fell short of its price or what was promised.
Questions
Good to know
Who owns Ali'i Nui?
RED Hospitality and Leisure, since March 2023.
Where do the boats leave from?
Maalaea Harbor, Slip 56. The Kihei private yacht leaves from Kihei Boat Landing.
What does it cost?
Molokini sail $259, Turtles and Tacos $149, sunset sail $149, dinner $229, whale watch $119. Checked September 30, 2026.
Can kids come?
Yes on most sails; 3 and under free. Dinner and top deck are adults only.
Is there a Kaanapali departure?
We found none; trips leave from Maalaea and Kihei.
Sail Maalaea in style
Catamaran snorkels, sunset sails and private yachts from a 1978 Maui name.
Check Availability