Is the Alii Nui Deluxe Molokini Snorkeling Tour Worth It?
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If you’re looking for a truly special way to snorkel Molokini, you may be wondering – is the Alii Nui deluxe Molokini snorkel experience worth it?
After all, it’s pricier than most other snorkeling tours to Molokini.
Having experienced it ourselves recently, we can honestly say that, yes, it’s absolutely the best choice if you want a true luxury experience! (Think lots of free-flowing bubbly!) Couples, especially, looking for unforgettable activities on Maui will love it.
In winter, the trip doubles as a whale-watching excursion. In summer, it includes a bonus stop at Turtle Town to snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles.
And unlike many boats, the Alii Nui actually raises its sails for some open-ocean sailing!
Here’s our review of the Alii Nui and the fabulous day we enjoyed with them.
Why we love this luxury Molokini snorkeling tour ⛵
3 Quick reasons to book the Alii Nui adventure:
AND we saw tons of fish and turtles too!
Contents: Our honest review of the deluxe Alii Nui snorkeling trip to Molokini
How does the Alii Nui compare to other Molokini tours?
About the Alii Nui catamaran
Alii Nui roughly translates to “highest of royalty” in Hawaiian, and that’s fitting.
The 65-foot sailing catamaran is a beauty – wide (at 35 feet), stable and capped at carrying just 65 passengers (even though it can hold 100).
That means there’s plenty of room to stretch out on the trampoline nets or daybeds or to sit on benches inside the shaded cabin. We never once felt crowded on the boat.
Two restrooms, hot showers and warm towels keep things comfortable, while the attentive crew makes sure you never lift a finger.
Our experience
After checking in at 6:30 am, we boarded the Alii Nui for a 7:00 am departure.
As crew members prepared the boat for departure, guests were served a full hot breakfast – scrambled eggs, bacon, banana bread, yogurt, fresh Hawaiian fruit and pastries.
By the time we reached Molokini, we were well-fueled and eager to get in the water.
First stop: Molokini
And how lucky were we! We were blessed with almost perfect conditions.
The captain sailed around the back of the island for a peek. Molokini’s cliffs are steep on this side, and its back wall reaches straight down 250 feet below the water’s surface to the ocean floor. It’s a popular area for scuba divers when conditions are right.
Popping out around the other side, the Alii Nui then anchored in the sheltered inner curve of the volcanic crater.
Wooden stairs were lowered into the water.
And Alii Nui “lifeguards” set off to sit on paddleboards in the water (with extra masks and bottles of defogger) to keep an eye on us, in case anyone needed any help.
We noticed that safety was always a priority on this trip!
Before entering the water from the stairs, we were offered yellow waist flotation belts or foam noodles.
Even though we’re very comfortable in the water (and have lots of snorkeling and diving experience), taking a noodle and placing it under our chests made it that much easier to float on the water’s surface, mask facing down, with barely any effort.
Molokini Crater is renowned for its exceptional water visibility – and it didn’t disappoint. We could see up to at least 100 to 150 feet away in the rich turquoise blue water!
Yellow butterfly and Orangespine unicorn fish stole the show.
But we also spied an octopus crawling slowly on the reef, and colorful parrotfish, needle fish and Hawaii’s state fish (get ready for this word: the Humuhumunukunukuapua’a) caught our attention too.
At one point, a spotted eagle ray glided past – the kind of sighting that makes you gasp into your snorkel!
Mimosas and more goodies
Back on the Alii Nui, we dried off with the fresh clean towels provided.
The bar was open and mimosas were served. (All alcohol is complimentary.) Hummus, dips, salsa, chocolate cake and other snacks were also offered.
We weren’t really hungry, having wolfed down that big breakfast just a couple of hours previously. But the chocolate cake was too yummy to resist!
And we don’t usually start drinking at 9:30 in the morning – really! But, we thought: Just one mimosa (made with bubbly and POG or passion-fruit, orange and guava juice) surely couldn’t hurt.
Second stop: Turtle Town
The Alii Nui then moved to a “Turtle Town” snorkeling spot. (There are several “Turtle Towns” around Makena on South Maui, where Hawaiian sea turtles hang out to nibble on the algae growing on the coral and rocks.)
Slipping into the water, it wasn’t too long before we spied a few. Some turtles were almost as big as boogie boards!
With sunbeams shining through the water, dancing off the turtles’ humongous shells, the experience was quite magical!
Lunch, more bubbly and sailing!
Back on the boat, a hot lunch awaited. Pulled pork, pesto chicken, tortellini, garlic bread, Caesar salad and soft chewy macadamia-nut-and-chocolate cookies – no one was going hungry!
Happily satiated, we all drank lots more bubbly served by the friendly crew, as the wind filled the sails and we sailed back to Ma’alaea Harbor.
What you might not like about this tour
First off, there’s the price tag. The Alii Nui is probably the priciest Molokini snorkeling trip out there ($309 USD per adult).
Also, while kids are welcome onboard, the vibe leans more toward adults. You won’t find waterslides, jumping platforms or kid-focused activities like you do on some other big boats. If you’re after a more family-friendly (and budget-friendlier) option, these might be a better fit:
And of course, if the weather doesn’t play nice and the seas get a bit bumpy, you could feel queasy. But that’s just part of ocean life – and something no boat can control. (Bring seasickness pills if you’re worried.)
How does the Alii Nui compare to other Molokini tours?
The Alii Nui costs up to $100 or more per person – but you’re paying for exclusivity and comfort that most other boats don’t offer. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Premium service – The crew think of everything – they even offer to clean your sunglasses for you!
- Top-notch amenities – Warm freshwater rinse hoses, complimentary reef-safe sunscreen, plenty of comfortable seating for everyone (in and out of the sun) and high-quality snorkel gear make the whole experience very pleasant.
- Fewer guests and more space – Large boats like the Pride of Maui (90 passengers) or the 3-deck Calypso (100+ passengers) carry more people and feel more crowded. The Alii Nui limits numbers to 65, so the trip feels more intimate.
- Delicious food and premium drinks – You’re treated to a hot breakfast and hot lunch, plus tasty snacks, along with unlimited bubbly, wine and cocktails – all included in the cost. Other less expensive boats don’t serve a hot breakfast (just a continental breakfast). Some may not serve a hot lunch either (but sandwiches or wraps instead).
- True sailing experience – Unlike other power boats, Alii Nui actually hoists the sails – adding an authentic joyful sailing element to your day.
Other reviews of the Alii Nui’s Molokini snorkeling trips
Don’t just take our word for it though.
This adventure on the Alii Nui is recommended by 97% of travelers – and has received 5-star reviews from over 2,910 happy guests (on TripAdvisor and Viator).
See just a few other reviews:
The best trip!! We have done multiple snorkels to Molokini over the years typically on the big boats that take hundreds of people. This smaller luxury trip was recommended by multiple locals and snorkel shops so we decided to try it and [we’re] so glad we did!
The food was fantastic, the crew was amazing and [it was] by far our favorite boating day ever!
We will do this trip again over the other boats when we come back. Hot food, towels provided, nice snorkel gear and the perfect whale watching surprise on our way back! Not an overcrowded boat, just the perfect small group and lots of room for everyone on board to be comfortable and spread out!
Annalisa
This trip was excellent: professional and knowledgeable crew, next-level snorkeling destination, one-of-a-kind views of Maui and surrounding islands from a high-end boat. You get what you pay for… and this one was worth it.
Phil
We had an amazing time on our snorkel tour…
I was slightly anxious as I’m not a great swimmer, and I’d never been snorkeling, but the crew made everything so simple and their instructions were easy to understand, even for a novice like me! One of the crew members… was so great at explaining all the different fish to us and directing us where to see them.
The food and drinks aboard the boat were top-notch. There was an onboard photographer who captured some breathtaking photos of our experience, highly recommend purchasing those!
The boat itself was beautiful and I cannot recommend [them] enough. We will definitely be back.
Amy and Donnie
What’s included and cost
Here’s what’s included on this snorkeling tour (all you need to bring is your swimsuit and sense of adventure!):
- Snorkeling at Molokini (bundled with whale watching in winter and Turtle Town in summer)
- Luxury catamaran, capped at 65 guest (about 2/3 of capacity)
- Top quality snorkel equipment
- Hot breakfast, mid-morning snacks and a hot lunch
- Open bar – Mimosas (and pure bubbly), cocktails, soft drinks and more
- Warm towels on the boat, with clean dry ones offered after each snorkeling stop
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Hot freshwater showers – From hoses at the side of the catamaran
- Professional photographer who takes photos underwater and onboard (extra cost for the pics)
- Cost = $309 USD per adult
Details (check-in, what to bring, etc.)
- Location – The Alii Nui leaves from and returns to Ma’alaea Harbor. The exact location is Slip #56 Ma’alaea Harbor (300 Ma’alaea Road, Wailuku) on the Oceanside Pier.
- Parking – Plan to arrive early so you can pay for parking easily via the posted QR codes (about $1 per hour).
- Check-In Time – Arrive by 6:45am. (We checked in at 6:30 am – better early than “missing the boat!”)
- Tour length – The tour lasts about 5 hours. You return about 12 noon.
- Bring: Rashguard (for sun protection), sun hat, sunglasses, anti-nausea tablets (if you’re prone to seasickness) and a camera (or your phone in a waterproof pouch). Wear your swimsuit under your clothes (though the boat has restrooms for changing).
Bottom line?
We think the Alii Nui lives up to its rep for delivering the finest luxury Molokini snorkeling experience.
Sometimes it’s worth opting for the premium choice on vacation, and we’re so glad we did!
How to book this tour
You can book directly on the Alii Nui website.
Or, for extra convenience, you can book through Viator.
We use Viator (a TripAdvisor company) all the time and trust them completely – it’s one of the biggest tour booking platforms in the world.
Perks of booking with Viator:
- Free 24-hour cancellation – Cancel with just a click
- Reserve now, pay later option – Payment is only processed 24 hours before the tour
- Or pay in full upfront – Still refundable up to 24 hours in advance
(If you book via our Viator link, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you – thank you for your support!)
Read more of our Maui travel guides
- 10 Best Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkeling Tours
- 15 Fabulous Maui Waterfalls You’ll Want to See
- Maui’s Most Romantic Experiences for Couples
- Were to Stay on Maui: Cool Towns and Areas
- 15 Top Honeymoon Hotels in Maui
- Luxe to Laid-Back: 10 Great Places to Stay in Wailea
- 10 Best Hotels and Condos in Ka’anapali
- Maui Packing List (Don’t Forget the Essentials!)
- Maui or Kauai: Which is Right for You?
Our top travel tips and resources
→ General trip planning: TripAdvisor is a helpful starting point, offering loads of user reviews on hotels, restaurants and things to do.
→ Hotels: Booking.com is our go-to for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – often at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. (We especially like Booking’s flexible cancellation policy!) You can also find great discounted rates on Expedia, especially for hotels in the U.S. and Mexico.
→ Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
→ Flights: For the cheapest flights, search on Google Flights or Expedia. (Just be aware Expedia tickets are often non-refundable. If you want more flexibility, it’s usually worth booking directly with the airline, even if it costs a bit more.)
→ Airport lounge access: We love (and have) Priority Pass for comfy lounge seats, free snacks and drinks, complimentary WiFi and sometimes even showers and spa services!
→ Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
→ Car rental: Renting a car is often a great way to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the lowest rates.
→ eSIMS: Stay connected affordably with Airalo eSIMS covering 200+ countries and trusted by 10 million+ users, including us! (No more huge roaming bills!)
→ Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation.
→ Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
→ Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info.
If you make a booking or purchase through our site, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you). Thanks!
Photo credits: 7, 8, 9, 14, 16 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase | Remaining images courtesy Alii Nui Sailing Charters
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