Ma'alaea Harbor Maui
Maui's primary harbor, a bustling hub for whale watching, snorkeling, sunset cruises, and ferry services to Lanai.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Whale watching season
Ma'alaea Harbor Maui
Best Time
Whale watching season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Maui's primary harbor, a bustling hub for whale watching, snorkeling, sunset cruises, and ferry services to Lanai.
"A fantastic hub for unforgettable Maui experiences!"
🎯 Pay Parking Meters Diligently
Strict enforcement means towing for unpaid meters. Budget for parking fees to avoid costly fines. :parking:
🚢 Book Excursions in Advance
Popular tours like whale watching and Molokini snorkeling fill up fast, especially in peak season. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Maui Ocean Center
Adjacent to the harbor
Explore vibrant marine life, including sharks, sea turtles, and colorful reef fish. A must-see for all ages.
Lanai Ferry Departure
Ma'alaea Harbor
Catch the ferry to Lanai for a unique island escape, visiting the Lanai Cat Sanctuary or exploring the island.
Sunset Dinner Cruises
Departing from the harbor
Experience breathtaking Maui sunsets from the water with a romantic dinner cruise.
Ma'alaea Beach Walk
Harbor vicinity
Enjoy scenic coastal views and a refreshing beach walk, especially beautiful during sunrise or sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Metered Parking Alert
Central Hub for Adventures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pay Parking Meters Diligently
Strict enforcement means towing for unpaid meters. Budget for parking fees to avoid costly fines. :parking:
🚢 Book Excursions in Advance
Popular tours like whale watching and Molokini snorkeling fill up fast, especially in peak season.
🌬️ Be Prepared for Wind
Ma'alaea is known for being windy, which can affect underwater photos and comfort. :windblowingface:
🍽️ Enjoy Harbor Dining
Several restaurants offer great food with harbor views, perfect for pre or post-adventure meals.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pay Parking Meters Diligently
Strict enforcement means towing for unpaid meters. Budget for parking fees to avoid costly fines. :parking:
🚢 Book Excursions in Advance
Popular tours like whale watching and Molokini snorkeling fill up fast, especially in peak season.
🌬️ Be Prepared for Wind
Ma'alaea is known for being windy, which can affect underwater photos and comfort. :windblowingface:
🍽️ Enjoy Harbor Dining
Several restaurants offer great food with harbor views, perfect for pre or post-adventure meals.
🦭 Spot Monk Seals
Keep an eye out for endangered Hawaiian monk seals near the breakwall, a special sighting!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ma'alaea Harbor is a highly convenient and central hub for Maui's marine excursions, praised for its organized atmosphere and variety of tours. While some note the harbor's windiness and the need for diligent parking meter payment, most visitors find it an excellent starting point for unforgettable ocean adventures and appreciate the amenities available.
"I mean it's a harbor, and the only one currently in operation. But there are a bunch of stores, lots of parking, and seemed pretty clean. Taking my the ferry to Lanai was simple to figure out, and finding the meet up place for a snorkel tour was easy"
Steve Schipper
"Maalaea Harbor in Maui is incredibly convenient for catching a variety of amazing excursions! Whether you’re heading out for whale watching, snorkeling, or deep-sea fishing, this harbor has it all. The location is easy to find, with plenty of parking and a friendly, organized atmosphere. It’s the perfect starting point for adventures like Molokini Crater snorkeling or seasonal whale watching tours, offering smooth check-in processes and a range of tour operators. The harbor also has great spots to grab a bite or relax before or after your trip. A fantastic hub for unforgettable Maui experiences!"
Ryan Barden
"Great harbor, though south facing sea wall is really taking a beating, allowing the ocean to spill over into the parking lot. Big selection of tours and coast guard station is great!"
Maui Dallas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ma'alaea Harbor is centrally located on Maui, making it accessible from most areas. Driving is common, with ample parking available. Many tour operators also offer pick-up services from major resorts.
Yes, there are paid parking lots available at Ma'alaea Harbor. It's crucial to pay attention to the meters and ensure your time is valid, as towing is strictly enforced.
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are generally available on Maui and can take you to Ma'alaea Harbor. It's advisable to check availability and estimated fares in advance.
While specific accessibility details can vary, harbors generally aim for accessibility. It's recommended to contact individual tour operators or the harbor management for detailed information regarding ramps, accessible restrooms, and parking.
Due to the destruction of Lahaina Harbor, ferries to Lanai now depart from Ma'alaea Harbor. Travel between Ma'alaea and West Maui areas like Lahaina is typically done by car or shuttle services.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For popular excursions like whale watching, snorkeling tours, and sunset cruises departing from Ma'alaea Harbor, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Ma'alaea Harbor itself is generally accessible throughout the day. However, the operating hours for specific businesses, shops, restaurants, and tour departures within the harbor will vary. Check with individual establishments.
There is no general entrance fee to access Ma'alaea Harbor. However, parking fees apply to vehicles parked within the harbor's lots.
Tickets for the ferry to Lanai can typically be purchased online through the ferry operator's website (e.g., golanai.com) or at their ticket counter located within Ma'alaea Harbor.
The cost of whale watching tours from Ma'alaea Harbor can vary depending on the operator, duration, and inclusions. Prices typically range from $50 to $150 per person. Booking in advance is advised.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the Maui Ocean Center, various boat tour departures (whale watching, snorkeling, sunset cruises), the Lanai ferry, and a selection of shops and restaurants.
Yes, Ma'alaea Harbor is family-friendly, especially with the Maui Ocean Center and various boat trips suitable for children. Mini golf is also available for some fun.
You'll find a variety of shops including gift shops, arts and crafts stores, and stores associated with tour operators like the Pacific Whale Foundation.
Yes, deep-sea fishing charters depart from Ma'alaea Harbor, offering opportunities for anglers to catch various species.
Ma'alaea Harbor is known for being quite windy due to its location and the presence of wind turbines nearby. It can also be sunny and warm.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Ma'alaea Harbor offers several dining options, including casual eateries, pizza spots, and more upscale restaurants like Haven's Harborside Fish & Chophouse, many with harbor views.
You can find everything from pizza and ice cream to fresh seafood. Happy hour specials are also a popular draw at some establishments.
Options can vary by restaurant. It's best to check the menus of specific establishments or inquire directly about vegetarian or vegan choices.
Yes, you'll find various spots for quick bites, including ice cream shops and cafes, perfect for a snack before or after an excursion.
Several restaurants in Ma'alaea Harbor offer happy hour specials. Checking local listings or apps like 'Maui Happy Hours' can help you find the best deals.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning photos of the harbor, boats, ocean views, and sunsets. The area around the breakwall and the beach offers scenic backdrops. +2
Absolutely! Ma'alaea Harbor is renowned for its spectacular sunsets, offering vibrant colors over the Pacific Ocean. Sunset dinner cruises provide excellent vantage points.
You might photograph marine life like dolphins (especially in winter), Hawaiian monk seals near the breakwall, and various seabirds.
The harbor itself, with its bustling activity and diverse boats, offers unique shots. The proximity to the ocean and the dramatic coastline also provide excellent photographic subjects.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting. Midday can be bright, but the harbor's activity provides constant visual interest. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For some lighthearted fun, the Maui Golf & Sports Park offers mini-golf and other activities. Remember that the harbor can be windy, so pack accordingly for comfort. The convenience of having dining and shops nearby also makes it easy to manage a day out with children.🎣 Anglers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
offering the chance to reel in a variety of Pacific game fish. The harbor also serves as the departure point for numerous snorkeling and diving tours, providing access to vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine ecosystems like Molokini Crater. Surfing enthusiasts might also find opportunities in the vicinity, with some videos showcasing waves breaking near the harbor. Remember to book your fishing or diving trips in advance to secure your preferred dates and operators.🌅 Couples and Romantic Getaways
Imagine enjoying a delicious meal with breathtaking ocean views as the sun dips below the horizon – it's an unforgettable experience. The harbor's proximity to the ocean also means some accommodations and restaurants offer stunning water views, perfect for a relaxing evening. Consider a private charter for a more intimate experience, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the harbor as the day winds down. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Excursions Galore: Your Gateway to Maui's Waters
the harbor offers unparalleled access to Maui's rich marine ecosystem. Many visitors also opt for sunset dinner cruises or deep-sea fishing charters, making it a one-stop shop for experiencing the Pacific. The convenience of having multiple tour operators and check-in points in one location simplifies planning for a day on the water.The harbor's strategic location also makes it the sole departure point for the ferry to Lanai,
a popular day trip for those seeking a different island experience. This accessibility is particularly crucial following the events that impacted Lahaina Harbor.Harbor Life: Beyond the Boats
+1 ranging from pizza joints to seafood chophouses, many offering scenic views of the water. You can also find various shops selling souvenirs, local crafts, and essentials for your island adventures. The harbor area is also home to residential properties, with some homes situated very close to the water, offering a unique island living experience.
For a bit of fun, the Maui Golf & Sports Park provides entertainment options beyond the water activities. Even a simple beach walk along Ma'alaea Beach can be a refreshing experience, offering beautiful coastal vistas, especially during sunrise or sunset. Navigating Ma'alaea: Practicalities and Tips
so be prepared for breezy conditions, which can sometimes impact photography or comfort.For those planning excursions, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular tours like whale watching and sunset cruises, as they tend to fill up quickly.
Keep an eye out for wildlife, as endangered Hawaiian monk seals are sometimes spotted near the breakwall, and pods of dolphins are frequently seen in the bay during winter months. 
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