The 12 Best Lanai & Molokai Day Trips from Maui

1.Ultimate 4 Hour Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Encounter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 927 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $175Our pick

Leave Lahaina at 9 a.m. for two snorkel stops near Lanai and Maui, with crews such as Jill, Casey, Lexi, and Chad guiding the way. Expect reefs, turtles, dolphins, possible sharks, seasonal whales, snacks, drinks, and a boat limited to 26 people.

“Great trip - we saw whales, dolphins, and snorkeled in an amazing place. Lexi and Jill were our amazing crew on this journey. We had a fantastic time and highly recommend this trip.”

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2.West Maui and Molokai Special 45-Minute Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 759 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $332

Take a 45-minute Air Maui helicopter flight from Kahului over the West Maui Mountains and Molokai. Expect six passengers, forward-facing A-Star seats, pilot narration, and dramatic views of rainforest, waterfalls, beaches, and towering sea cliffs. Dark clothing helps with window photos.

“If you’re a little anxious about the idea of a helicopter, just know that these pilots spend an insane number of hours and money to get trained to fly. And, once you’ve done the experience, you’ll realize how worth it this trip really is. Bucket list for sure! You will see parts of the islands that are impossible to see any other way…”

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3.2 Tank Lanai Cathedral Scuba Dive Via Boat for Certified Divers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 548 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $306

You’ll cross from Lahaina to Lanai for two guided scuba sessions, reaching 50 to 85 feet among arches, caverns, lava formations, and swim-throughs. Guides such as Abby, Jess, Brian, and Scott work with small groups, while the crew watches for dolphins and whales on the crossing.

“Awesome experience! Saw whales, dolphins from the boat. Two long 1 hour dives. Diving was great with diverse marine life. Staff were great!! Didn’t see any sharks, though.”

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4.Doors Off West Maui and Molokai 45 minute Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 487 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $388

Join Air Maui for a 45-minute doors-off flight from Kahului Airport over West Maui and Molokai. Your pilot, such as Drew, Nathan, or Richie, points out waterfalls, sea cliffs, rain forests, and coastlines. Bring only a secured cell phone, and expect wind, goggles, and strict weight rules.

“Hands down best thing we did in Hawaii Richie Olsten was our pilot with the doors open helicopter. A 5 star experience for sure, Thank You ALL for this great memory!!!!”

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5.Deluxe Helicopter Tour of Molokai and Maui

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 324 reviews · 55 minutes (approx.) · from $375

From Kahului, fly across Maui and Molokai in an Airbus EC130 helicopter with live pilot commentary. Expect close views of Molokai’s 3,000-foot sea cliffs, Kahiwa Falls, Halawa Valley, coral reefs, Maui’s Iao Valley, and Honokohau Falls. Flights carry up to seven passengers.

“Wonderful first helicopter flight. Pilot calmed my wife’s nerves with his experience. Great commentary. Made sure to rotate helicopter so we all got to see the sights.”

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6.Eco-Raft Tour: Maui-Lanai Snorkel / Dolphin Watch (Semi-Private)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 259 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $96Best value

From Lahaina, Hawaii Ocean Rafting takes small groups of up to 15 toward Lanai for snorkel stops, dolphin watching, marine education, and Hawaiian stories. Certified lifeguards provide gear and instruction. Choose a five-hour snorkel trip, a seasonal snorkel and whale-watch combo, or a two-hour sightseeing cruise.

“This was an incredible snorkel and whale watching trip. Jill took us to one of the best snorkel sites we'd ever been too. Plenty to see and do. On the return trip we encountered a whale decide to put on a 30-40 minute acrobatic show for us just 100 feet away. This whale must have breached 15-20 times, did 20 or more tail slaps and fin slaps. Beyond awesome! All in all an incredible experience. Thank you Jill and crew.”

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7.Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Watch from Maalaea

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 235 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $183

Cruise from Ma'alaea to Lanai aboard a 65-foot Pacific Whale Foundation catamaran. You’ll get breakfast, lunch, snorkel gear, fish lessons, and about 90 minutes at a Lanai reef, with chances to see spinner dolphins and seasonal humpback whales. Captain Emily has earned special praise for her warm family welcome.

“Best high light of the day was seeing dolphins and baby dolphins 🐬 by the boat and of course snorkel as well definitely recommend! 😍”

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8.Central Maui: Two-Island Scenic Helicopter Flight to Molokai

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 165 reviews · 55 min · from $369

Take a 55-minute flight from Kahului Heliport over Maui and Molokai. Expect sea cliffs, Kahiwa and Honokohau Falls, Halawa Valley, Iao Valley, and possible whale sightings. Pilots such as Eddie, Jake, John, and Tone are known for clear island stories and calm, attentive service.

“Tone was amazing! 6000+ helicopter flight hours in. He knows all of the major spots to fly over. He even offered to take pictures for us while on the flight and afterwards. He is very knowledgeable about the lands and what goes on or has occurred there in history and current movie stays films. Just a really amazing experience. It also helps he has a a great sense of humor.”

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9.Lanai Deluxe Dolphin Adventure & 3 Snorkel Sites

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 102 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $200

Leave Mala Boat Ramp at 8 a.m. on a fast raft for Lanai’s cliffs, reefs, and dolphin waters. Captain Jill, Emma, Hannah, Amy, and other crew members lead small groups of up to 26, with gear, flotation, breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks included. Expect a lively six-hour ocean outing.

“The captain and crew were amazing! We had the best time and highly recommend this trip. Could not have been more impressed by the quality of the trip. The boat was comfortable and had lots of room. The gear was great and we saw a group of 400 dolphins along with three very cool places to snorkel. And encountered sea turtles, flying fish, whales in the distance and even got to see friendly reef sharks they the crew knew about and gave the option to get in or not. I would recommend to anybody advanced or beginner. Great for children too.”

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10.Half Day Snorkel to Lanai from Kaanapali Beach + Dolphin Search

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 99 reviews · 4 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $192

Ride from Kaanapali Beach to Lanai with Captain Dan and a friendly crew, stopping at two quieter snorkel sites. You get breakfast, drinks, gear, flotation devices, and an onboard restroom. Spinner dolphins may appear on the crossing, while humpback whales are possible from December 15 through May 15.

“This is half day excursion with whale watching on the 46-60 min boat ride out to Lanai. You snorkel in two spots in Lanai before heading back. On our trip we saw lots of whales and our guide, Jacob, was friendly and informative telling us interesting facts about whales and the Hawaiian islands. It was rougher than usual at Lanai so Jacob and Dan were kind enough to take us to the other side of the island where the waters were calmer. Highly recommend this trip especially with Jacob and Dan. They were great.”

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11.Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 98 reviews · 5 hours · from $172

Sail from Maalaea Harbor to Lanai aboard a 65-foot catamaran for reef snorkeling, dolphin watching, and marine life viewing. Certified Marine Naturalists lead a reef tour, while breakfast, grilled lunch, drinks, and a kids’ Junior Naturalist program make this a well-rounded half-day outing.

“It was very good trip! We see so many dolphins and the snorkeling was also very exiting. A lot of fishes and one turtle. But we do not swim with Dolphins, which is understandable. The food and drinks were plenty and really delicious! A lot of value for the money! Thank you! I will come back with my kid.”

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12.West Maui and Molokai 60-Minute Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 75 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $443

From Kahului, fly into the West Maui Mountains and over Molokai’s remote north shore. Your pilot narrates the flight through a two-way headset, pointing out the Wall of Tears, 1,100-foot Honokohau Falls, Kahiwa Falls, Halawa Valley, and towering sea cliffs.

“The whole tour was truly amazing! Every minute was memorable! Our pilot was fantastic and took us in close to waterfalls and in the valleys. This was an experience we’ll never forget!!”

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