★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Great boat crew. Mediocre snorkeling.
U3483DJjanag, October 2026
Husband and I (middle age) booked a “luxury” snorkeling tour aboard the Pride of Maui Elua in October. We paid for “VIP” seating, which was never mentioned by the staff, and which we forgot about, until afterwards. Don’t bother paying for VIP. It’s indoors on the main level, and anyone can sit there. Most people chose to sit outside where they could see the horizon and the ocean, and feel the breeze. Better for preventing seasickness. We took Bonnine before boarding, which we purchased at the nearby General Store. The crew also provided ginger chews, sea acupressure wrist bands, and soda. The crew (Kayden, Sienna, Diego, and Alexandra) worked to keep us comfortable and assist with getting on/off for snorkeling. Molokini was exceptionally clear water, but fish species seemed limited to the dark fish that surrounded the boat upon our arrival. We were not permitted to snorkel outside of the area directly behind the vessel, so soon we had seen it all. For entertainment , we were also permitted to jump from the back of the boat, too.
Next we travelled to the sea area in front of the Grand Wailea Hotel, but the water was murky and the Turtle Town turtles were seen before any human entered the water, and long gone before snorkel masks were donned.
Lunch came next, on our way back to the dock. It was grilled by Sienna and was delicious. I had cheeseburger and my husband had grilled chicken (he was unable to find any teriyaki). We were served cookies right before exit to land, along with a liberal dose of tip requests.
If you want to swim with turtles and a wide array of fish and in a vast area, there’s better places. Honolua Bay, for example. We snorkeled there 5 days ago and swam with 4 turtles, which is 4 more than we swam with today. Understandably, this is no fault of the crew.
The cruise was good; and the snorkeling was mediocre.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
AWESOMR SNORKELING ADVENTURE
Tour38176827354, October 2026
Molokini Crater snorkeling was incredible the clarity was awesome and the fish were amazing! We saw 2 sea turtles up close (10 ft) and had a great time at turtle town but the highlight was Molokin Crater. The vessel and crew were amazing. Sienna helped us spot the turtles and Savannah made us feel so welcomed. Diego did a fantastic job as the chef and all around guy and of course the captain was amazing. You will not regret taking this tour
★★★★★Viator review
Due to weather, we did...
Shannon_T, September 2026
Due to weather, we did not go to Molokini Crater. I know they can’t control the sea and how harsh the waters can be. They took us to a dead coral area and there were no fish. They did not discount the price. If we would have booked the coral garden the price would have been cheaper. Out of good faith they should have given us a little bit of a refund. Also, they were not very helpful for people first time snorkeling. They only gave and seemed to care for the snubs clients. The breakfast and lunch were good. Most of the staff was nice. I would recommend this excursion if the weather was good and you actually went to Molokini Crater. The ocean is so blue and beautiful.
Response from the operator · prideofmaui
It’s interesting to read the many 5-star reviews from guests who appreciate our attentiveness to your safety, which is always our top priority, and the kind words so many others have for the level of service we provide and attention to all of our guests. None of our reefs are as you describe, and in particular Coral Gardens. It is my belief that some guests are not able to appreciate the days when we are unable to safely access the crater, and thereafter nothing we do will change their negative vibe. We feel that the majority of our guests will read the other reviews including others on the same excursion and day, who had a wonderful experience. Some see the glass as half full while others as half empty.
★★★★★Viator review
Fun trip & Fantastic staff!!!
Karina_H, September 2026
Although Mother Nature decided it wasn’t our day to make it to the crater, we still had a great afternoon of snorkeling. The staff was excellent and attentive. We’d definitely try again to see the crater—hopefully Mother Nature will agree!
Response from the operator · prideofmaui
Mahalo for understanding that there are those days when the conditions are unsafe to access Molokini Crater. Your safety is our number one priority, followed by providing you with an exceptional experience. That is why we have alternate snorkeling locations that are beautiful, with colorful and diverse marine animals, coral and underwater formations, ledges, and terrain. I’m proud of our teams who love what they do and appreciate you for making it possible.
★★★★★Viator review
The weather kept us from...
Bill_S, September 2026
The weather kept us from actually getting to Molokini so our time was spent offshore, which is no fault of the Pride of Maui, but still disappointing. Also, Viator booking stated parking at $2, but was $18 ($3/hr).
Response from the operator · prideofmaui
We realize that it is disappointing when the conditions at Molokini Crater are unfavorable. Your safety is and will always be our number one priority. Most of our guests appreciate that your safety is our number one priority, including others who also reviewed their experience that same day and gave us 5-stars. Fortunately, there are other nice areas which offer great snorkeling with plenty marine animals, turtles, and coral, such as Turtle Town and Coral Gardens which is where we go in the days when it is not safe to snorkel
At Molokini, due to high winds, surge or waves. There is parking very near the boat which is $2 per hour. We suggest that our guests pay for 6 hours at a total cost of $12.