What to Know Before You Go
Frequently Asked Questions
Setting the Standard
Our excursions are designed to be 100% hassle-free, guaranteeing the best experiences on Maui. Our team have carefully curated every aspect, from the moment you book your trip up to your return back to your resort. Explore our FAQs to find answers to your questions and help you plan your perfect trip!
Why should I choose Alii Nui?
At Alii Nui, we treat every guest like royalty on every charter we operate. Our 65-foot Alii Class catamarans are the most luxurious sailing vessels on Maui, and the widest catamarans in Hawaii for unmatched stability. We pair premium gear with chef-prepared cuisine, Maui’s largest onboard bar, and staffing levels that far exceed industry norms, all backed by the Alii Guarantee, Maui’s only satisfaction guarantee on the water.
Where do you depart from?
All Alii Nui catamaran charters depart from Slip #56 at Maalaea Harbor (Oceanside Pier, 300 Maalaea Road, Wailuku, HI 96793). Our 6-Passenger Private Yacht departs from either Kihei Boat Landing (2920 S Kihei Rd) on the Alii Nani, or Slip #74 at Maalaea Harbor on the Alii Nalu, depending on your booking.
Do you offer transportation?
Round-trip transportation is available at an additional fee on select charters, based on availability. We partner with select Wailea resorts including Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Grand Wailea, Andaz Maui, Wailea Beach Resort, Hotel Wailea, and Fairmont Kea Lani. Round-trip transportation is included on select Kihei departures of our 6-Passenger Private Yacht.
Is there parking at the harbor?
Yes. Paid parking is available at Maalaea Harbor and can be reserved through the ParkWhiz app or via the QR signs posted throughout the harbor. Slip #56 is located on the outside, ocean-side pier, roughly halfway down.
Can I bring my own food and drinks onboard?
On our 6-Passenger Private Yacht, yes. Every private yacht charter includes a YETI cooler stocked with ice, still and sparkling water, sodas, juices, coconut water, local kombucha, and Maui cold brew coffee, and you are welcome to bring additional beverages or pre-order from our custom catering menu when booking. Our catamaran charters include a full open bar, so outside food and drink are not needed.
Can our captain customize the private yacht itinerary?
Absolutely. Every 6-Passenger Private Yacht charter is built entirely around your day. Our captains read the conditions each morning and shape the route around the ocean’s behavior. You can snorkel Molokini before the crowds, leisure fish along the Pali Coast, cruise to Honolua Bay, or run the backside of Lanai. You set the priorities, and your captain finds the best possible version of that day.
Can I bring my kids on board?
Most of our charters are very family-friendly. Our snorkel experiences, the Sunset Happy Hour Sail, and the Catamaran Whale Watch welcome all ages, and the shaded cabin offers a comfortable space to escape the sun and wind. Children three and under sail free on our family-friendly charters. Our 6-Passenger Private Yacht also welcomes children of all ages with proper safety considerations. Please note that the Royal Sunset Dinner at Sea, Sushi Sunset at Sea, and all Top Deck upgrades are exclusively adults-only experiences.
Do I need to bring my own sunscreen?
We provide complimentary reef-safe, non-chemical sunscreen on every snorkel charter that strictly adheres to local environmental guidelines. You are welcome to bring your own as long as it meets Hawaii’s reef-safe standards. We also recommend bringing a towel for after-snorkel comfort.
Do I need to know how to swim to snorkel?
We highly recommend guests be comfortable in the water if they intend to snorkel Molokini or any of our Maui snorkel sites. We provide ample flotation equipment on every snorkel charter, including float belts, pool noodles, and boogie boards, but please be aware there is no area for guests to stand once in the ocean.
Are there discounts for kamaaina, military, or first responders?
Yes. Hawaii residents with a valid state ID receive a kamaaina discount on every charter, and we offer discounts for active and retired military and first responders. Discounts are applied at the time of booking.
How many guests are on your boats?
Our sailing catamarans are certified to carry 99 passengers each, but we intentionally never reach full capacity. Our snorkel charters and whale watches are limited to around 70 guests, and our adults-only dining experiences are capped at fewer than 45 guests to ensure an intimate, luxury experience. Our 6-Passenger Private Yacht is reserved for up to six guests for a fully private experience with your group only.
What is your cancellation policy?
Any cancellation or adjustment made more than 48 hours before the charter date results in a full refund. Within the 48-hour window, please contact our reservations department to discuss your options, though in most cases refunds are not authorized inside 48 hours. Trip Protection is available for purchase, which allows your tickets to be refunded, rescheduled, or converted into a gift card up until 2 hours prior to departure.
What happens in the case of bad weather?
If foul weather affects a scheduled charter, our captain may make the safety decision to cancel. In that case, our team immediately reaches out to all guests to discuss alternatives, including priority rebooking or a full refund.
Can I still snorkel if I wear glasses?
Yes. We carry a wide selection of prescription snorkel masks for guests who need corrective lenses, featuring prescriptions from -1.5 to -6.0 in 0.5 increments. Let a reservationist or crew member know at booking or check-in, and we will do our absolute best to accommodate you.
Are there bathrooms on board?
Yes. Both Alii Class catamarans are equipped with two spacious marine restrooms, which are among the largest available on the water.
Is your vessel handicap accessible?
Boarding our catamarans requires walking down the pier and stepping across a small gap onto the dock, where a crew member is always on hand to assist with the step. There are also two to four steps down into the main cabin and to the restrooms. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs onboard at this time.
Can I book an Alii Class catamaran for a private charter?
Absolutely. Our dedicated charter team handles weddings, corporate retreats, milestone celebrations, family reunions, and large group events on Maui. You can charter an Alii Class catamaran for up to 80 guests with full vessel exclusivity, custom food and beverage, curated entertainment, and a dedicated charter coordinator handling every detail. For smaller, intimate groups, our private yacht charter accommodates up to six guests.