Three Maui companies offer zip line adventures:

• Maui zip line or Maui zipline company was Skyline Eco-Adventures.
• Kapalua Adventures
• Piiholo Ranch Zipline.

I must be honest here -- I’ve never been on a zip line and probably won’t in this lifetime.  So I’m going to cover all 3 companies and you can let me know your experiences.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr9XhFuEL4Y

Maui Zip Line

Founded in 2002, Skyline Eco-Adventures was the first zip line company on Maui and for that matter, in the United States. Skyline’s first zip lines were located on Haleakala Ranch in Upcountry Maui along Highway 378 or Crater Road. This was the first zip line tour that my wife and I ever took and we did it on Thanksgiving Day in 2005.

Called the Haleakala Skyline Tour, this course is perfect for first time zipliners. The Haleakala Skyline Tour blends a short hiking experience with five zipline crossings each slightly longer and slightly higher, an “Indiana Jones” style swinging bridge, and an introduction to Hawaii’s unique and fragile landscape.

Skyline was voted Hawaii Eco-Tour Operator of the Year 2004 by the Hawaii Eco-Tourism Association and this tour showed us why. We had so much fun that we didn’t even realize how much we were learning about the trees, plants and wildlife of Upcountry Maui. This tour operates nine times a day and last a couple of hours.

More recently, Skyline has opened a second zipline tour in West Maui, called the Ka’anapali Skyline Adventure.

More adventurous than their original course, this second course is located deep into the mountains above Ka’anapali and can only be reached by off road vehicles such as a Pinzgauer. The Ka’anapali Skyline Adventure is a full half-day experience featuring eight ziplines and a meal served at the edge of a 1000-foot overlook which provides great views of the West Maui coast.

Customers must be over 10 years of age, weigh between 80 & 260 lbs. and be physically able to hike 1/2 mile at elevation over uneven terrain for the Haleakala Tour and 2 miles for the Ka’anapali Tour. Customers with injuries, chronic heart problems should use discretion. No pregnant customers are allowed. There are additional recommendations and requirements listed on their website.

Zipline Haleakala -- Skyline Eco Adventures on Maui

Zipline Kaanapali -- Skyline Eco Adventures on Maui -- shorter

Kapalua Adventures

The second entry into Maui ziplining was the Kapalua Resort with their Kapalua Resort’s zipline course. The zipline course is just part of the Kapalua Adventures Mountain Outpost which also includes a challenge course, climbing tower and giant swing.

It’s the ultimate eco-friendly adventure opportunity on Maui and customers can choose among numerous packages to experience any numbers of the available activities in almost any combination.

Kapalua Resort’s zipline course is one the country’s largest with nearly two miles of parallel lines that soar amidst the West Maui mountains.

Guests are transported to the Mountain Outpost from the Kapalua Adventure Center in biodiesel-fueled Mercedez-Benz Unimogs via existing pineapple field access roads. The entire area is owned by their parent, the Maui Land & Pineapple Company.

Their ziplines are slightly different from others I have been on. First, they offer parallel lines which are great when you’re with a friend or family member. They also have, what I felt to be, a more comfortable nylon rip-stopping harness. It’s easier to avoid uncontrolled 360 degree swings. Their hardwood brake block system is also quite different from other ziplines I’ve been on. It allows for somewhat easier, albeit noisier, breaking.

When I did the Kapalua Adventures ziplines in March 2008 only four lines were open. They now have eight lines including two lines over 2,000 feet long. They’ve also added an innovative “zipperlifter” -- an innovative transport mechanism that lifts you 3000 linear feet to the starting point of the highest lines.

Because so many different combinations of adventures are available it’s impossible to quote all of the prices. Depending on whether you choose to do four or eight ziplines, the cost will range from $150-$300. As is standard all participants must be at least 10 years old and weigh between 60-250 lbs.

Tours fill up quickly, so is imperative that you book ahead. Also, because the weather in this area of the mountains is unpredictable, tours do get cancelled, so I would advise booking towards the beginning of your trip to allow time to reschedule should your tour be cancelled.

On a positive note Kapalua Resort has pledged 10 percent of the profits generated by the Adventure Center to the Pu’u Kukui Watershed Preserve. It is home to several of the world’s rarest plants and animal species that exist nowhere else in Hawaii, let alone the rest of the world. It’s also one of the wettest spots on earth with a pristine tropical bog. Pu‘u Kukui is a natural watershed on which Kapalua Resort and most of the West Maui community rely for water.

Challenge Zip -- Kapalua Adventures on Maui

Ultimate Zip -- Kapalua Adventures on Maui

Piiholo Ranch Zipline

Piiholo Ranch Zipline began operation in late 2008 and is now operating on the 800-acre historic Piiholo Ranch above Makawao, Maui.

The Ranch tour operations include horseback trail rides and lessons, and Hawaii’s newest and longest zipline eco-adventure. Situated on Piiholo Road near the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town of Makawao, the ranch is at an elevation of 2000 feet on Mt. Haleakala with bi-coastal Pacific Ocean views.

Piiholo Ranch Zipline Owners/Operators and brothers Jeff, Duke and Chris Baldwin are descendants of the legendary seven-generation Baldwin ranching family on Maui that includes father Peter, a competitive team roper, polo champion, and member of the Paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) Hall of Fame.

They have built one of the country’s longest and most ecologically sensitive ziplines nearing three miles of scenic thrills, with the longest line at 2800 feet, heights from 42 feet to 600 feet, and speeds up to 40 miles per hour.

The course includes a zipline of four lines side-by-side (the only one in Hawaii) and five ziplines of two lines side-by-side; a suspension bridge; and seven-station, 42-foot tall climbing tower and ropes course (Tango Tower) covering approximately 100 acres.

Guests are outfitted with the latest ziplining equipment including the top state-of-the-art zipline harness available and offering maximum comfort, safety helmet, and tethered trolley.

Knowledgeable guides lead them through a fun and challenging bird’s eye view of the rain forest.

All tours start by crossing a 317-foot long suspension bridge which takes you from the parking lot to the course. Ziplines criss-cross over verdant, deep gulches and zipliners soar over a beautiful forest canopy, including koa, ohi`a, halapepe and kukui trees, while taking in bi-coastal views and the grandeur of Haleakala summit.

Four Adventure tours are available -- a 5-Line Adventure, a 4-Line Adventure, Tango Tower and a Walk Along Adventure which provides great photo opportunities for non-zipping friends.

Participants must be at least 10 years old and weigh between 75 pounds and 275 pounds for ziplining and at least 60 pounds for Tango Tower. The tour is not for pregnant women, people with back problems or any serious medical condition. Closed toed shoes are required. Some moderate to advanced physical activity and stair climbing is expected.

Line Zip -- Piiholo Ranch Zipline on Maui

Tango Tower -- Piiholo Ranch Zipline on Maui

Zip and Tango Combo -- Piiholo Ranch Zipline on Maui

Every time we mention the Road to Hana to folks someone wants to drive it in their rental car.  If you read the fine print on your rental agreement you can NOT go to the very south end of Maui – the roads are not paved and there is NO cell service.    If you drive to Hana the shortest way back is around the south end of Maui – doubling back is hours longer.  ALL rental cars now have GPS hidden in them and they can tell if you do go there – and get zapped with a huge repair bill.

Let a tour van service drive you and your family and you will thank me after they drop you off at your resort after the sun sets and you are just beat – and you didn’t drive.  We have taken Valley Isle Excursions so many times I’ve lost count – they are fantastic.  Their van picks you up as the sun rises, takes you for breakfast, drives you until lunch time, see Hana, then they drive the south Maui route to a winery, and then they head back to your resort.  This is an all day event and it is just a blast.

You definitely want to sit in Captains’ chairs during the ride since the van sways left and right about 700 times during the day.  Your van driver will stop at fruit stands and flower gardens during the day and you will learn more about Maui than any book can teach.

The first thing you should do is to set up and account with Tom Barefoot by clicking here – costs nothing to join. To learn more about Tom Barefoot Tours click here.

Vendor: Valley Isle Excursions
Product: Hana Classic Tour *
Description: The road to Hana is one of the most breathtaking drives on earth, fifty two miles, 617 curves, 56 one lane bridges, pineapple fields, spectacular cliffs, bamboo jungles and waterfalls. Enjoy an informative narrated tour of the Famed Road to Hana and beyond. Stop at waterfalls, stroll unique sand beaches, stop at the Wainapanapa State Park, see Charles Lindbergh’s Gravesite, and Swim at the Pools of O’heo . Lunch is served at the Hana Fresh Farmers Market where guests can shop for fresh fish, fruit and vegetables. *
Operates: Daily
Departure Point: Pick-up and return from hotel or condo.
Duration: All Day
Equipment: Luxurious Tour Vans with individual captains chairs and vertical viewing windows.
Capacity: Maximum of 12 passengers.
Inclusions: Continental Breakfast, Buffet Style Hot Picnic Lunch.
Menu: Breakfast: Bagels and Cream Cheese, Fresh Fruit, Muffins, Juice and Coffee.
Lunch: Hot Baked BBQ Chicken Breast, Macaroni Salad, Fresh Garden Salad, Bread Rolls, Dessert, Assorted Beverages (Vegetarian Plates available upon request). Served on tablecloths with china and silverware. Complimentary cold beverages served all day.
*Restrictions: Not recommended for pregnant women or small children.

Click here for more information or to order.

This is the most expensive luau on Maui and worth every penny!  If you only have time to enjoy one luau this is the one you should visit.

The first thing you should do is to set up and account with Tom Barefoot by clicking here -- costs nothing to join. To learn more about Tom Barefoot Tours click here.

Visiting Maui without taking in a luau should be illegal -- you can’t spend all that money to fly to Maui and stay at a fantastic resort and not go to a luau!  Period.  The luau has turned into the last vestiges of Hawaiian culture.  ALL the best luaus are sold out way way in advance of the luau.  You can not wait until you are on Maui to book them -- they are sold out by then -- you’ve been warned!

Many folks see crazy cheap prices for all kinds of luaus -- I can assure you that is exactly what you will get -- cheap luaus that will disappoint you.  I’ve been to many luaus and the expensive ones are 10 times better than the cheap ones.  There is NO such thing as an “excellent cheap luau” -- they are just cheap and a waste of your money and time.

As you probably know, the only place on the planet you can truly attend a luau is in Hawaii, and arguably, the very best luaus to be found in the state are on Maui, so if your going to do a luau, you should do it right here. The other thing that I should mention at this point is that if your going to decide to book a luau on Maui, you should probably consider doing it right now or as soon as you possibly can, long before you actually arrive on vacation, because some of our very best luaus (not all but some of them) actually are sold out weeks and even months in advance. I know it seems incredible, but it is the absolute truth. Even if the luau is not sold out, the sooner we make a booking for you the better the seating arrangement will be for you and your family when you attend.

Open Bar: the two recommended luaus have a 3-hour open bar -- drink yourself silly with premium drinks.  Ask for all the top brands of liquor for your drinks.  Just about any other luau give you one (1) free drink as you enter then opens a bar tab for you to pay at the end.

Premium seating: sign up early and you will get premium seating at these two fine luaus.  Many other luaus want big bucks for you to get a premium seat.  These two fine luaus assign seats based upon when the tickets are purchased -- the earlier the better the seat!

20% Tip/Gratuity: these two fine luaus have the gratuity built into the ticket price.  All the other luaus don’t and that amounts to 15% -- 20% more of a charge.

Total Cost: Buy a cheaper luau then add in the bar tab plus the 20% tip plus the premium seating and they will cost way way more than these two luaus which are the best on Maui and perhaps all the Hawaiian islands.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=INGc6cyDyDg

Feast at LeLe

Situated along the beach in historic Lahaina Town, just 10 minutes from the Honua Kai Resort & Spa. Guest are greeted with a fresh flower lei and a mai tai. A sit down, five course dinner featuring cuisine of Hawaii, New Zealand, Tahiti, Samoa and Dessert as well as a premium open bar are included throughout the evening. Each course is accompanied by dramatic Polynesian entertainment from each island, that combines modern interpretations of the traditional song, dance and cuisine of four Pacific Islands.

The Feast at Lele is certainly one of the best luaus you will find in the state of Hawaii. This luau is very personalized, holding only about 150 persons, and the demand for these seats is often very great. This is one of the very few luaus you will find that seats your individual group at its very own table and has table service instead of a buffet. The food is served at your table to coordinate with the South Pacific culture that is appearing as entertainment on stage. Each serving then will accentuate specialty dishes available in that specific culture. You will do a cultural round-robin of the Pacific island nations and experience each one at a time. Everything is about personalization at this luau from your drinks to the fresh flower lei you receive when you first arrive, to the seating and to the delicious dinner. If you don’t mind spending a little extra to experience some of the very best, then the Feast at Lele may just be for you.

The tables are set up right on the sand beach and you can drink all the tropical drinks you can think of in 3 hours.  Many luaus don’t include an unlimited 3-hour open bar -- this one does.  Tipping is built into the price -- so for other luaus you need to add in 20% more for the tip -- not this one.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=11OtZCuYWow

MENU
Executive Chef James McDonald Presents a Celebration of Polynesian Cuisine.

Traditional Polynesian staples, Banana, Taro and Sweet Potato chips served with a Tropical Ginger and Ogo Seaweed Salsa.

First Course from Hawaii
Imu Roasted Kalua Pig
Pohole Ferns and heart of Palm Salad
Fresh Island fish with Mango Sauce
Poi

Second Course from New Zealand
Sea Bean Duck Salad with Poha Berry Dressing
Kuku Patties -- Maori fishcake with mussels, salmon and scallops
Harore Kumara -- Roasted mushrooms, sweet potato and garlic

Third Course from Tahiti
Fafa -- Steamed Chicken and Taro Leaf in Coconut Milk
E-Ioata-Poisson Cru
Scallops on the Shell -- Baked Scallops

Fourth Course from Samoa
Supasui -- Grilled Steak
Palusami -- Breadfruit with Taro Leaf and Coconut Cream
Shrimp and Avacado with Lilikoi

Fifth Course Desserts
Carmel Mac Nut Tart topped with fruited Coconut Pudding (Haupia)
Hawaiian Chocolate Truffles
Exotic Fruits

Feast at Lele Bar Menu
Mai Tai - Light and dark rum, with orange and pineapple juice
Pina Colada - Light rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice
Banana Madness - Rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, banana and irish liquor
Lava Flow - A pina colade with banana and strawberry swirl
Island Ice Tea -- Mango Ice Tea with juices and orange liquor
Blue Hawaii - Light rum, pineapple juice and blue curacao
Planters Punch -- Light rum, orange juice, sweet & sour, soda with a dark rum float

Beers
Heineken
Steinlager
Hinano (Tahitian beer)
Kona Pacific Gold Ale
Budweiser
Bud Light
Coors Light
O’Doul’s (non-alcoholic)

Wines
Chardonnay
White Zinfandel
Sauvignon Blanc
Cabernet
Merlot
Pinot Noir
Sparkling wine

Liquors
Smirnoff Vodka
Gordons Gin
Jose Cuervo Tequila
Bacardi Rum
Grants Scotch
Jim Beam Whisky

There are NO discounts available on Maui -- none, zip, zilch -- from anyone.  This, to me, and Old Lahaina Luau are tied for 1st place in luaus mainly because all the drinks are included and so is tipping.

You must book early -- you can’t wait until you are on Maui to get a good seat -- click here to book NOW!

This is the second most expensive luau on Maui and worth every penny!  If you only have time to enjoy one luau this is the one you should visit.

The first thing you should do is to set up and account with Tom Barefoot by clicking here -- costs nothing to join. To learn more about Tom Barefoot Tours click here.

Visiting Maui without taking in a luau should be illegal -- you can’t spend all that money to fly to Maui and stay at a fantastic resort and not go to a luau!  Period.  The luau has turned into the last vestiges of Hawaiian culture.  ALL the best luaus are sold out way way in advance of the luau.  You can not wait until you are on Maui to book them -- they are sold out by then -- you’ve been warned!

Many folks see crazy cheap prices for all kinds of luaus -- I can assure you that is exactly what you will get -- cheap luaus that will disappoint you.  I’ve been to many luaus and the expensive ones are 10 times better than the cheap ones.  There is NO such thing as an “excellent cheap luau” -- they are just cheap and a waste of your money and time.

As you probably know, the only place on the planet you can truly attend a luau is in Hawaii, and arguably, the very best luaus to be found in the state are on Maui, so if your going to do a luau, you should do it right here. The other thing that I should mention at this point is that if your going to decide to book a luau on Maui, you should probably consider doing it right now or as soon as you possibly can, long before you actually arrive on vacation, because some of our very best luaus (not all but some of them) actually are sold out weeks and even months in advance. I know it seems incredible, but it is the absolute truth. Even if the luau is not sold out, the sooner we make a booking for you the better the seating arrangement will be for you and your family when you attend.

Open Bar: the two recommended luaus have a 3-hour open bar -- drink yourself silly with premium drinks.  Ask for all the top brands of liquor for your drinks.  Just about any other luau give you one (1) free drink as you enter then opens a bar tab for you to pay at the end.

Premium seating: sign up early and you will get premium seating at these two fine luaus.  Many other luaus want big bucks for you to get a premium seat.  These two fine luaus assign seats based upon when the tickets are purchased -- the earlier the better the seat!

20% Tip/Gratuity: these two fine luaus have the gratuity built into the ticket price.  All the other luaus don’t and that amounts to 15% -- 20% more of a charge.

Total Cost: Buy a cheaper luau then add in the bar tab plus the 20% tip plus the premium seating and they will cost way way more than these two luaus which are the best on Maui and perhaps all the Hawaiian islands.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=INGc6cyDyDg

Old Lahaina Luau

For over 25 years the Old Lahaina Luau has been has been the most well known and respected luau to be offered in Hawaii. The luau is often sold-out many weeks in advance. If you’re coming to the islands for a visit this is a “must book early”. Although the seating is excellent from any vantage point if you want to sit closer to the stage, or even sit traditional style with legs folded and near the front, your seat placement is dependent upon the date it was booked so this is an additional reason to book early. And will it be worth it? A case could be made, in fact a very good case could be made that the Old Lahaina Luau is not just the very best luau on Maui but in all likelihood the very best luau in all of Hawaii.

Old Lahaina Luau is the traditional buffet type luau with all the adult beverages you can drink in 3 hours.  They give you a list of their specials -- about 20 of them.  I’ve personally tasted all 20 and they are all good.  They make the best Mai Tais I’ve ever had.

Old Lahaina Luau Menu

The food is served buffet style. To avoid long lines at the buffet like at some luaus, your host lets you know when your table can go through the buffet line. This does decrease wait time in the line, but some visitors feel like they are back in school again.

• Kalua Roast Pork Laulau (steamed pork wrapped in luau leaf)

• Chicken Long Rice Shredded chicken, Maui onions, ginger & rice bean noodles in broth

• Island Style Chicken Chicken marinated with guava sauce garnished with fresh pineapples & toasted sesame seeds

• Stir Fry Vegetables Zucchini, Maui onions, carrots, broccoli, sugar snap peas, and baby corn

• Local-Style Fried Rice Fried rice with green onions, peas, & sesame oil

• Sweet Potato Warm sliced Big Island sweet potatoes

• Island Crab Salad Crab, shrimp and water chestnuts

• Taro Salad Taro and spinach folded in coconut sauce

• Pohole Salad Fern shoots, Maui onions & tomatoes served in a vinaigrette sauce

• Lomi-Lomi Salmon Tomatoes, Maui onions, & salted salmon

• Ahi Poke Fresh raw ahi (yellow fin tuna) with green onions & Maui onions

• Poi Made from boiling & mashing the root of the taro plant

• Fresh Island Fruit & Banana Bread

• Assorted Island Desserts Chocolate Mac Nut Brownie, Maui Macadamia Nut Tart, Lilikoi Mousse Chocolate Cups, & Coconut Haupia

You must book early -- you can’t wait until you are on Maui to get a good seat -- click here to book NOW!

Warren is the world class magician and Annabelle is a ghost that inhabits the theater.  This is world class entertainment for adults, no children are allowed in.

The first thing you should do is to set up and account with Tom Barefoot by clicking here – costs nothing to join. To learn more about Tom Barefoot Tours click here.

This show had NO discounts anywhere – Tom charges what everyone else charges but you get to do it in one handy location on his website.  This is another activity, on Maui, that is booked up way in advance, at holidays you must book months ahead.  The theater only seats 78 guests.

There are two (2) types of shows available for this magic show (called packages):

Admission Package – Warren & Annabelle’s on Maui

Your evening begins as you are invited into Annabelle’s secret chamber to discover the hidden passage into her parlor where the resident ghost playing the piano will entertain you. Request your favorite song or ask her a question and she’ll respond on her piano! Then move into an intimate theater, only six rows deep, and join Warren Gibson, renowned magician and acclaimed showman for an incredible and interactive two-hour magic show.*

Basically this package is the magic show minus the meal they serve.  Ruth’s Chris Steak House is located right next door and you can get a magic show with the best steaks on Maui all in one place!  The setting of Ruth’s Chris in Lahaina is ocean front and we have eaten there many times.  4th of July evening was just fantastic – we ate at Ruth’s and watched the fireworks over the Lahaina bay as a huge cruise ship was anchored right off shore.

Click here to order this package.

Package-Royal Flush – Warren & Annabelle’s on Maui

Includes Admission, Entertainment in Annabelle’s Parlor, Appetizers, Dessert, Cocktails and a Two-hour magic show that will entertain and amaze you. 2 Premium Cocktails featuring premium Liquor, Specialty Drinks, Blended Drinks, Imported and Domestic Beers, House Wines, Well Drinks and Soft Drinks. Additional drinks are available for purchase. Ticket price includes Gratuity on food and drink. *

Dinner: Combo Platter of Appetizers; Spicy Crab Cake with Sweet Chili Plum Sauce, Coconut Battered Shrimp with Ponzu Dipping Sauce, Polynesian Chicken Satay with Tropical Plum Sauce plus a Savory Kalua Pork Wrap with a Maui Pineapple Salsa deliciously rolled into a Tomato Wrap served on a bed of local Kula Greens. Choice of One Gourmet Dessert, Creme Brulee or White Chocolate-Raspberry Cheesecake, Key Lime Pie, Hot Apple Pie A La Mode, Chocolate Pots de Creme or a Classic New York-Style Cheesecake.

Click here to order this package.

*All Guests Must Be 21 + Years Of Age. Every Guest Must Present a Valid Photo ID at the Door. Theater A/C is Cool – Bring a Sweater. Days and Times can vary with season.

This magic show is for the whole family and it’s just fantastic – it mixes Maui culture with state-of-the-art magic.

(Kupanaha is the Hawaiian word for amazing and marvelous)

The first thing you should do is to set up and account with Tom Barefoot by clicking here – costs nothing to join. To learn more about Tom Barefoot Tours click here.

This show had NO discounts anywhere – Tom charges what everyone else charges but you get to do it in one handy location on his website.  This is another activity, on Maui, that is booked up way in advance, at holidays you must book months ahead.

Kupanaha is the Hawaiian word for amazing and marvelous, and this magical dinner show is definitely just that. Kupanaha is an evening of cutting edge illusions and slight-of-hand magic tricks. The legends of mythical Hawaii are illustrated through hula and chant. The show features Jody and Kathleen Baran and their beautiful daughters along with the award-winning hula halau,” Kano’eau Dance Academy”, who cleverly weave dance, chant, Hawaiian Myth and Magic into the performance. Specialty drinks from the Volcano Bar and delicious cuisine are served right at your table.

“Maui Magic for All Ages” is an evening of cutting edge illusions and slight-of-hand magic tricks, legends of mythical Hawaii illustrated through hula and chant, specialty drinks from the Volcano Bar and incredible cuisine served right at your table. World class magicians, Jody and Kathleen Baran and their magical family will entertain you for an evening of hi-tech, cutting edge illusions, legends of Hawaii’s extraordinary demigods, special theme drinks from the Volcano Bar and enticing food served at your table. The show will feature magicians Jody and Kathleen Baran and daughters. The award-winning hula halau, Kano’eau Dance Academy, presents dance and chant to weave Hawaiian myth into magic. Kupanaha is the Hawaiian word for amazing and marvelous, and this magical dinner show definitely fulfills that meaning.*

Menu: Choice of Appetizers
Kalua Pork Maui Quesedilla – Hawaiian-style Smoked Pork, with Shiitake Mushrooms, Caramelized Maui Onions, Cream Cheese, Spinach and Cilantro in a Flour Tortilla Wrap. OR a
Grilled Vegetable Bruschetta – Garlic-Grilled Flat Bread with Sauteed Shiitake Mushrooms, Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, Eggplant and Tomatoes Bruschetta, served with a Roasted Red Pepper Coulis and Balsamic Vinaigrette.
Choice of Entrees – Select one
Seared Fresh Island Fish – Seasoned Red Snapper seared to perfection topped with a Sweet Chili Black Bean Sauce and Vegetables over steamed White Rice.
Grilled Marinated Chicken or Chicken and Shrimp – Breast of Chicken in a seasoned Soy and Garlic Marinade and Garlic Shrimp served with Caramelized Pineapple and Steamed White Rice.
Tenderloin Steak or Steak and Shrimp – a Medallion of Beef and a Grilled Jumbo Shrimp topped with a Lemon-Garlic Sauce and Garlic Smashed Potatoes.
The Vegetarian – Grilled Tofu, Sweet Potato and Taro with Sauteed Mushrooms, Spinach and Sweet Corn over seasoned Roasted Eggplant.
Choice of Dessert: Pina Colada Cheesecake OR a Tropical Fresh Fruit Plate.
CHILDRENS MENU for 6-12 years and FREE CHILD 0-5 years: Hamburger and Curly Fries – Chicken Nuggets and Curly Fries, OR Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce. Followed by Vanilla Ice Cream for Dessert.

There are two choices of tickets:

Regular Seating.

There are prices for adults, Teens, children, and infants.  You get all the above but not up front seating.

Gold Circle Seating.

There is just one flat, premium price, for all folks in your party but you get to sit up front.

We have taken whale watching trips for 10 years and Maui Adventure Cruses is, by far,  the best for us.  They specialize in Zodiac boats and are very professional and knowledgeable.  Pregnant women and folks with back problems or recent surgery are not allowed to take the trip.

The first thing you should do is to set up and account with Tom Barefoot by clicking here – costs nothing to join. To learn more about Tom Barefoot Tours click here.

The best bang for the buck activity on Maui is a Zodiac ride for two hours searching for whales.  Everyone of our trips has been breathtaking and fun.  We have met lots of folks who actually go whale watching every day while on Maui!  If you take a number of trips with Maui Adventure Tours you will get Pre-Boarding status and snap up the best seats.

Bring a hat and sunglasses – polarized sunglasses are far superior to normal ones – you can see the whales swim under the boat with polarized ones.  Also, put suntan lotion on any exposed skin as the UV rays will burn even on cloudy days.

Show up about 30 minutes before the boarding time and when you do you will be given a numbered ticket – the lower numbers are allowed on the boat first.  This activity does have a great discount which basically has adults buying tickets priced for kids prices.

Description: This two hour fully narrated whale watch will include complimentary soft drinks, binoculars and whale watch guide. Marine Biologist will share knowledge of our Humpback Whales and lower hydrophones, so you can hear their song.
Operates: Daily: 8:00am, 10:00am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm – additional times may be added based on demand.

Snorkel trips are done with the same boats and we’ve been on snorkel trips with Maui Adventure Cruises and have had a super time.

Click here for more information about their whale watching tours.

Humpback Whales.

• Whales swim to Maui from Alaska, spend the whole winter here, then swim back – and don’t eat the whole time!
• Whales’ lungs are the size of a Volkswagen!
• Whales’ babies, born here on Maui, grow at a rate of 100 pounds a day!
• Watch Humpback Whales on a Maui tour!
• Whale Watching Tours in Maui, What an Experience!

Children love whale watching tours! On whale watching tours the price for kids is usually half the adult price. A two-hour whale watching tour may not be enough to satisfy your curiosity about these marine mammals. You may want to go on a couple of different whale watching tours during your vacation.

Many types of boats offer whale watching tours. Large whale watching tour boats provide stability on the ocean. Some whale watching tour boats have upper decks for greater viewing capacity. Rafts, or zodiacs, are more adventurous, more intimate and give more of a ‘whale-eye’ view of the surroundings. Narration and interpretation of humpback whale movements are provided on Maui whale watching tours. You’ll find yourself wanting to know more about these fascinating creatures.

Time of day makes no difference. Ask any tour operator and the time of day makes little difference to the whales.  Morning generally has calmer waters but the whales are active all day long.