Makena Coast Charters · Kihei Boat Ramp
A gray and red raft called Makena Mele II leaves the Kihei Boat Ramp at 7:00 AM sharp with no more than 19 guests, snorkels Molokini and then Turtle Town, and is back by mid-morning. Pick it for the tiny group, a crew that guests call by name, and both stops in three hours.
Makena Coast Charters is a family-run Kihei outfit with more than 35 years on the water. Its raft, the gray and red Makena Mele II, carries 19 guests at most, and the reviews read like a fan club for the same few crew names. From the Kihei Boat Ramp it's a short run to Molokini, so you're in the crater early, often before the Ma'alaea fleet arrives, then back along the coast to Turtle Town on the way home.
Three hours is enough for both stops without a long day. Gear is fitted properly, wetsuit tops and flotation are included, and you get juice, water, snacks and a light sandwich. Guests mention dolphins on the ride and, when the crater is calm, a swing round the back of Molokini. When it isn't, the captain looks for somewhere better: one May 2026 guest describes poor visibility at the crater and a hunt for a sheltered spot that turned out well.
The rules are strict, and they're there for a reason. No children under 5, no one over 65, no pregnancy, no back or neck problems, no recent surgery, a 300 lb weight limit, and you must climb a vertical ladder from the water and walk down the dock unaided. A raft also means sun and spray with no restroom. If that rules someone out, the Four Winds catamaran takes all ages.
Park at the Kihei Boat Ramp, walk to the boat and trailer area and find the gray and red raft Makena Mele II. Check in with the captain.
The raft leaves on time; late guests miss the boat.
First in the water, often before the crowd. On calm days the captain may take you round the back wall.
Second stop off the Makena coast for green sea turtles on the way back.
Three hours after departure, with the whole day still ahead.
★★★★★Smaller boat was a huge plus for maneuvering into smaller places and not having to wait on a lot of people to get on and off the boat. We got to make 3 stops and saw multiple sea turtles, sharks and a beautiful side of the Molikini crater where we were the only boat.
★★★★★I usually get motion sickness on boats but this style boat was perfect for me and I didn’t feel anything. Alex was still prepared and had ginger candies to help just in case!
★★★★★Waves were choppier than expected and visibility was bad at Molokini. It wasn’t safe. Captain Matt found us a little spot after some searching and it was awesome. Water was warm, clear, and full of life.
★★★★★We did our snorkeling at 7:30am and it was the perfect way to start the day. James also took amazing underwater pictures and videos that he shared with us.
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19 at most. It's the smallest group of any trip on this site, and boarding and getting into the water take minutes, not half an hour.
Ages 5 to 65, with a 300 lb maximum per person. Pregnant guests, anyone with back or neck problems or recent surgery, and elderly or fragile guests can't go.
At 2800 S Kihei Rd in south Kihei, across the road from the Maui Kamaole condos. Look for the gray and red raft in the boat and trailer parking area.
It's a raft, so yes in a chop, though the ride to Molokini from Kihei is short. Some guests who usually get seasick said they felt fine. Take medicine early if you're unsure, and read our Ma'alaea or Kihei guide.
Ready to book
A small raft from Kihei with 19 guests at most, Molokini and Turtle Town in three hours, snacks on board.
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