Ma'alaea Harbor

Maalaea Harbor is a central Maui boat harbor with slips, tour departures, trailer parking, restrooms, showers and access to Molokini and whale watching trips.

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Ma'alaea Harbor, Maui

Ma'alaea Harbor is conveniently located half way between West Maui and South Maui. This is where many tour boats and cruises depart from, such as snorkeling and Maui scuba diving tours to Molokini or other nearby destinations, as well as Maui dinner cruises. It is the largest harbor on this side of the island and a place worth visiting, even if you're not a boat passenger. There are many shops and restaurants located here as well, including the Ma'alaea Harbor Shops, the Pacific Whale Foundation and the Maui Ocean Center.

Key Features

Working boat harbor in Maalaea on Maui's south-central shoreline
Common departure point for Molokini snorkel trips, whale watching, sunset cruises and fishing charters
Located near the Maui Ocean Center
Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources lists 89 berths
One boat ramp is available at the harbor
Parking is available for vehicles and trailers
Restrooms and showers are available
Loading docks and loading zones serve commercial and recreational harbor activity
Morning departures can make parking and check-in areas busy
Maalaea Harbor is known for central Maui tour departures, Molokini access, whale watching trips, harbor facilities and easy highway access

Daily Activity Picks

Featured Maui Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

What tours leave from Maalaea Harbor?

Many operators use Maalaea Harbor for Molokini snorkel trips, whale watching, sunset cruises, dinner cruises, fishing charters and other ocean tours.

Why is Maalaea Harbor busy in the morning?

Many ocean tours depart early for calmer water and better timing, so the harbor can have guests, vans, boats, trucks and trailers moving at once.

What facilities are at Maalaea Harbor?

Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources lists berths, a boat ramp, trailer parking, restrooms, showers, loading docks and loading zones at the harbor.

Is Maalaea Harbor close to the Maui Ocean Center?

Yes. The Maui Ocean Center is nearby, making the harbor area convenient for visitors who want an ocean tour and an aquarium visit in the same part of Maui.

Why do whale watching tours use Maalaea Harbor?

Maalaea sits near the waters between Maui, Lanai and Kaho'olawe, where humpback whale activity is common during winter whale season.