Hawaii Ocean Project
Hawaii Ocean Project
4.5
Scuba & Snorkelling • Dolphin & Whale Watching • Day Trips
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7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view
About
Hawaii Ocean Project hosts whale watches and other exciting excursions aboard the Maui Princess, the Molokai Princess, the Lahaina Princess, the Prince Kuhio, and the Kaulana. Our vessels are large, stable, and comfortable, and they offer the best viewing available. Trained naturalists on board share their knowledge of the West Maui marine environment. Whether you prefer a guided day trip around the exotic island of Molokai, A snorkel tour of Molokini, following a pod of Dolphins around Lanai, or a sunset dinner cruise of the coast of West Maui, Hawaii Ocean Project can accommodate you with your Maui Ocean Activity. Our Mission is to provide you with the finest Maui Ocean Activities available. Not only do we offer the finest Dinner cruises on Maui and ocean tours off the coast of West Maui, as well as excursions to Maui's neighboring islands, we are proud our services promote and support marine research and promote the education of Hawaii's marine eco system.
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Hawaii Ocean Project
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
958 reviews
Excellent
624
Very good
137
Average
79
Poor
60
Terrible
58
Mary M
Middletown, RI9 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
We loved our experience on the Maui Princess today! The whale watch was 2 hours and extremely informative. Our captain was funny and we saw about 25 whales including some nursing calfs and breeching! We felt very safe as there were only 70 people aboard the giant vessel which could fit about 150 people. Social distancing and mask wearing was abundant. Our two kids (4 and 2) loved the whale watch and even got to touch a baleen! The crew was super nice and they even had pastry snacks, drinks and cookies for sale. Don’t forget to tip!!!!
Written March 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lupe M
El Mirage, AZ10 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
My husband and I did the Maui Princess Sunset Dinner cruise. It was a wonderful time. You get dinner and two drinks included (alcoholic beverages if over 21) with the price of your ticket. I only had the two and that was plenty. The dinner choices were Mahi Mahi and ribeye, they were decent meals and portions. However, we went on this dinner cruise for the sunset and it did not disappoint, just breathtaking. There was also live music and some dancing on board the ship. I would recommend this to a friend.
Written May 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glenn
2 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
We went on the Maui Princess Sunset Dining and Dancing excursion. We had a wonderful time. The food was delicious, we loved the guitarist that played all evening long, the service was wonderful, and the sunset was gorgeous. We were thoroughly pleased with a relaxing evening and would recommend it to anyone. There was a little dancing but if you are looking for a big time dancing event, this is not that - as there is not a lot of room on the deck. They had reserved seats for our party and were very organized. The boat could use a little sprucing up but we still had a lovely evening.
Written June 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
G Y
2 contributions
Dec 2021
This is a review for the Maui Princess.
Wish I read the reviews on Trip Advisor before wasting our money. Cost was highway robbery and we didn’t even get to see the sunset because the boat arrived 45 minutes after our scheduled 5:30 departure.
We should have asked for a refund, like 14 other couples did. Since we were already there we decided to just continue as planned. To compensate for the delay, the capt offered an "open bar" free of charge and extra helpings of dinner. However, The food was subpar and the cocktails were watered down. The dinner rolls and salad were the only somewhat appetizing things. My husband's prime rib was so-so, my mahi mahi was dry and not much of a taste. The cheesecake tasted pre-packaged.
The only positives: We didn't have to sit with strangers since several bowed out and there were lots of empty tables. The waitstaff were courteous and attentive w/o being intrusive. Music was decent. She sang a mix of songs from diff genres and encouraged the small crowd to dance.
I cannot imagine a single reason anybody should go on this Maui Princess sunset dinner cruise.
Wish I read the reviews on Trip Advisor before wasting our money. Cost was highway robbery and we didn’t even get to see the sunset because the boat arrived 45 minutes after our scheduled 5:30 departure.
We should have asked for a refund, like 14 other couples did. Since we were already there we decided to just continue as planned. To compensate for the delay, the capt offered an "open bar" free of charge and extra helpings of dinner. However, The food was subpar and the cocktails were watered down. The dinner rolls and salad were the only somewhat appetizing things. My husband's prime rib was so-so, my mahi mahi was dry and not much of a taste. The cheesecake tasted pre-packaged.
The only positives: We didn't have to sit with strangers since several bowed out and there were lots of empty tables. The waitstaff were courteous and attentive w/o being intrusive. Music was decent. She sang a mix of songs from diff genres and encouraged the small crowd to dance.
I cannot imagine a single reason anybody should go on this Maui Princess sunset dinner cruise.
Written December 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg M.
1 contribution
Jul 2021
I don't know what the people who gave this trip 5 stars was smoking.
My wife and I took the dinner cruise the last night of our honeymoon. No lie, at first I thought we were on punk'd or the like. Holy cow, we spent $240 and what we got did not add up.
First off, props to Ivory who both waitressed AND served as first mate. Girl shoved us off the dock and secured the boat when we arrived back.
Below are suggestions for improvement:
1. The meal was OK. I actually thought the Mahi Mahi was decent.
The trouble is that they packed four people into a table most likely suited for two people. If you don't mind sitting with two strangers (if you are of course a party of two), then no biggee.
2. The bathrooms were pretty gross. I get it, we are on a boat - but it was pretty stinky below deck where they were located.
3. The music was kind of terrible. I respect musicians and putting yourself out there is not easy, but the dude singing was basically doing karaoke with a Keytar, and his voice left something to be desired. And, for the first three songs he had his back turned to the audience, I think reading the lyrics from an iPad he had stashed.
4. There seemed to be a bit too many people on board for a state that is trying to make sure COVID stays away from their island. No one was asked to wear masks, and as mentioned people were pretty packed. I know that being outside makes transmission difficult but...
5. The captain should chill on the misogyny. He referred to one of the waitresses as "our resident barbie doll". Cringe!
I would not take this cruise again, and if you have the money, I would spend more on a smaller boat with perhaps better reviews.
My wife and I took the dinner cruise the last night of our honeymoon. No lie, at first I thought we were on punk'd or the like. Holy cow, we spent $240 and what we got did not add up.
First off, props to Ivory who both waitressed AND served as first mate. Girl shoved us off the dock and secured the boat when we arrived back.
Below are suggestions for improvement:
1. The meal was OK. I actually thought the Mahi Mahi was decent.
The trouble is that they packed four people into a table most likely suited for two people. If you don't mind sitting with two strangers (if you are of course a party of two), then no biggee.
2. The bathrooms were pretty gross. I get it, we are on a boat - but it was pretty stinky below deck where they were located.
3. The music was kind of terrible. I respect musicians and putting yourself out there is not easy, but the dude singing was basically doing karaoke with a Keytar, and his voice left something to be desired. And, for the first three songs he had his back turned to the audience, I think reading the lyrics from an iPad he had stashed.
4. There seemed to be a bit too many people on board for a state that is trying to make sure COVID stays away from their island. No one was asked to wear masks, and as mentioned people were pretty packed. I know that being outside makes transmission difficult but...
5. The captain should chill on the misogyny. He referred to one of the waitresses as "our resident barbie doll". Cringe!
I would not take this cruise again, and if you have the money, I would spend more on a smaller boat with perhaps better reviews.
Written July 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rsealana
1 contribution
Oct 2021
We told when we booked the dinner cruise, that the main boat was at another island and that the replacement boat did not have its liquor license. Therefore, we were told that the cruise would be a BYOB cruise where the boat would provide mixers but that the customers would have to bring their own liquor. When we got on board, we were seated at very small tables with minimal space to stand up (let alone to dance). The food was okay. They never brought the drink mixes around. We had to go down to their galley area to get the mixers. At a minimum, they should have made that announcement.
While eating dinner, the captain cruised up and down the coast. This was very pleasant. However, during the last hour, the captain would idle (in one place) for long periods of time while we (the customers) got our fill of diesel fumes. This got worse during the last half hour of the cruise as the Captain kept looking through his binoculars towards the harbor area (as if waiting for another boat to depart). The other concerning issue was that it was "pitch black," and (as a boat owner) I saw no evidence of radar on the boat.
I will say that the crew worked hard and the musician was excellent.
While eating dinner, the captain cruised up and down the coast. This was very pleasant. However, during the last hour, the captain would idle (in one place) for long periods of time while we (the customers) got our fill of diesel fumes. This got worse during the last half hour of the cruise as the Captain kept looking through his binoculars towards the harbor area (as if waiting for another boat to depart). The other concerning issue was that it was "pitch black," and (as a boat owner) I saw no evidence of radar on the boat.
I will say that the crew worked hard and the musician was excellent.
Written October 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad P
1 contribution
Sep 2021
This was pertaining to the Sunset Dinner Cruise - 5:30pm to 8pm. Totally over priced for what you got. Sound system was that of the 1960. Hard to here. Food was not that good. The fish was terrible. Not only my opinion but others who had it. After the 2 drinks included you paid $8 for additional drinks each. Being setting sail at 5:30pm you were in the dark for 1/2 the time and could see nothing of the coast line. There are other dinner cruises that are far better than this one.
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Randy B
1 contribution
Aug 2022
The event was Maui Princess Sunset dinner cruise and dance on August 19th, 2022. The only entertainment on board was solo singer with guitar. The event price included 2 alcoholic beverages of your choice, per person. When the boat left the harbor, servers went to each table carrying trays of Mai Tai cocktails. We declined them, because not our choice of drink.
We went to bar to order our drink selections. A ticket was taken from each of us for the drinks. After dinner we returned to bar for another round of drinks. When order was placed, the server asked us for $8.00 per drink. Informed the person, we were intitled to second drink. The person informed us that the MaiTai was our first drink, it was not free to us. So we were refused the second drink we paid for upfront. We were not happy about it. The price of the event totaled $336.00 for two. Only other beverages offered on cruise was water.
We went to bar to order our drink selections. A ticket was taken from each of us for the drinks. After dinner we returned to bar for another round of drinks. When order was placed, the server asked us for $8.00 per drink. Informed the person, we were intitled to second drink. The person informed us that the MaiTai was our first drink, it was not free to us. So we were refused the second drink we paid for upfront. We were not happy about it. The price of the event totaled $336.00 for two. Only other beverages offered on cruise was water.
Written August 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy M
Huntington Beach, CA28 contributions
Jul 2021
I want to start by saying we did enjoy the dinner cruise, but had some issues to contend with. Location to board the boat was close to shops on front street in Lahaina. The Mahi-Mahi was good for a dinner cruise. Basic entree with carrots, small green salad with thin slice of cheese cake which was okay. Big issue for ME was we sat at the END of the boat in the one of the two middle aisle's. The bar was at the END of the boat and everyone had to come down the middle of the two aisle's to order their drinks, so we had people hanging over our table the whole time we ate which was not pleasant, then about the time for the sunset, the line formed again and there was no way we could see the sunset while seated with people standing in line next to our table. I don't know if you can request seating up front on side but I would definitely do that if you can. They needed at least two bar tenders to help move the line along instead of just the one. The exhaust was unpleasant when they were backing out of the dock area while setting at the back of the boat. Bathroom downstairs was small; they told us airplane style, so beware! No room really for dancing, even though two people did try. Overall nice evening out on the water with a beautiful sunset, just try and get a seat up front on the side of the boat!!! And if just two of you try and ask for a seat for two if you don't want to be at a small table for four. Waitresses worked their you know what off, and were very nice.
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl G
2 contributions
Aug 2022
Sunset cruise and dinner, meh! Would have had a better time if music was better, the hired karaoke singer was terrible and made me want my AirPods! Terrible well drinks and cheap wine! Service was a big miss, crew seemed lost and confused. I asked our waiter for horseradish twice and never came so I asked the bartender and she couldn't remember who or where I was when she got back. So funny, she was asking several people on the opposite side of the boat if they were the ones who asked for it. I started waving my arms in the air and she didn't even notice me until the back half of the boat directed her in my direction. wow! Anyway not sure if I should expect more or not, seems like a decline in quality everywhere in Maui these days!
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cgubow
Ann Arbor, MI
Did anyone who booked this online get a confirmation email? I booked today but I didn't get a confirmation number of any sort. Just a page saying the reservation was confirmed.
jerkbait
ky59 contributions
i dont remember getting confirmation email but if you screen shot the page you got, that should be good enough. if you are worried call the kiosk when they are open
Monica C
Sunnyvale, CA52 contributions
Does anyone know if they allow pregnant passengers? I will be 6 months, but am used to being on a boat. I can't find anything on their website and haven't heard back from contacting them. thanks
Dtk
Lahaina, HI10 contributions
Aloha Stonica!,
Excellent question -- Our boats are large, stable catamarans, so they don't rock/bounce like the smaller rafts. That is why we do not have any limitations on pregnant passengers joining us, as long as you think you will be comfortable.
Along that same vein, I would like to mention that most of our trips have food and beverages included, however, you are more than welcome to bring water and snacks on board to ensure that you have everything you need to maintain your comfort levels, as well as we always encourage sunscreen, cover-ups, etc. Don't forget a camera!
Hope to see you on-board soon!
Worldisamazing
St Helens, UK2 contributions
Will you pick up and drop off at my hotel?
Dtk
Lahaina, HI10 contributions
Aloha,
We do have limited transportation available for our Sunset Dinner Cruise. I do apologize, but TripAdvisor will not let me link directly to our website, however, if you look under "About Us", then "Bout Tours" our West-side (Ka'anapali hotels) and south-side (Kihei) pick-up schedules are available.
West-side transportation is available seven days a week.
South-side (Kihei hotels) transportation is available on Thursdays only.
At this time, we do not have transportation available for snorkeling or whale watching, however, that may change in the future. If you are staying in Ka'anapali, the bus does drop off a short walk (one block) directly across from the harbor at the Wharf Cinema, and is $2 for the day. To find the schedule, please look up "Maui Bus Ka'anapali".
Also, many of the hotels on island have guest shuttles. I would ask if they could take you to Lahaina Harbor.
Nicole B
13 contributions
are there cocktail and drink options on any of the tours?
Dtk
Lahaina, HI10 contributions
Yes! On our Lanai snorkel, one complimentary cocktail is included, and may be enjoyed after you have finished snorkeling. Additionally, on our Sunset Dinner Cruise, a welcome Mai Tai is served, after the boat has departed from the harbor (Maui County law), along with two additional complimentary cocktails of your selection. For both trips, additional alcoholic beverages are available for purchase thereafter.
Doug G
Tampa, FL4 contributions
We are interested in booking a tour on 3/18/2015. We have 3 kids (11,11,13) an two adults,how much does it cost for the tour?
Kim R
North Carolina69 contributions
Whale Watch--straight from their website.
Adult
Child
Retail $37.40 $22.42
Internet $33.66 $20.17
Early Bird $19.21 $17.07
Sunset Whale Watch Cocktail Cruise
Adult
Child
Retail $49.95 $22.42
Internet $45.95 $20.18
Hawaii Ocean Project - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Hawaii Ocean Project Information
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