The Best Maui Shore Excursions for Your Hawaii Cruise
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Maui is a tropical paradise and one of the most sought-after ports of call for cruise passengers in Hawaii. To make the most of your limited time on the island, we recommend booking a shore excursion to experience its natural beauty with your own eyes.
If you’re looking at cruise options, you’ll find different companies that leave from the West Coast. However, the Pride of America by Norwegian Cruise Line (no affiliation) offers a 7-day Hawaiian Island trip that leaves from Honolulu and stops on Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. This is one of the most popular Hawaii cruise options, as you’ll get to experience the best of the Hawaiian islands in just one week.
Pride of America cruises year-round, but there are several other cruise line options and even a best time to cruise Hawaii.
Once you’ve booked your cruise, you can then choose different Maui shore excursions to keep you occupied on land. We know it can be confusing to organize an entire itinerary for four islands on a cruise, so we did it for you: grab our Cruising Hawaii Guide to help with the planning process.
Get the Cruising Hawaii Guide
Booking a cruise to Hawaii is the easy part (in our opinion). The hard part is finding the best shore excursions, planning self-guided itinerary days, and how to get around the island.
The Cruising Hawaii Guide provides everything you need to plan your trip, including 90+ shore excursion tour options, over 11 self-guided itinerary days, our favorite restaurants, and the best beaches. We want your cruise to Hawaii to be unforgettable, and stress-free.
Add the Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary to your cart with coupon code CRUISE to save $7.
Want to cut straight to the chase? Book the can’t-miss Maui shore excursions here:
Get 10% off using code HVG10 at checkout for the Road to Hana and a Haleakala Sunrise tour with Valley Isle Excursions.
Experience unmatched snorkeling at Molokini Crater
Check out the Hawaii Cruise Travel Guide to get more from your vacation.
Can’t Miss Maui Shore Excursions
Booking a Maui shore excursion is a great way to experience the natural beauty and culture of the island. But with only a limited time on land, it’s important for passengers to make the most of the time they have available.
If this is your first time on Maui, we highly recommend booking one of the following tours. Not only are they popular experiences for travelers, but they also encapsulate the very essence of Maui itself.
If this is your first time on Maui, we highly recommend booking one of the following tours. Not only are they popular experiences for travelers, but they also encapsulate the very essence of Maui itself. Click the links below to learn more and book directly with the local tour operator!
The Road to Hana: Considered to be one of the most beautiful drives in Hawaii, the famous Road to Hana is a must if you’re visiting Maui. Regardless of whether you book a full tour or half tour, we recommend using an experienced driver (it’s better to soak in the views rather than constantly focusing on the winding road). There are a lot of ways to experience the Road to Hana, so find the right one for you below. Save 10% using the link above and promo code HVG10!
We also share our favorite half-day Road to Hana tour, backside (full circle tour), and Road to Hana Jeep tour here: 8 Best Road to Hana Tours.
Molokini Crater Snorkel: For those craving a dip in the ocean, a snorkel trip to the Molokini Crater will not disappoint. With underwater visibility of over 100 feet, you’ll be able to see an astounding array of wildlife in this marine conservation area.
Haleakala Sunrise: Although this tour starts very early (we’re talking 3 AM!), it’s an amazing experience all travelers should experience at least once. It’s a great option if your ship is docked for two days at the Kahului Harbor, as it’s easy to hop off the ship first thing in the morning. Save 10% using the link above and promo code HVG10!
If tours are sold out for the 10% off tour above, check out our other favorite Haleakala Sunrise Tours here.
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the Hawaii cruise ports so you know what to expect at each stop. Some ports are central to a downtown area where you could spend all day (Kailua Pier) and others are far from anything you’ll want to do (Kahului Harbor).
Where to Book Maui Shore Excursions
When it comes to booking your Maui shore excursions, you can either book directly with the cruise ship or directly with a local tour operator. We prefer booking directly with local tour operators to support small, local businesses! But, there are pros and cons for both.
Booking Maui Shore Excursions with the Ship
Once you book your cruise, you’ll likely have the option to add different types of excursions to your itinerary.
Many people do this online beforehand, as some excursions can sell out if there is high demand. However, you’ll also have the option to book something with the ship once you board.
Arranging your Maui shore excursions with your cruise ship has the following advantages:
- Guaranteed return: Cruise-organized excursions are structured around the ship’s docking schedule. Therefore, you can rest assured that you’ll make it back to the ship without worrying about missing your departure time.
- Transportation: Another major benefit of booking with your cruise line is that transportation is usually included. There’s no need to hire a taxi or book private transportation services to and from the dock.
- Convenient: It’s possible that the cost of the cruise-organized excursion is higher than if you were to arrange the activity on your own. However, you should take into account that transportation is almost always included, which can actually save you money in the long run.
- Refunds: The weather on Maui can be fickle, and it’s not unheard of for cruises to cancel disembarkation due to unfavorable conditions. If this happens, you’ll get a refund from the cruise line, which is an extra layer of security.
- Booking options: As mentioned earlier, you have the option to pick an excursion online in advance. But if you’d rather play things by ear, you can also book once you’re on the boat. Having this flexibility is great if you’re not sure of your cruise plans!
If you’re cruising Hawaii with mobility aids or need to know about accessibility on the islands, check out our Guide to Hawaii Handicap Accessible Trip Planning, and be ready to be met with plenty of aloha.
Booking Maui Shore Excursions with the Tour Operator
When deciding on tours and excursions, you’ll also have the option to bypass the middleman and book directly with the tour operator.
Here are the benefits to booking directly with local tour operators like we share below:
- Support locals: When you book with a tour company on Maui, you’re supporting a local business and contributing to the growth of the community.
- Cost: In the majority of cases, the price of the excursion will be much lower than if you were to book with the cruise ship. While the ship’s tours may include transportation, you’ll also be paying to have convenience and peace of mind.
- Availability: Excursions offered by the cruise line are limited, which means they tend to sell out fast. Going with a local company means more flexibility, especially if you’re planning things as you go. We’ll share a few of our favorite local excursions below.
- Small groups: Tours with lots of people can ruin the experience, but local tour operators usually have smaller group sizes (up to 12 people). It’s also possible to book a private tour if you want a more intimate setting.
- Cancellation policy: Many excursions have a generous cancellation policy in case your plans change. This can be anywhere from 24 to 72 hours, depending on the group size and specific company. Make sure you check the refund and cancellation terms before booking your tour.
One important thing to keep in mind is that local-operated tours do not guarantee a set return time to the ship. This can be a bit nerve-wracking if things are delayed, or you get held up on land. If this happens, make sure you call the ship if you think you’ll be running late.
But if you want to avoid the stress altogether, we suggest booking with the cruise ship or with one of the trusted tour operators below. We’ve gone on excursions with many of them, while others have been chosen by members of our newsletter community. Therefore, we can attest that they work hard to get you back to the ship on time!
The Best Maui Shore Excursions
Now that you know the benefits of exploring the land while docked, let’s dive into our picks for the best Maui shore excursions. Each of these tour operators has been handpicked and tested by us (or one of our newsletter members), so you can ensure that it’s going to be a memorable experience!
Maui Shore Excursions: Kahului Harbor
As we stated earlier, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America cruise makes a two-day stopover at Kahului Harbor. Not only will you have a full day for excursions, but you’ll also have the chance to book an early morning tour (like Road to Hana and Haleakala Sunrise) on the second day.
Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is a quintessential Maui experience for those interested in seeing the jaw-dropping landscapes of the island. As you navigate the hairpin turns of Hana Highway, you’ll see lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic coastal views. Our Complete Road to Hana Guide explains in more detail what you can expect to see during your drive.
Tours vary depending on group size, vehicle (ex: Jeeps, shuttle buses, etc.), and even the route (here are 5 popular routes for the Road to Hana). However, excursions are very popular, not just with cruise passengers but also with all types of travelers. Therefore, we recommend booking your tour early with one of the following operators if you’re set on making this unforgettable journey.
Valley Isle Excursions: As one of the most popular Road to Hana tours for cruisers, this full-day tour takes you to the most beautiful spots on East Maui in small groups (12 people max). Breakfast, lunch, and admissions fees to Waianapanapa State Park are also included. Make sure to use code HVG10 at checkout to save 10%.
Small Group, Full Circle Route: This tour caps at 6 to 8 guests, so it’s ideal for those wanting a more intimate experience exploring the Road to Hana. They pick up at Kahului Harbor at 7 AM and provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
Backside Full Circle Route: Another full-day tour option (7 AM start) that takes you in a 9 to 14-person passenger van to all the Road to Hana highlights. Lunch is also included. For pickup at the Kahului Harbor, select the Maui Seaside Hotel in the drop-down list and specify harbor pickup in the notes.
Private Luxury: See Hana in style with this full-day trip in a luxury Cadillac. Suitable for up to 6 guests, this tour includes breakfast, and lunch, as well as harbor pickup and dropoff.
If you prefer to book your excursion with Norwegian, they usually have good deals leaving from Kahului Harbor.
Get the Cruising Hawaii Guide
Booking a cruise to Hawaii is the easy part (in our opinion). The hard part is finding the best shore excursions, planning self-guided itinerary days, and how to get around the island.
The Cruising Hawaii Guide provides everything you need to plan your trip, including 90+ shore excursion tour options, over 11 self-guided itinerary days, our favorite restaurants, and the best beaches. We want your cruise to Hawaii to be unforgettable, and stress-free.
Add the Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary to your cart with coupon code CRUISE to save $7.
Haleakala Sunrise
Start the day bright and early and witness one of the most awe-inspiring sunrises you’ll ever see! With your tour, you’ll ascend up to the summit of the Haleakala Volcano, which stands over 10,000 feet above sea level.
Book your trip with Valley Isle Excursions and save 10% of your excursion when you use HVG10 during checkout. You can also get more information on this tour (along with three other tour options), on our Haleakala Sunrise Tour Guide.
Molokini Crater Snorkel
If you’ve ever wanted to snorkel in the crater of a submerged volcano, this is your chance! Molokini is a crescent-shaped islet off the coast of Maui. It’s one of the best places for snorkeling as the water is translucently clear, giving you the chance to see a wide array of marine life.`
One of our top picks is this Molokini Crater Snorkel Tour with Redline Rafting. Transportation is not included (you’ll have to make your own way to the Kihei Boat Ramp), but you can choose between a 2-hour tour (7 AM or 9:30 AM start time) or a 5-hour tour (7 AM start time).
For those traveling on the Norwegian Pride of American ship, you’ll also be able to book a Molokini snorkel tour which includes transportation.
Maui Gold Pineapple Tour
As one of the only tour pineapple farms in the country, Maui Gold Pineapples is an awesome day trip for cruisers. The plantation is located in Upcountry Maui, which is a 20-minute drive from the Kahului Harbor (you’ll need to organize your own transportation if you want to visit).
Tours of the plantation are conducted throughout the day from Monday to Saturday. Not only will you learn about how pineapples are grown and harvested, but you’ll also get to take home your very own pineapple for free!
Horseback Riding on the Slopes of Haleakala
This horseback riding tour is a fun and unique way to see the stunning Maui landscape. Saddle up and traverse the slopes of the majestic Haleakala volcano with your small tour group (only 2 to 6 guests).
There are different types of horseback riding trips available, so you can choose an excursion that fits your interests and time schedule. But keep in mind that you’ll need to find your own transportation there (plan at least one hour each way).
For a complete listing of all the best Maui shore excursions, consult our Cruising Hawaii Guide.
Maui Shore Excursions: Lahaina Tender
On August 8th, 2023, Lahaina Harbor suffered extensive damage during a wildfire. This will have devastating consequences on the town for years to come, especially considering the multi-million dollar cruise dock was recently completed. As a result, cruise ships will not be going to the Lahaina Tender for the foreseeable future.
However, Kahului Harbor remains operational and will continue to take in ships.
Maui Shore Excursions FAQs
Where do Maui cruise ships dock for shore excursions?
Unfortunately, the devastating fires that took place on August 8th, 2023, have changed the way that cruise ships operate around Maui. Previously, ships could dock at one of two ports – the Kahului Harbor and the Lahaina Harbor. As a result of the damage, Lahaina Harbor is no longer operational.
Therefore, the only dock that is open to Maui cruise ships is Kahului Harbor. This cargo facility is located on the northern part of the island. Unless you book a tour or excursions, don’t expect to see much here by just walking around. There is a Whole Foods Market and a small shopping center, although it’s not a scenic walk since the area is industrial.
Can I get picked up by a taxi, Uber, or Lyft from the dock for my Maui cruise excursion?
If you book an excursion with a local tour operator that does not include transportation, then you’ll have several options to get to your meeting point. Ubers and Lyfts are available on Maui, so you’ll be able to reserve once you dock. You can also hail a taxi or schedule one in advance to pick you up.
It’s also possible to book a rental car from Kahului Harbor, as the airport is just a short ride away. There are also satellite offices for a few companies located closer to port.
We have extensive information on how to find the best-priced rental cars, pre-booked taxis, and other transportation options in our Cruising Hawaii Guide.
Do tour operators offer pickup at the dock?
There are many local tour operators on Maui that offer pickup and drop-off at the dock for cruise ship passengers. When you go to reserve your tour online, you’ll usually see an option to select stating that you’re coming with a cruise ship. This way, you can provide your information to schedule a pickup from the dock.
If you don’t see this option available online, we suggest calling the tour company to arrange pickup.
For activities that do not provide transportation (like zip lining), you may be required to take a taxi or Uber to the destination or meetup point. Remember that you need to be back on board at a certain time, so book your taxi or rideshare in advance to guarantee you don’t miss your departure!
What should I know about booking tours in Hawaii?
There are a few things to keep in mind when booking excursions on your Hawaiian cruise.
- We recommend tipping your tour guide $10 to $20 per person in your party (tips are accepted in cash or via Venmo). This is pretty standard for most guided tours, like snorkel trips or half-day excursions. However, give whatever you feel comfortable with.
- It’s also important to note that most activities are weather-dependent. If there are rough seas or bad weather, your tour may be canceled. If you’re unsure, call your tour operator to confirm the details.
- And speaking of rough seas, seasickness can be a huge problem! If you’re someone who gets seasick easily, make sure you take anti-nausea or motion sickness medication before your tour.
- Finally, remember to read through all the restrictions of your excursion. For example, most tours have a minimum age of 5, which can impact families traveling with small kids.
Check out more shore excursions:
- 14 Incredible Honolulu Shore Excursions (cruise ship ready)
- Can’t Miss Big Island Shore Excursions for Your Hawaii Cruise
- 11 Incredible Kauai Shore Excursions
If you want to know more tips and Maui shore excursion recommendations, don’t forget to check out our Cruising Hawaii Guide. With detailed information on activities, restaurants, and cruising info, it’ll make your cruise experience that much more enjoyable!
Get the Cruising Hawaii Guide
Booking a cruise to Hawaii is the easy part (in our opinion). The hard part is finding the best shore excursions, planning self-guided itinerary days, and how to get around the island.
The Cruising Hawaii Guide provides everything you need to plan your trip, including 90+ shore excursion tour options, over 11 self-guided itinerary days, our favorite restaurants, and the best beaches. We want your cruise to Hawaii to be unforgettable, and stress-free.
Add the Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary to your cart with coupon code CRUISE to save $7.