Written by the Maui Snorkeling team, operating Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, and Coral Gardens tours out of Maalaea (MÄÊ»alaea) Harbor since 1985. Tours are led by USCGâlicensed captains aboard a USCGâinspected passenger vessel. We spend more days in these waters than on land.
Last updated July 3, 2026
Quick Answer
The Lani Kai II waterslide is one of the most fun features on Maui Snorkeling tours for families, kids, and guests who want more than just a boat ride. This 25-foot waterslide is used at safe, crew-approved snorkel stops when ocean conditions allow. It isn't used at Molokini Crater, but guests may get to enjoy it at a second snorkel stop, such as Turtle Town or Coral Gardens, depending on the day's conditions.
Main takeaways:
Best for: Families, kids, first-time snorkelers, and guests who want a fun Maui boat experience
Slide size: The Lani Kai II waterslide is a 25-foot slide that's used when conditions are safe
Where it's used: At a second snorkel stop, such as Turtle Town or Coral Gardens, when ocean conditions allow
Molokini note: The waterslide isn't used at Molokini Crater
What's included: Snorkel gear, flotation, meals, drinks, and support from the crew on eligible Maui Snorkeling tours
Good to know: Waterslide use depends on weather, ocean conditions, and the captain's safety call
Looking for a waterslide thatâs fun for kids, easy for parents, and part of a real Maui snorkel adventure? The Lani Kai II waterslide adds an extra splash of fun to Maui Snorkelingâs Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour, where families enjoy snorkeling, ocean views, included meals, crew support, and waterslide fun when conditions allow.
This family-friendly Maui snorkel tour is a great choice for kids, first-time snorkelers, and guests who want more than a simple boat ride. Youâll visit Molokini Crater first, then continue to a second snorkel location, such as Turtle Town or Coral Gardens, depending on the dayâs ocean conditions.
Why Families Love The Lani Kai II
A Kid-Friendly Maui Snorkel Boat
The Lani Kai II is designed to make a Maui snorkel tour easier, more comfortable, and more fun for families. The boat has a roomy deck, shaded seating, clean restrooms, easy-access stairs, and plenty of space for parents and kids to move around during the trip.
Families also appreciate the crewâs support. Whether your child is new to snorkeling or your group just wants help getting comfortable in the water, the crew is there to explain the gear, offer flotation support, and help everyone enjoy the day safely.
Waterslide Fun At The Second Snorkel Stop
The waterslide is one of the most exciting features on the Lani Kai II, especially for kids who want extra fun after snorkeling. When weather, water, and safety conditions allow, guests can slide into the ocean at the second snorkel stop.
The waterslide isnât used at Molokini Crater, so the first stop stays focused on snorkeling, reef views, and clear-water conditions. After Molokini, the crew chooses the best available second stop, often Turtle Town or Coral Gardens, where families can snorkel, relax, and enjoy the waterslide if itâs safe to use.
When Guests Can Use The Lani Kai II Waterslide
What Families Can Expect At Molokini Crater
Molokini Crater is one of Mauiâs most recognized snorkel sites and a Marine Life Conservation District. Families visit for clear-water snorkeling, reef views, and the chance to see colorful fish around the craterâs inner reef. Conditions can change, so your captain and crew will choose the best plan for the day.
At Molokini, guests can look for reef fish such as parrotfish, butterflyfish, triggerfish, wrasse, and tangs. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and sea turtles are more commonly associated with the second snorkel stop than the Molokini stop.
Turtle Town Or Coral Gardens For The Second Stop
After Molokini, the Lani Kai II may head to a second snorkel location, such as Turtle Town or Coral Gardens, when conditions allow. This is where families can snorkel, relax, and enjoy the Lani Kai II waterslide if the water, weather, and safety conditions are right.
The crew chooses the second stop based on wind, waves, visibility, and overall guest comfort. Kids should always stay with an adult, use flotation when needed, and follow the crewâs safety instructions.
What The Family Boat Day Includes
Forget packing meals or juggling gear. The Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour on the Lani Kai II is all-inclusive and includes everything your family needs for an easy Maui morning on the water.
Continental breakfast with pastries, fruit, and coffee â
Sandwich and pasta lunch served on board đ
Snorkeling gear and flotation devices for all ages
Juice, soda, and water throughout the trip
Itâs a worry-free Maui snorkel tour experience that lets parents relax while kids enjoy every moment, from snorkeling to the Lani Kai II waterslide when conditions allow.
Why Parents Love The Lani Kai II
There are plenty of Maui snorkeling trips, but the Lani Kai II makes the day feel easy, comfortable, and fun for families. Parents love:
The friendly, knowledgeable crew that treats every guest like âohana
The boatâs comfort and safety for kids
The chance to explore multiple snorkel locations in one day
The unforgettable 25-foot waterslide that keeps everyone smiling
From start to finish, youâll feel the genuine Aloha spirit that makes snorkeling in Maui so special.
Helpful Tips For Families
Make your day smooth sailing with these quick tips:
Book early! Family tours fill up fast, especially during school breaks.
Arrive 30 minutes early to check in at 6:30 AM.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect Mauiâs coral reefs, or use ours on board.
Pack towels, hats, and dry clothes for after the tour.
Donât forget a waterproof camera. Youâll want to capture those smiles, and we also have a photographer on board!
Want current snorkel trip details?
Use this guide to plan your Maui snorkel day, then visit the tour pages for current routes, timing, inclusions, availability, and booking.
Best visibility: Morning Molokini Crater snorkeling
More relaxed timing: Afternoon snorkeling at Coral Gardens
Yes. Maui Snorkelingâs Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour is aboard the Lani Kai II, which has a large waterslide. The waterslide is used at the second snorkel stop when ocean and weather conditions allow.
No. The waterslide is not used at Molokini Crater. Molokini is the first snorkel stop, and the slide is available later at the second snorkel stop when conditions are safe.
Yes. This tour is a great choice for many families because it includes snorkeling, meals, gear, flotation, crew support, and waterslide fun. Parents also like the roomy boat, shaded seating, restrooms, and easy-access stairs.
The second stop is usually Turtle Town or Coral Gardens, depending on the dayâs wind, waves, visibility, and overall ocean conditions. The crew chooses the best available location for a safe and enjoyable trip.
The tour includes breakfast, lunch, snorkeling gear, flotation, crew support, and two snorkel stops when conditions allow. Guests can enjoy Molokini Crater first, then a second stop with extra time for snorkeling, relaxing, and the waterslide.
You may see Hawaiian green sea turtles at the second snorkel stop, especially if the tour visits Turtle Town. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but guests often enjoy reef fish, coral, clear water, and other marine life during the trip.
Final Tips Before Booking Your Family Snorkel Trip
A Lani Kai II waterslide snorkel trip is best for families who want clear-water snorkeling, kid-friendly boat features, included meals, crew support, and extra fun at the second snorkel stop when conditions allow. Book early during school breaks, arrive 30 minutes before departure, and bring towels, hats, dry clothes, and reef-safe sunscreen.
Sources & Updates
Use these trusted resources to learn more about Molokini Crater, snorkeling safety, water quality, and marine conditions before your Maui snorkel tour.
