Ocean Project

Such an awesome tour. We went to Aloha Mixed Plate for a late breakfast and were planning in going to Safeway but continued our walk onto Boss Frog’s. They sell 2 tickets for $ 29 for the whale watching tour. Ends up being just under $ 33 with taxes… For 2 adults! So worth the nominal fee. Aboard the vessel Mail Tai’s and ecofriendly IPA’s van be purchased for less than in a typical city bar. Friendly, knowledgeable staff guide you through the adventure. Today was particularly amazing. Our group encountered dozens of whales at the end of the season. Very rare. Just lucky, I suppose. At any rate, tip the staff well at the end of your tour and bring your sunscreen. Another perfect day. Ah Lahaina, you’re a true delight. Thanks to the crew for the memorable trip!

First off, we had age ranges from 3 – 69 in our group. Mel and Haley took us out this morning and if I could give them 10 stars, I would. Since we arrived in Kaanapali, Mel kept in contact, letting us know which day was going to be best and where we were going to meet, so we had the best conditions possible. The greeted us with smiles and were VERY prepared for our group. There were 6 of us and Mel knew all of our names and who had concerns (my mom has never been snorkeling and my 3 year old thinks he is an Olympic Swimmer). Mel and Haley took care of all of us, paying special attention to my 3 year old and my mom. Before we even got in the water, they showed us what fish we were going to see and what was going to happen when we got in the water.
Once in the water, we saw a TON of fish and quite a few sea turtles. The experience was amazing. Mel is a passionate professional who is an EXPERT when it comes to water safety. We all felt comfortable the entire time we were in the ocean. It was great just having our family on this adventure. We didn’t have to share Mel and Haley with anyone else and they were able to answer all our questions. They are well worth the $$$. We will be back!!!

This is by far truly the best money spent on maui. From the moment I called and spoke to CT and Mel it was a perfect match for us. They are kind and wonderful and knowlegable. I have 4 year old twins that love to swim (but are still only 4). I wanted to snorkel but knew that my twins were not ready and I would be a nervous wreck watching them and not enjoying myself. I stumbled upon the Ocean Project and decided to take the leap. We started the morning on the beach with an education piece with all of the hands on tools they had which kept the kids and us interested. Based on my sons fearfulness they decided to move locations to accommodate him. Really? Pack up ALL of this stuff and move locations because you want to ensure my son has a fantastic time too? I couldn’t have been more thrilled. When we got to our next spot, time to suit up. Both were so patient and kind with us. After about an hour I felt comfortable enough to venture into deep waters with Mel and my husband while leaving the twins in the very capable hands of CT. (That is huge for me… I don’t trust anyone with my kids…). Mel took us to the best spots and educated us on everything we saw. When we came back to shore for a break… my kids were snorkeling. Yes, snorkeling and loving every minute. They even brought their own underwater camera and had taken a ton of photos of us and sent them to us FREE! We never felt rushed, we felt we learned a ton, and best of all had a blast. You know those people you meet and just feel so comfortable with? Like family friends? This is Mel and CT. The only downside was that I did not know you can get sea sick from snorkeling. And seasick I got. As I was heaving up my stomach contents on the beach, CT was rushing to get me fresh water to pour on me and conditioner to put in my hair (weird I know, but helped so much). We loved it so much we wanted to book another excursion with them before we left but didn’t have time. I will definitely be booking another next time we are in maui. The little added bonus was that they send the kids home with a little science project to show their friends. My kids are still talking about their snorkeling trip!!!

Best money spent on maui! This is top rated on other sites, so I was surprised that more 5 star reviews have not been posted here yet. Mel was amazing with my very reluctant son. By the end, my son was swimming with sea turtles. Awesome!!!

My wife and I are repeat customers with The Ocean Project Maui. This is the third time we’ve taken one or both of our children (3 and 5) on one of their outings and we can’t say enough good things about the work this team is doing.
We’ll keep going back as long as we come to Maui. We haven’t found a way to beat the value — they deliver a top-​shelf, professional experience at a fraction of the cost others charge for less personal outings.
PROS:
As parents, all I truly care about for my kids is that they’re: (1) safe, and (2) having fun. Nothing else matters much. Last week during our beach outing with CT & Mel, I was sitting in a beach chair watching them in the water teaching our kids about the ocean, and it dawned on me that I could completely relax because they were keeping our kids safe and giving them the time of their lives. I don’t remember the last time I’ve been in the presence of my kids when their nagging virtually disappeared for several hours straight.
Anyway, these folks offer an experience that’s refreshingly down to earth, personalized to whatever age levels and needs you have, and focused on connecting with the water.
CONS:
Hmmm. I’d say that, if you’re looking for an outing with a lot of fanfare, this one might not be for you. As I said above, it’s down to earth, personal, and focused on connecting with the water and the amazing life within it.
We can’t wait to come back and make them part of our Maui experience again.
Lastly, another business has popped up recently with the same name and it can be confusing when trying to find this one. So, here’s their contact info:
Ocean Project Maui
843 Wainee #551
Lahaina, HI
Phone: (808) 667‑6706

This company has real marine biologists who will teach you and your family about the ocean, and then take you on an unforgetable snorkeling trip. Our 2 families, with young children ages between 5 and 8, had a wonderful time with Mel and CT. They were very patient with our kids who were apprehensive about snorkeling in the ocean, and as a result of their patience and encouraging, the children actually went snorkeling for the 1^st time in the ocean! We saw so many beautiful sights under the water. Before going into the water, we were educated on the types of fishes and as we could identify them. My son actually said he wants to become a marine biologists like Mel and CT! If there’s one thing to do on Maui, this would be it. We would definitely do it again when we return to Maui.