Our Redline Rafting review began with a second invitation we couldn’t turn down. After nearly two years on Maui, we’d tried snorkeling, whale watching, surfing, outrigger canoeing, kayaking and sunset sailing. We were still ready for another day on the ocean.
The crew, meals and stops describe that particular outing. Today’s route depends on the tour you reserve and the conditions your captain finds.
Redline Rafting review: an early start in Kīhei
First off, 6:30 a.m. is early. If my alarm clock wakes me before the sound of my upstairs neighbors’ incessant morning stomping, I know something has gone terribly wrong. That said, an early ocean outing can be worth the wake-up call, especially before the afternoon trade winds build.
On our visit, coffee was ready at the South Kīhei Boat Ramp meeting point in Kīhei. Hooray! Captain Sean, introduced to us as Redline’s co-owner, greeted us before we completed a safety waiver. Chase, our second guide, fitted us for shorty wetsuits. While certainly not glamorous, they made the water more comfortable. Own it.
For a current reservation, use the meeting instructions in your confirmation. The five-hour Molokini and South Maui tour currently lists 6:30 a.m. check-in, a 7 a.m. departure and a noon return at Kīhei Boat Ramp, 2800 South Kīhei Road.
Our first stop: Molokini Crater
We boarded a Redline raft and headed toward Molokini Crater, the crescent-shaped volcanic landmark off South Maui. Our crossing took less than 15 minutes that morning. Treat that as a memory rather than a guaranteed travel time.
Sean shared some of the crater’s history while we enjoyed fresh local fruit and cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Then came a rundown of snorkeling basics, including clearing a mask and moving calmly around marine life.
Molokini is a popular snorkeling location, but the early arrival was one of the things we enjoyed about our Redline Rafting tour. We had room to spread out in the water that day. Clear visibility and plenty of marine life made it a lovely first stop, although neither visibility nor a quiet site is something any review can promise for your visit.
The back wall of Molokini
Next came the back wall of Molokini Crater. After two visits with Redline, it remained one of my favorite snorkeling spots: deep blue water, a steep underwater drop-off and interesting marine life made the setting memorable.
On our tour, the only other people we noticed were scuba divers well below us. Amazing! We also experienced the rise and fall of water near the wall, sometimes described as an “elevator.” That is a recollection, not advice to approach rock faces or seek out surge.
The operator includes the back wall in its five-hour itinerary when conditions permit. Follow the crew’s entry, exit and swimming instructions, and be comfortable declining an entry if it doesn’t suit your ability. Deep open water is a different experience from a pool.
La Perouse and the South Maui coast
Our third snorkel stop was near La Perouse, where we enjoyed views of an underwater pinnacle. Farther along Maui’s Forbidden Coast, dramatically shaped ʻaʻā lava, grottos and turquoise water made the coastline worth seeing in its own right.
Rolling clouds over Haleakalā made the backdrop even more spectacular in person. We didn’t see spinner dolphins on that visit, but there was plenty to take in without them.
Today’s five-hour description includes South Maui snorkeling, with specific stops chosen around conditions. Don’t book on the assumption that every location in this older story will be visited. A change of route can be the sensible choice on the day.
Turtle Town and lunch aboard
After more stories from Captain Sean, we reached our final snorkeling area near Mākena’s Turtle Town. Several Hawaiian green sea turtles were swimming nearby. Meanwhile, Sean and Chase prepared sandwiches, pasta salad, juices and sodas for our lunch.
We enjoyed having time to explore rather than feeling rushed. Still, every tour has a return schedule, and guests should follow the crew’s agreed swimming boundaries and return signal.
Give wildlife space. NOAA’s Hawaiʻi viewing guidance recommends staying at least 10 feet from sea turtles; federal rules prohibit approaching Hawaiian spinner dolphins within 50 yards. Never chase, touch or feed either animal, and don’t expect a sighting.
What to check before booking Redline
The current Redline FAQ describes a 35-foot raft. Its five-hour tour includes breakfast and lunch, snorkeling equipment and flotation aids. The shorter two-hour option is a different package, so compare the inclusions rather than assuming this whole trip fits into it.
This is an active boat outing. The FAQ says it isn’t recommended for pregnant guests, people with back or neck problems, or children under eight. Swimming ability matters for snorkeling. Read the full participation guidance and discuss your group’s needs with the operator before reserving.
Ask about boarding, water re-entry, motion, shade and the amenities on your specific vessel. The FAQ lists a bathroom on the five-hour tour but says amenities can vary. Bring a swimsuit, towel and sun protection, and pack lightly because space is limited.
What stayed with us after the trip
Everyone we met at Redline took pride in making the day enjoyable. We could relax, ask questions and talk story with our guides. That personal feeling, along with the changing underwater scenery, was what made this outing stand out for us.
Big mahalo to Sean and Chase for that wonderful day on the ocean. For current tours and booking questions, contact Redline Rafting through its official website. Choose the experience that fits your group, then let the captain choose the conditions-appropriate route.
We’re a small group of full-time Maui residents that LOVE exploring and writing about what we think is the best place on Earth: The Island of Maui, Hawaii! Expect many more articles, reviews, photos and videos of Maui and all of the Hawaiian Islands. ALOHA!
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