Is Sailing on Maui Safe for Kids? A Parent’s Guide to Family Sailing With Trilogy
When parents ask “Is this safe for my kids?” we hear it like a crew member hearing a sonar ping — loud, clear, and important. At Trilogy Excursions, safety isn’t a tagline. It’s a commitment we live every time we welcome families aboard, and it’s one reason generations of Maui visitors have trusted us with their keiki for over 50 years.
Our Family-Run Legacy — Now Third Generation
We’re proud to be Maui’s oldest family-owned and operated sailing company, started in 1973 by the Coon family and now sailing into its third generation. That matters for families — small decisions, like caring for babies on deck and taking the time to get to know you, come from lived experience rather than corporate checkboxes.
And yes — families love coming aboard. Our FAQs note that infants are free and that our crew are especially good working with kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens.
Safety Comes First — Always
From the moment you walk toward the dock, every part of our operation is about safety without sacrificing the fun of being on the water:
All our vessels are certified and inspected under U.S. Coast Guard regulations for commercial passenger sailing.
Our crew maintain CPR, First Responder, and ocean safety training, participate in year-round sailing skills workshops, and most importantly — know these boats like family.
We carry appropriate life jackets for adults, kids, and infants, and can provide additional buoyancy aids or belt flotation for water activity as needed.
Every snorkel or water adventure is personally supervised by someone with ocean safety expertise.
We follow NOAA-aligned marine mammal and ocean wildlife viewing guidelines, including responsible distances from dolphins and whales — periods where engines are in neutral or off whenever possible for wildlife safety.
And even though we maintain these procedures and equipment because safety is foundational, we can say with confidence that our crew almost never has to use emergency gear on family sails — because good preparation keeps problems from ever arising in the first place.
If you’re still deciding which ocean experience makes the most sense for your family overall, we’ve put together a complete guide that walks through age considerations, snorkeling, whale watching, and what to expect at each stage of planning.
—> Read the Ultimate Family Guide to Exploring Maui by Ocean *Coming Soon
What Kids Actually Do on Board
Parents often worry that safety talk means “boring later.” In practice, it’s the opposite:
Kids have space to move and explore on stable, ocean-tested catamarans.
Crew naturally include kids in the day — helping with masks, explaining what fish and turtles are, cheering on snorkelers, cheering louder when dolphins show up.
From shoreline games in the water to hands-on learning about waves and wind, many families tell us the kids are the first to ask to come back again.
Reviews shared by recent guests reflect this joy: visitors consistently highlight warm, attentive crews and fun, interactive days out on the water — for kids and adults.
Watch these short vidoes on Instagram to see genuine reactions of kids enjoying our sails :)
Extra Support in the Water — Beyond Standard Life Jackets
For snorkeling tours, we go beyond standard life jackets. Trilogy carries boogie boards and additional flotation devices that both kids and adults can use in the water. These give swimmers something stable to hold onto while floating, resting, or easing into snorkeling at their own pace. It’s especially helpful for kids who are confident but still building endurance, or for adults who want a little extra support while staying relaxed and focused on what’s below the surface. Our crew actively encourages guests to use whatever flotation makes them feel most comfortable — because confidence in the water leads to better, more enjoyable experiences for everyone.
@sailtrilogy Sailing home from Lānaʻi when these two decided it was the perfect moment for an ice bucket challenge 🧊🌊 When kids dream up something this fun at sea… who are we to say no? #sailtrilogy #kids #icebucketchallenge #sailing #maui ♬ original sound - sailtrilogy
@sailtrilogy If you let your inner child out— where would you go? ✨ #SailTrilogy #InnerChild #CoreMemories #Sailing #Exploring ♬ เสียงต้นฉบับ - John (Songs Station) - สุขภาพดีกับเภเบิร์ด
Bottom Line
Choosing an ocean activity for your family shouldn’t feel like a gamble. At Trilogy, you’re sailing with a team that prioritizes safety with the same care you would, backed by decades of experience, official training, and thoughtful equipment — all while keeping the day lively and joyful for kids of all ages.
If being on the water is part of your Maui family plans — especially with little ones — doing it right matters. We’re happy to make that easier.