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What to expect in Maui
Your captain meets your group at the dock, takes you to the scattering spot, and gives you time for words, music, flowers or silence. Afterward, the captain records the coordinates of the scattering so your family always knows where it took place. Biodegradable urns and flowers can be ordered from our memorial store and delivered before your service.
Scattering rules in Maui
Captain license
Not required
Inside Maui waters
Not settled
Auau Channel (Maui-Lanai), Pailolo Channel (Maui-Molokai), Alalakeiki Channel and Maalaea Bay (toward Kahoolawe and Molokini), and open ocean off east/north Maui
Ocean
3+ nautical miles from land
Federal rule. Report to the EPA within 30 days.
Maui County (also covers Lanai and Molokai). No county permit; burial-transit permits come from the state DOH Maui District vital records office (54 South High St., Room 301, Wailuku). This is the trickiest area in the state for the 3 nm rule: the Maui Nui channels are narrow, and Molokini, Kahoolawe, Lanai and Molokai all count as land, so many spots between the islands are under 3 nm from something. Plot the position and check distance to every shore before scattering; often it is easier to go out the open side. Nearly all of Maui Nui's channels are inside the humpback whale sanctuary (the core winter calving area); Lahaina and Maalaea boat harbors themselves are excluded from it. Kahoolawe Island Reserve waters (2 nm around Kahoolawe) are off-limits without permission. Molokini is a Marine Life Conservation District. Lahaina (32 commercial permit cap) and Maalaea (29) are DOBOR harbors; Lahaina harbor was destroyed in the August 2023 fire, so check its current operating status with DOBOR.
Full Hawaii guide: permits, paperwork and sourcesLast checked October 15, 2026. A summary, not legal advice.
Questions families ask about Maui
How much does a burial at sea cost in Maui?
The 3 boats listed in Maui, HI start at $2,395, and the highest starting price is $2,695, for a private charter. The price depends on the boat, the length of the trip and the size of your group. You send the captain your date and wishes, receive a written offer, and pay only if you accept it; an 11.5% booking fee is added at checkout.
How many guests can come on a memorial cruise in Maui?
Boats in Maui take from 23 up to 49 guests. Every charter is private, so only your family and friends are aboard.
How far out do boats go for a burial at sea from Maui?
In the ocean, ashes are scattered at least 3 nautical miles from land under the federal EPA rule, at any depth. No permit is needed in advance; the captain reports the scattering to the EPA within 30 days.
Can ashes be scattered in the bay or harbor at Maui?
Bays, harbors and rivers are inside waters, so the federal ocean rule does not cover them, and Hawaii has no clear rule for scattering there. That is why captains in Maui hold the ceremony out in the open ocean, where the rule is clear.
What do I need to bring for a burial at sea in Hawaii?
The ashes and a copy of the burial-transit permit or cremation certificate. Your written OK for the captain to scatter, with your wishes for where and how. You can write it in your conversation with the captain. Your captain will confirm anything else they need before the day.
What can we put in the water with the ashes?
Only things that break down naturally: the ashes, loose flowers or petals, and a biodegradable water urn if you would like one. No plastic, balloons, wreath frames or glass. Biodegradable urns and flowers can be ordered from our memorial store before your service.
How do I book a burial at sea in Maui?
Choose a boat above and send the captain your preferred date, time and number of guests, along with anything you would like for the ceremony. The captain replies with a written offer, usually within a day. Nothing is charged until you accept it, and if plans change you can ask for a new date first.