Maui Things to Do Tips by pamstravels

Snorkeling in the Blue Waters of Maui

A few years ago while flying over Maui I saw this crescent shaped rock formation in the waters off of Maui. I took a picture of it from the plane and knew I had to go there one day. This formation is called Molokini. Molokini is an extinct volcano that is now designated as a State Marine Life and Bird Conservation District. This is a popular snorkeling location and can get crowded, especially in the morning.

We took a cruise with Pacific Whale Foundation - Molokini and Lanai Snorkeling package. This package included continental breakfast, bbq lunch, unlimited juice and in the afternoon beer or maitai's. They provide the snorkeling gear, flotation devices and instructions. The guides are extremely knowledgeable about the ecosystem and encourage questions and will lead groups on tours in the waters.

The waters around Maui can be cold in the winter and they do not provide wet suits. The boat has a warm water shower that feels wonderful after 30 minutes in the water. Molokini was everything I had hoped it would be! We saw so many colorful fish but unfortunately they were used to being fed by snorkelers they rushed our boat when we anchored. When we didn't feed them they swam away. We went to Molokini in the afternoon so we were the only boat moored there.

I my opinion, this all day trip was well worth the money ($75 per person). We bought these tickets through Expedia's Activity World so they were discounted by only $5 each.

Address: Pacific Whale Foundation Store, Maui Ocean Center

Phone: 1-800-WHALE11

Swim With the Green Sea Turtles

We were lucky enough to see a Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle on our snorkeling excursion with Pacific Whale Foundation. We were warned by the guides that if we came upon a sea turtle NOT to swim above them, as they need to surface for air. While snorkeling off of Lanai that warning totally escaped my mind! I was so excited I started kicking as fast as I could to keep up with this beautiful creature to get the best picture I could. I sure hope I didn't frighten the poor animal. Unfortunately he was too far away to capture the colorful details on his shell but I will never forget this encounter!

Address: Ma'alea Harbor and Lahaina Harbor

Phone: 1-800-WHALE11

Website: http://www.pacificwhale.org/

Whale Watching

If you are in Maui during the winter months you must take a boat out to see the whales!! Pacific Whale Foundation is an organization dedicated to the preservation of whales and the maintaining the worlds ecosystem. They offer whale watching boat tours as well as snorkeling and dolphin watching escursions.

Address: Ma'alaea Harbor and Lahaina Harbor

Phone: 1-800-WHALE11

Website: http://www.pacificwhale.org/