Maui snorkeling questions

[pinkie]

I've seen a few posts about this but none that really seemed to answer my questions. We're going to Maui on our honeymoon for 2 weeks in mid-June. We would LOVE to do extensive snorkeling. Here is what I would like to know:

1.) What are the BEST beach locations for snorkeling?
2.) What companies offer the best charter for Molokini Crater tours?
3.) Are there other locations/tours/etc anyone can recommend that aren't very touristy or well-advertised?
4.) We are also planning a day trip to Lanai and are getting married on Kauai so if anyone knows any must-see snorkeling spots on either of those islands, information would be appreciated!

Thank you.

 

[IndoorOcean]

We went to Maui last year but only went snorkeling once while we were there. We took one of the chartered tours with the Pacific Whale Foundation. I would recommend them. They take you out for a half-day trip with two stops. The first is at the Molokini Crater and the second is at the Turtle Arches. The Turtle Arches are right off of the beach in Makena. I noticed there were some popular areas for snorkeling right off the beach just south of Lahaina, but can't say how good it is since I didn't try it.

Hope you enjoy your trip!

 

[billsreef]

Just about any place that has decent shore access is good Check with the local dive shops before you head for the day, they will give you good advice on what spots are good with the prevailing wind conditions that day.

 

[rnewhou]

I've got to second the Turtle Arches. I don't remember who I went with when I was out there, but Turtle Arches has been my favorite snorkel trip (and I've been to Hawaii, Bahamas, and Mexico). There are huge rock arches and tunnels ~20-30ft down you can swim through, and sea turtles are everywhere! I've never had as much fun as I did taking a big breath and following turtles under the rocks and through the tunnels!

Enjoy the trip, it's #2 on my places to go back to (behind Alaska)!

Robert

 

[sunfishh]

For number three I would recommend Safari Boat Excursions trip from maui to lanai. I went last summer and it was an adventure with great snorkeling.

 

[Capt_Cully]

My brother has a place in Wylea and we were in Kaanapali last August. We beat him up for info as well. He recommended The Pacific Whale Foundation. http://www.pacificwhale.org/ Everyone on the charter has at least a bachelors degree. They are very knowlegeable. The charter went to Molokini crater and to a location right off of Lanaii (which was my favorite). They feed ya and have snorkle gear if you need it. Not to mention some booze.

In Kaanapali, walk the beach to the front of the Sheraton. There is an area called Black Rock. Some very spectacular snorkling. Depths to 30-40 feet. Amazing wildlife. Moorish Idols, Black triggers, small moray's, turtles (especially in the am), barracudas, Huge plating monti's, stylo's, encrusting monti's. The area crackles with life. Breathtaking!!!

I'm going back in 4 weeks. I CANNOT #$%&*#! WAIT!!!!!!!

 

[yousmellsfishy]

I second the Black rock location in front of the Sheriton. I liked it better than the snorkelling at Molokini.

 

[GoFishJoel]

I found that my favorite trip on Maui was with the Sea Fire. A very small boat (takes 20 people). The captain is retired CoastGuard. He has 1-2 assistants who were very helpful. http://molokinisnorkeling.com/ I felt very safe with this tour. They take you to the center right of Molikini & then let you swim farther right (west) toward where the scuba divers are. If the current is good & the conditions right they may even take you to the backside of Molikini if you ask.
They use a jet boat which is very comfortable.
The downside is they usually leave early in the morning & I thought it was a little bit of a shorter trip. I would consider taking them at least once while you are there. I went twice the last time I was there.
Ask Kevin the owner of Aquatic Dreams in Spokane Wa what beach to go to. You can visit his site on Reeffrontiers.
Napilli bay was a nice snorkel spot. The water was murkey compared with Molikini but very interesting place with lots of fish & coral to see. I plan to visit there again. It will become more murky with stronger currents. Here is a google link to the area. http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=20.991573,-156.660404&spn=0.038865,0.086002&z=14 It is beautiful bay to just hang out on too. Nice sandy bottom for swimming before the reef starts.
Have a good time.

 

[ggk1988]

I am in Maui right now. I just dove inside molokini crater and visisbility was at least 100 feet. Snorkeling would have been just as good. However, Black Rock is probably the best snorkeling on the west side of the island. It is near Ka'anapali and Lahaina. Black Rock is nice because it is right off shore and is free.

 

[ggk1988]

Black Rock is also a very shallow reef so you will be able to see the reef life up close similar to diving.

 

[rob911]

Pinky,

I would have to say that Maui as a whole has some of the best snokeling around right off the beach. When you get there you can pick up a very simple map of all the snorkel spots from any rental or dive shop. When we went a couple years ago, we snorkeled someplace different all 8 days we were there and I would revisit every one of them. I dive as well and the snorkeling was so great it was comparable to diving.

I did leave our group of 4 one day and did a dive trip to Lanai which was awesome and worth every penny. One of the dives is one of their signitures called Cathedrals, too deep for snorkeling though.

Have fun.

 

[Reefdiver77]

I also greatly enjoyed snorkeling Black Rock, but be aware there can be some nasty currents out near the point. My husband did a fantastic night dive there. I was sinus squeezed and did not get to go.