Snorkeling in Maui ?

ikarcuaso · 07-02-2008, 08:50 PM

Where's a good place. We're only interested in places we can drive to from Kaanapali where we're staying, not somewhere we need to take a boat to, like Molokini. Something kid-friendly is preferred. I'm going off of this site, but looking for personal recommendations. Thanks.

http://www.mauisnorkeling.net/mauisnorkelmap.html

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

I thought Honolua Bay was pretty good, been to several of those spots listed.

DO NOT LEAVE ANY VALUABLES IN YOUR VEHICLE WHEN SNORKELING

you will be robbed

dd74 · 07-02-2008, 09:10 PM

Kaanapali is nice for snorkeling, though we now do most of that in Kauai. Just be mindful of the reefs. I've still got scars five yrs. after the fact.

alf · 07-02-2008, 10:09 PM

You could snorkle off various spots on Kanapali.

the · 07-02-2008, 10:51 PM

We stayed at Kaanapali, our hotel was right at Black Rock.

We went snorkling all over, including on the one that takes you out on a boat for hours and goes to all of the "best" snorkling places.

The best, by far, was right in front of our hotel, at Black Rock!

It was the most clear, the most calm, and the most fish and other creatures, including very cool giant tortises that swam right up to us. You can stay close to the shore, or swim way out and around Black Rock. Then you can just walk back to your hotel!

the · 07-02-2008, 10:52 PM

(Black Rock is #5 on your map).

Capt. Crunch · 07-02-2008, 10:57 PM

I recall the posh hotels are right next to the Black Rock. I regret not taking an underwater camera last time I was there.

Capt. Crunch

Neilk · 07-03-2008, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ikarcuaso

Where's a good place. We're only interested in places we can drive to from Kaanapali where we're staying, not somewhere we need to take a boat to, like Molokini. Something kid-friendly is preferred. I'm going off of this site, but looking for personal recommendations. Thanks.

http://www.mauisnorkeling.net/mauisnorkelmap.html

Good!!! Except for the beautiful view of Maui from the boat, Molokini sucks. Diving is great as you have heard.

gassy · 07-03-2008, 04:40 AM

On the way to your hotel you will have the water on your left--at mile marker 14 you can park and there is great snorkeling there. No signs except for the little mile 14 marker on the right side of the road. Water stays shallow for about 50-100 yrds and then all of a sudden there are pure sand channels like roads in about 20 ft of water...really cool. Scared up a few sea turtles there. Black rock is good too. One of the best weeks of our life, snorkeling on Maui. Have fun.

gassy · 07-03-2008, 04:43 AM

Dantilla · 07-03-2008, 08:44 AM

Mile Marker 14.

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

Good point about taking an underwater camera.

Where are you? I have an old waterproof camera that uses funky film(APS, or something like that) and will take 3 formats of photos(panoramic, not so wide and normal) That I would give you, if they still make film for it. You can get desposable ones too. Only good down to like 4 or 5 meters depth

alf · 07-03-2008, 09:09 AM

If you are just snorkeling you could probably use one of those water proof camera bags you could get off ebay for $30, it slips over your digital camera. Not sure how well they work though, taking pictures in the water is tricky. If going deeper than 30 feet you will likely need a hard case camera. Do not waste you money on the walmart disposable underwater film cameras, they suck. I got to get back to Maui...

scottmandue · 07-03-2008, 09:24 AM

BTW the turtles are protected so best not to try to touch, catch, or ride one.

And please try not to touch or walk on the reef, it kills the reef.

Yes you will see idiots doing both of those things, but then we see idiots doing stupid things every day.

Enjoy your trip!

gassy · 07-03-2008, 09:33 AM

we bought this camera for the trip and it was well worth it.

http://www.sealife-cameras.com/cameras/digital.html

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

With little ones, the bay at Napili is a good choice. Lots to see, safe surf, great beach. We started our kids snorkling there when they were 5 or 6 if I recall.

ikarcuaso · 07-11-2008, 12:41 AM

Thanks for all the replies.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Plumley

With little ones, the bay at Napili is a good choice. Lots to see, safe surf, great beach. We started our kids snorkling there when they were 5 or 6 if I recall.

If you're talking about Kapalua Bay, behind the Napili Kai Beach Club, that's where we went. It was perfect for the kids.

We snorkeled at Hanauma Bay on Oahu, too.

Also, my 8 y/o picked up new hobby in Lahaina, brah!

gassy · 07-11-2008, 03:47 AM

Sweet. he looks like a pro!

rcooled · 07-11-2008, 06:59 AM

Just south of the town of Kihei is Ulua Beach. Excellent snorkeling here, with a nice reef to explore and freshwater showers and restrooms just steps off the beach. Watch for a small sign on the right as you drive south along Wailea Alanui Dr. Bring a bag of frozen corn along and you'll have the fish eating right out of your hand! Convenient parking, too. Get there early to grab a spot and take advantage of the calm, clear water before the wind & surf pick up. While you're down that way, stop in for drinks or lunch at one of the big resort hotels a bit further south like the Grand Wailea or the Kea Lani. Amazing places....

ikarcuaso · 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcooled

Just south of the town of Kihei is Ulua Beach. Excellent snorkeling here, with a nice reef to explore and freshwater showers and restrooms just steps off the beach. Watch for a small sign on the right as you drive south along Wailea Alanui Dr. Bring a bag of frozen corn along and you'll have the fish eating right out of your hand! Convenient parking, too. Get there early to grab a spot and take advantage of the calm, clear water before the wind & surf pick up. While you're down that way, stop in for drinks or lunch at one of the big resort hotels a bit further south like the Grand Wailea or the Kea Lani. Amazing places....

Ulua Beach sounds great. We did cruise down to Wailea and Makena for a bit. Passed through the Grand Wailea, made our condo on Kaanapali Beach (a very nice place) seem like Motel 6. My wife and I were drooling over some of those beach front homes in Makena. We'll try to spend more time around there on our next visit.

btw, rcooled, we'll likely be in your area sometime soon, likely at Cowell's Beach . My son wants to continue his surfing experience.