Maui Snorkeling Trips

If you invest the time, money and effort on a Maui vacation, you should be sure to experience some of the amazing wildlife and scenery the islands have to offer. Sitting poolside is nice, but you can do that virtually anywhere. Part of the appeal of a tropical destination is that you have the opportunity to experience nature in a way that can’t be replicated on the mainland.

Taking a daytrip to one of the Islands’ legendary volcanoes or parks is an ideal way to spend an afternoon. But personally, I’m more interested with what’s going on beneath the water’s surface. Even if you’re less than enthused about venturing into the ocean, Molokini snorkeling is an absolute must for your trip. Be sure to charter a tour to ensure you go to areas thriving with underwater life.

Growing up, my family visited the Hawaiian Islands at least once a year—sometimes more. In fact, it was the only place we every really went on vacation. I mean, it had everything you could want in a vacation destination—tropical weather, immaculate beaches, fine dining, and, best of all, we didn’t even have the leave the U.S.

Over the years I’ve experienced much of what the Islands have to offer, but the one activity I never neglected was Maui Hawaii snorkeling. If you have never been before, you would be amazed at the profusion of wildlife you can find just a few hundred feet from the shore. From exotic eels and rays to massive sea turtles, the coral around the Islands is a hotbed for aquatic wildlife. And while you can’t go wrong simply venturing off the coast, a charter will ensure you have the opportunity to see a cornucopia of creatures.

Every summer I take my family on a vacation to some exotic local around the world. This Christmas, our trip brought us to the Maui, Hawaii. While my wife and I had no problem diving right into the pristine waters, my kids were constantly complaining about the cold ocean water.

After our first afternoon at the beach, it was evident that we would have to have to find some solution to this conundrum. We visited a local surf shop and were able to find some small kid’s wetsuits. That day we took a prolonged Maui snorkeling charter, which exposed us to some fascinating marine life. The rest of the trip my kids were constantly begging to go to the beach and enjoy the snorkel and surf, which my wife and I didn’t mind.

Hawaii is the location of a natural hot spot underneath the earth’s crust, and because of this, the island is home to several volcanoes. In fact, the present day ‘big island’ in Hawaii was once not so big, in fact, it started out as the smallest island! The big island is referred to as such because it is the largest; however, this is due to the big island being right above the hot spot. In several thousand years, the big island will sink back into the ocean, as other islands form; it’s a fascinating process.

Hawaii’s volcanoes are what make it such a unique location, and the rich volcanic soil combined with the tropical climate has created some of the most breathtaking landscapes and seascapes in the world. One of the best ways to witness these amazing geological spectacles firsthand is with a Hawaii snorkeling charter.

Artwork Courtesy Mike Ogata©

Researchers tell us that fifty million years ago our whales’ ancestors walked on land, ate meat and possibly grasses, and headed into water when volcanoes activity began to take out much of land-based life forms.  It wasn’t until about thirty million years ago that baleen whales began to evolve.  What an amazing beginning to the ocean’s largest of predators!

The above picture of a humpback calf resting reminds us of how fragile and delicate species can be.  There is much talk of releasing the hunting ban on humpback whales.  It was Jacques Cousteau who said “a world without whales is unthinkable.” and I feel most of us agree.  To insure they remain for future generations is going to take a combined effort, but they can be saved.

Watching whales has been proven to be way more lucrative than whale hunting.  Even though one whale is worth one million dollars to the companies who still insist on this type of hunting, once the whales are gone the income will cease.  To keep these animals around just makes good business sense.

Whale watching in Hawaii has been on the rise, with more companies joining in an effort to keep up with the demands of whale watchers.  Keep loving them everyone!  December will be here before we know it and our wonderful humpbacks will return.

“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives.  It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.” Charles Darwin

Each summer, without fail, I always arrange a vacation for my family and me. But last summer is the most memorable summer for all of us. We all spent a one-week vacation in Hawaii and it was totally a blast! We really enjoyed the pristine and crystal blue waters of Hawaii; it was truly breathtaking.

But the best part of our Hawaii vacation was our adventures in the reef. We went on a Maui snorkeling tour and were mesmerized with the array sea creatures, like the green sea turtles and other marine animals. The colorful coral reefs were truly out of this world. While we usually venture to a different location every year, something tells me that we may be heading back to the Islands in the near future.

Divers are known to travel the world searching for the greatest diving and snorkeling spots—some travel agencies even offer diving packages. One of the most popular destinations is Hawaii, and Maui is one of my particular favorite diving locales. Maui snorkeling and diving trips are famous for their exciting deep sea adventures.

Snorkeling and diving, although both done underwater, have a few distinct differences.  In snorkeling, training and certification is not needed, which makes it an ideal vacation activity. Since snorkeling can be done in more shallow waters than diving, sometimes all that is needed are masks and diving fins.  Either way, whether you prefer snorkeling or diving, Maui is the place to be. Its beaches and amazing coral reefs makes it one of the best diving destinations in the world.

Photo Courtesy K. Velasquez

“What is that?”  The question was being asked by many passengers who were watching the turquoise glow shimmering in the warm tropical sun.  That color was a humpback white pectoral fin reflecting the sun.  We all waited with great anticipation as the animal rose slowly, took air and began to move away, followed very quickly by a scarred up male who seemed to be patiently standing by.

When on a marine safari in Hawaii it is always wise to remain vigilant and keep a watchful eye in the waters surrounding the vessel.  Our comfortable catamaran affords a wide and spacious upper viewing deck making it very easy to walk from side to side and gaze into the beautiful blue water.

It was a ‘mugging’ today.  The whales chose to come over and spend their valuable time with whale lovers old and young.  The amount of animals in the waters surrounding Maui makes it very easy to find whales to spend time with.  But it is the call of the individual that makes a close encounter one that will never be forgotten.  Can hardly wait for tomorrow!

Photo Courtesy K. Velasquez

Today’s whale watch was very challenging for the boat captain, but the whales never cease to amaze.  Twice mothers with calves approached the boat to check out the curious whale watchers.  Winds were clipping at 30-35 mph, but hardy passengers wearing jackets and secured hats kept cameras in hand as they clung to the railing.  Even though there is a comfortable and spacious cabin, everyone chose to stay on the upper deck of the comfortable and smooth feeling catamaran in hopes of getting a glimpse of these majestic and popular marine mammals.

Humpback migration season is in full swing with mom/calf groups seeming to dominate the waters around Maui.  Playful calves frolic and learn while sub adults and adult singles mingle in the waters around all islands hoping to mate before having to head back up to northern waters around Canada, Alaska and the Aleutian Islands in search of the fish they love.

Tomorrow we will board and head back out in search of the ‘friendlies’.  Cameras ready, caps off, those memory cards will quickly fill up and so will our hearts.

One of the essentials of any vacation to Hawaii is taking part in a Hawaii snorkeling trip. With several islands and dozens of pristine locations, there is certainly no shortage of premier locales. Before heading off to your next tropical vacation, think about where you would most like to see the sights. The following list highlights the best places for Hawaii snorkeling:

1.) Hanauma Bay, Oahu
2.) Makaha Beach Park, Oahu
3.) Molokini Crater, Hawaii
4.) Kealakekua Bay, Big Island
5.) Ke’e Beach Park, Kauai
6.) Kapalua Beach, Maui