Photos Courtesy K. Velasquez
Can you identify the Hawaiian Sergeant Major, or Mamo, as it is called in Hawaiian? If you were to say the one without the yellow in the pattern, you would be correct. Stripes are the same, nearly identical, with both species, but the one with yellow on the top is from the Indo-Pacific oceans. Both fish are very beautiful, curious of humans, and in a balanced reef, prolific.
Snorkeling in Maui waters is always a treat. Where reefs are healthy, there is much life, colorful corals and sponges to take pictures of and share with family and friends. Underwater cameras are quite affordable now, and many snorkel companies even offer cameras for sale or rent. Snorkeling this time of year offers another bonus for visitors and island residents. Male humpback whales are singing! Just hold still for a few minutes and you could hear the song of the North Pacific whales who have traveled from as far north as the Bering Sea, for mating and birthing of their young.
Come to Maui and ask about comfortable catamaran vessels, which offer stability and nice open decks and large, spacious cabins for your snorkeling needs. Some offer fresh water showers and wonderful crews who will take care of your every need. Maalaea Harbor is the best place to leave from for those who would like to say they snorkeled a ‘tuff cone’, or vent for Haleakala, a dormant volcano, which helped form the island. This time of year will offer whale watching while you are heading to your snorkel spot. Don’t delay! The animals are waiting.
