Sit back in your computer chair right now and dream of breakfast on your boat trip over to the small volcanic cone island of Molokini. This morning we have assorted fresh island fruit, muffins, hawaiian fruit juices, and bottled water. Kanaio Coast Tour has a fruit and beverage break between sightseeing and snorkeling. The backside of Molokini Crater - right off Kihei - is home to some of the best scuba diving in the world.
Its only for experienced divers and drops down 100′s of feet with all kinds of sharks above and below you. Molokini is one of the most popular & exotic snorkel & diving sites in the entire world. It is a must see destination for any visitor interested in Maui’s underwater world. That’s you, no?
Just 20 minutes from Kihei are dozens of unique Maui snorkel and dive sites. Small operators cater to certified divers and offer a range of trips based on the diver’s skill level and interests. And even they say one of the most popular snorkeling areas is Molokini, which is 3 miles off the coast of Maui - you can see it from shore - but you need a boat to get there.
This is a wonderful experience with a sunken crater, which is now home to various sea life. Some tours promise Molokini without the crowds. Trip includes beverages and snorkel gear.
But back on Maui, Kihei is an easy place to snorkel, and one of the most wonderful Hawaii beaches to hang out at. Snorkeling is certainly the easiest and least expensive way to enjoy Hawaii’s underwater paradise.
All you need is a mask, snorkel and fins. You can expect to see a multitude of colorful fish including the Hawaii state fish the Humuhumu-nukunuku-a-pua’a (sounds like: hoo-moo-hoo-moo noo-koo-noo-koo ah puwa-ah ).
These creatures though rare on land and stereotypically slow are quite fast in the water, so keep your eyes open.
This area is home to a large population of green Hawaiian sea turtles. Trilogy was the first activity company in Hawaii to receive the coveted Pookela Award for customer service (1999). And, even though an independent survey of over 11,000 Maui visitors (Maui’s Top 10) chose Trilogy the #1 sailing company and the #1 Activity on Maui, they still feel it is important to earn their reputation the old fashion way - one guest at a time! View the natural beauty and native wildlife of Hawaii. Depending on the time of year, you can see turtles, dolphins, manta rays, and whales.
There are a few rock outcroppings, which attract fish for snorkeling. If you’re looking for a long walk, walk five minutes down Kihei Road, hop onto Keawekapu Beach, and walk the beaches all the way through Wailea. There is a lifeguard station on the beach, and tidepool area on the south side, teeming with crabs, starfish, etc. It’s also a great place to snorkel. Please call or email with any questions about your Maui vacation and we’ll do our best to help. This is one of Maui’s most popular beaches. The soft sand and clear water of Keawakapu Beach offers some of Maui’s best sunning, swimming, snorkeling, diving and bodysurfing, literally just steps away from Kihei. Kihei convenient location offers numerous options for great dining, shopping and scenic exploration.
If you like long, beach front jogs, wind surfing, etc central and North Kihei may have what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a long walk, walk five minutes down Kihei Road, hop onto Keawekapu Beach, and walk the beaches all the way through Wailea. The main road north-south along the ocean is South Kihei Road and it contains almost all the hotels, condos, restaurants, shops and beaches. If you are staying in the area and don’t mind a bit of walking, you can probably get to most things you need without needing a car.
Whether permitting, some tours go to “Turtle Town,” where a number of green sea turtles make their home. These boat tours are fun, festive affairs, typically including drinks, snacks or lunch, snorkel instruction and rental, and friendly crew members who are eager to introduce you to Maui’s marvelous underwater world.
Hopefully, we will be able to go snorkeling again or go to Turtle Town because sea turtles are my absolute favorite. Kahului, the next town as we head south, is the largest commercial center of the island. Here you will find several car dealerships along with a number of malls and major outlets such as Sears, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, and of course everyone’s favorite – Costco.
