Bob

My girlfriend and I are going to Maui in a couple of weeks. We'd like to do some snorkeling while we are there. I figured a boat trip would be nice since we are both unfamiliar with snorkeling. I heard that Molokini is very crowded. What about Lanai? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob

Cheri

Molokini would be spectacular if they kept most of the people away. When we were there it was like a zoo. There were so many people it's a wonder they didn't drown each other. Another down side is, the trip is best early in the morning, and they picked us up at 5 AM to go.

Try Black Rock in Maui.(Kaanapali Beach area) Very good spot.

scigirl

Bob - you can snorkel right from the beach in Maui. Near the black rock in Kaanapali (right by the Sheraton) is a good spot. Snorkeling is very easy - I did it with no instruction and no problems (so you don't need a boat trip or special instruction to learn). I too have heard that Molokini is over run with boats and snorklers and such and isn't a good trip overall. I can't comment specifically on Lanai. However, any place that is frequented by tour boats in likely to be crowded.

Anon

Gee, that sounded just like what Cheri said.

lisa

I went on the Trilogy sail trip to Lanai in October. While the ride over and back was fun, and the crew was great (as was the food), the snorkeling on Lanai was lousy. I don't know if we were just there on the wrong day or what, but I only saw 2 fish. Others on the trip said the same thing -- nobody really saw much of anything. The trip was good, but not because of the snorkeling. There was better snorkeling off the beach at the Renaissance Wailea. Locals told us the best snorkeling on Maui was at Makena, just south of Wailea, but I didn't try it there.

Bobbi

I recommend going out with "Captain Don" on the "Seafire". We asked the locals, who recommended him & his boat. He only takes about 6-8 people at a time, and its a very "personable" experience. He also has a snorkel guide that goes in the water with you and is there to help you and point out interesting finds. Because he departs from Kihei instead of the harbour where the big tour boats leave, the travel time is reduced and you get out to your spot before the other boats. Yes Molikni was crowded(especially when the big tour boats come and dump 100 or so other snorkelers in the water), Captain Don only took us there for a short time, so we could experience it, then took us to some other great places. Captain Don is experienced with the waters, as was/is in the navy/navy reserve. We highly recommend him. He has a bright yellow brochure with "Seafire" across it.
Have fun!!!!

Susan

You might want to consider scuba diving instead of snorkeling. My husband and I went to Mauii for a two week honeymoon, after the first week we were getting bored so we signed up for scuba diving lessons. For the book lessons we sat under a banyan tree on the beach and then they would take us out in a boat for the diving. It was absolutely wonderful. Beautiful fish, no one around except the other divers. Considering we got our scuba diving certification and boat rides and dives it was a very good price.