parrothead1225

Does anyone have suggestions for luaus, helicopter tours, and snorkeling tours on Maui in December? I am interested in both poistive and negative suggestions and warnings. Are advance reservations needed or can we wake up and decide what to do that day when we know what the weather will be?

Marginal

You need reservations for luaus. They will sell out.

suze

Deinitely Old Lahaina Luau for the luau!! It's fantastic. Yes you need reservations in advance. If it rains they hand out colorful plastic ponchos.

ChiSue

WHEN in December? If you're talking about Christmas holidays, you may be too late.

Old Lahaina Luau and Feast at Lele are both highly recommended (both in Lahaina).

Blue Water Rafting and Trilogy are good for snorkeling. (If you want Molokini, only book the very first boat out there. It gets crowded fast -- more people than fish.) Get out on the water on *something*, and you may see whales.

I'm not as big on helicopter tour over Maui as I am for Kauai or Big Island of Hawaii, so I don't have a suggestion.

tifa2276

I've used Blue Hawaiian helicopters on both Kauai and Big Island and highly recommend them. If I were to go on a helicopter tour of Maui I would pick that company. The tours were great, and I felt safe even though I am somewhat scared of heights. It was awesome.

Lookin_Glass

Back in the olden days on our first trip we did the obligatory Old Lah Luau. It was serviceable and fit the bill. From what I have heard, it has only gotten better in it's new location and talent. Like another poster said book it now, if it is not too late. Since then we have only gone to local fundraising luau's but doubt any are available during your stay.

Maui and helicopters is not a big thing. Kauai, the Island of Hawaii - yes. Although I have flown with Arman on a trike in Hana and we hugged a cloud! That didn't suck.

Personally, Molokini was like an over run tourist pee pool. Too many boats, too many people. There is wonderful snorkling you can do on your own off shore. BUT I have never gone out with the Pacific Whale group out of Lahaina. If they are going to Lanai that's great. If they are going to Honolua, you can do that on your own. If the whales are running, it's all good.

Happy Thanksgiving and Aloha

Marginal

Another snorkeling option is the Trilogy tour snorkel cruise that goes to Lanai.

I like the Molokini trip not so much for the snorkeling, but for the boat trip and the gorgeous views of south Maui.

sunbum1944

I went with the Pacific Whale Foundation both snorkeling and whale watching. We were supposed to go to Molokini but too windy so they took us to Shark Fin cove off the coast of Lanai- we were the only boat there and I thought snorkeling was great- but then have never been to Molokini so can't compare.

MichelleY

I agree with Looking Glass regarding Molokini. Perfect description.

Tomsd

Another good snorkeling place - that doesn't require a tour guide - is along the Black Rock - located outside of the old Sherton at Kanapali. Check out the Snorkel Bob's - for renting your equipment for the week, whatever.

Down south - at La Perouse Bay - is also a good spot if it's open?

Hey - just find some rocks off the beach - and you will find fish, but do double check about the local conditions for undertow, and unless you are very experienced - don't go out in big surf, which spoils the visibiity anyway. Also - go early as that's usully when it's the calmest and you can see the most fish.

My first luau was way back in '77 - at the King Kam Hotel in Kona - and it was good - but since then - as noted above - prefer to try and find a local (Sunday?) gathering at a Church - and make a donation. Check the papers, etc for notices.

parrothead1225

Thank you all. I have the luau tickets. I have also read the trip advisor reviews of snorkling and agree about Molokini. We will try Lanai. And we are staying close to Black Rocks also. Husband wants to do the helicopter thing. I'll just keep my eyes closed and scream. That will teach him... That's why we snorkel. He can't hear me scream when I see a big fish, like a couple hundred pound grouper in Florida. Thanks for the Snorkel Bob's suggestion. We have our own custom masks but may need wet suits. See you all back here in a few weeks, providing I don't fall out of the helicopter.

tom42

I used Blue Hawaiian for a helicopter tour around the West Maui Mountains and Molokai. It really was amazing. I am not fond of heights and thought I would be nervous but it was beautiful and peaceful. I won't do another one again but it really was a great experience.