My husband and I are bringing our 2 teen daughters to Maui the 2nd week of June. Please let us know of favorite snorkeling areas. Best way to get to these areas. Which company is best to book with etc. Also interested in horseback ride to waterfalls. Is it worth the money or would you recommend a different trip. We are staying on Kaanapali Beach at the Alii.

I have been out to Molokini Crater with the most expensive and a dirt cheap snorkel boat. Both were fine. Molokini is wonderful some times during the year and a disappointment other times depending on the water clarity and crowds. Did the Lanai snorkel run and it was awfule but the water was so choppy and churned up. Tried and true is the area north (up?) of where you are staying...Kapalua Bay Hotel. At this hotel is a cove that is real safe to snorkely and they have rental equip, drinks and bathrooms. We always park at the hotel and have breakfast in one of the little places that are in a strip by the hotel. This way we use their parking and go down to this lovely safe spot to snorkel the day away. Those beach/water shoes are nice if you don't have flippers.

Lori
A great spot to snorlel is Black Rock,
just up the beach from you in front of the Sheriton. Lots of fish, and if you go out around the tip and follow the rock around,(not into the crater) but around the back side, you will probably
see turtles, and rays..
Another great spot is about 3 miles past Kapalua,at Honolua Bay. Just look for alot of cars parked on the left side of the road,,there is a trail leading down to beach.One of the more scenic beaches on the island.
If you continue up the road a little ways further, you will come to a dirt road cutting off to the left,,this leads down to another marine park, but there is no beach, mostly rocks..
Molokini Crater was mentioned before,
I have scuba dived there a few times and its a great dive, but for just snorkeling, IMO you can see just about the same thing other places..and not have 100 people in the water with you..
Aloha

Thank you for your advice and help. We are looking forward to using your suggestions. Can't wait to get there!

Aloha Lori. Scott here in Lahaina Town! I always send my guests to "Mile 14," a great snorkel spot just a bit out of Lahaina toward Kahului. It's across the street from Olowalu and the Chez Paul Restaurant. Nice little beach for picnics, lots of coral heads and fish, all easily accessable and just minutes from town. Pick up a FREE 31 page Maui Dive Guide at any of the Maui Dive Shops for locations of other popular snorkeling and diving sites. For additional Maui-related info, feel free to e-mail me...