Maui Hikes and Snorkel Spots
 

Going to Maui for third time with 20 yr old daughter. Are there any "Gem" hikes or snorkel spots? Staying in Kihei...but can drive to various locations.

We are going in a month too and I will be watching this thread - I am looking for good hikes. My favourite snorkel spot is Ulua Beach, between Kehei and Wailea - in the morning before the wind comes up.

Hiking to Twin Falls (in Upcounty). A pretty short one, but I like it. I like to snorkel at Makena. And for a stroll, an early morning walk on the streets of Lahaina.

For hiking, check out the book, "Maui Trails" by Cathy Morey. Lots of suggestions on hikes. It is a great resource to add to your travel library.

-Bill

For snorkeling, we absolutely loved Honolua Bay when we were in Maui Our group ranged in age from 7 yrs. to 64 yrs. Honolua Bay is north of Lahaina and is a marine preserve so there are lots of fish who are not too worried about people. We saw turtles, eels, and even squid/octopi (I don't know the difference). It is a cove so there was not a strong current when we were there. My guidebook says the snorkeling is best in the morning. My family all agreed that it was like being in a National Geographic special. Take hwy 30 north of Lahaina past D.T. Fleming Beach Park. You'll see a Mokuleia-Honolua Marine Reserve sign near a parking area. Go past this just a little ways and watch for a tiny dirt side road on the left. There will probably be other cars parked there. Park by the road and take the trail/dirt road in. The trail is an easy walk and absolutely lovely. The Snorkel Bob shops may even have a free print out map. We felt so pleased with ourselves for walking in for free when we saw one of those snorkel tour catamarans that people pay a tidy little sum for.

Are you doing the Road to Hana? There are some nice little hikes to the waterfalls.

We went to Maui in Oct. 05 and we're going back this May...we snorkeled all over the island, and my fave was Black Rock at Ka'napali beach...fabulous number of tropical fish, and we even ran into a flock of manta rays (harmless). They were huge! It's a little choppy in the afternoon (like all beaches), so the best snorkeling is in the morning.

Thanks all for input. I think we will drive somewhat along the Road to Hana..but not all the way.(did that 2 years ago and lost track of time..came back to Kihei in the dark!!)

We would love to hear "favourite hikes" along Road to Hana. Any suggestions? Thanks

On our trip in Oct 06 --

We drove Central/west Maui stopping at ‘Iao Needle. The hike up the steps left many people winded and struggling, but for us, coming from 6200+ feet, caused us no problem. We also walked down among the gardens. It was a lovely, spiritual place and was true rain forest like foliage.

We had gotten lunch at Safeway, so we continued back towards the main road and stopped at , Kepaniwai Park and Heritage Gardens. This was an unusual place in that it had different buildings and memorials dedicated to all the different people who settled in Hawaii.

We continued on the road heading north and then west around the island [West Maui Highway], amazed at the roads [a lot like the ones we have here in sw CO, but with ocean at the bottom of the cliff. not rocky valleys like here]! I guess this must be what the road to Hana is like? [We opted not to drive the road to Hana, didn't want to be in car that long.]

We got Banana Bread in Kahakuloa and then shave ice right down the road! Good thing we don’t eat like that everyday! From there we continued to Nakalele Blowhole – which was so powerful to watch from the rocks. We continued around until we got back to Ka'Anapali.

ajcolorado has good idea too, we loved Fleming Beach PArk.

Hope this helps...
Debi