we have done various recommended places along beaches many times. we always think of molokini, but the trips are quite expensive. does anyone know of any less expensive boat trips or ways to snorkel? or, is anyone aware of big discounted molokini trips? in oahu we went on a 3 hour sailing cruise. on the way back the ship anchored in fairly deep water with no reef but oodles of fish and some turtles. we loved it! anything like that in maui?

We enjoy the less crowded and less $-) early morning Kai Kanani Molokini Express Trip:
http://www.kaikanani.com/molokini-express.html

thank you, john! $54! 6:15a.m.! anything later, and at 1/2 the price (or am i dreaming)?

Perhaps you can report back on the
$39.95 Sunday Afternoon "Coral Gardens" Special:

http://www.mauidiveshop.com/snorkelt...rkeltrips.html

In my experience driving to and snorkeling from the many fine beaches along the west coast of Maui via public access is the most cost effective way to some very good snorkeling, Maui Dive Shop has a free guide available on Maui.

We very much enjoyed the morning snorkel trip to Molokini with the Four Winds crew and would generally expect the morning trips to be better snorkeling conditions than afternoon. They also have a shorter, afternoon snorkel with $6 off internet coupon if you book a week in advance, $-)35.95:
http://www.mauicharters.com/4winds_trip02.html

Another option for cost savings on activities such as snorkel boat trips is to attend a timeshare presentation, as you must know, they are hard to miss in Lahaina.