Snorkel Maui in Jan 2010
 

We want to snorkel in Maui in Jan. Read the water should be around 75 degrees. Has anyone snorkeled there in the winter? What is it like? Any suggestions for us? We have spring suits that we used for water skiing, and thought we would take them along. We are sixty years young, and this is our first time. Am thinking of buying underwater camera also. Any suggestions will be most appreciated.

I haven't been there in the winter, but don't miss snorkeling around Black Rock! It's a great area, and when we were there I was able to snorkel with sea turtles as well as lots of beautiful fish!

Where on Maui will you be staying? We go to Maui every February for a week at the Marriott on Kaanapali, so that's the area I'm most familiar with.

We usually find time to do at least one chartered snorkel trip, either from Lahaina or near the Westin on Kaanapali. Hubby also goes snorkeling nearly every day on his own at Black Rock (Kaanapali Sheraton).

We love to go snorkeling out at Molokini - the water is amazingly clear and the sea life is breathtaking. We've also snorkeled off Lanai - where you often get the added bonus of seeing dolphins.

If you take a chartered trip, I'd strongly advise going in the early morning, when the water is likely to be much calmer. If you do go out that early, you'll need a jacket or sweatshirt and even light cotton pants or capris over your swimsuit at that time of day. I would also suggest looking for a smaller tour, if you go that route. Too many people snorkeling from one boat can make for a disappointing trip.

I prefer to wear a rash guard suit when snorkeling too - protects my skin from sun as well as irritants in the water (I break out in hives to <i>everything</i>!).

As for cameras, we've always just used the disposable underwater cameras - the pictures are actually not bad, and we don't have to worry about losing/breaking an expensive camera. (We are obviously NOT professional photographers!)

Have a wonderful trip! Maui no ka 'oi! ((r))

first of all..logandog..what a disgusting thing you had to put in print about your favorite thing.
Your 55 and some frigging Perv!
Did you get out early from Prison?
Can't believe that Fodor's allows crap like this on their travel forum?

Snorkeling is pretty good but with winter you have some serious swell action.
Molokini before 9am is ok but there isn't anything there anymore..
Since it sounds like you don't snorkel much you will be amused by some of the fish at Black Rock, Molokini or Honolua.
Aloha

Nice, logandog - very classy....

ksucat - what do you mean "there isn't anything there anymore" at Molokini? I guess it was '07 when we last snorkeled there and it was as beautiful as ever! Didn't make it out there last year. You've got me worried now...

aloha iowagirl..
sorry for the 'molester' posting from logandog!
His ankle bracelet is probably sending signals to his probation officer right now!

Molokini back in the day had 500 times more fish than what you see now..its just the way it is.
It is cool to skin dive and see the fishes..we had a monk seal encounter that had underwater divers take footage because the monk seal was all over us with kisses and hugs.

Have you been to Honolua bay?

Glad you get to go every Feb..how great is that!
Aloha to you!

Our first trip to Maui was in October '98 - our honeymoon. We had a shoestring budget, but a very wise travel agent managed to get us there and we fell in love with it. We stayed at the Westin, were on the second floor right over the laundry room, overlooking the parking lot. But we were <i>there</i>!

After that we scrimped every year to save up and go back. Eventually we bought a time-share at the Marriott on Kaanapali - we're very lucky indeed! That week every Feb. is what gets me through Iowa winters.

We snorkeled Molokini on that first trip and have done it almost every year since, but again, it's been a couple years now. That's so sad to me - every year we hear about more and more being "lost" around the island.

I'm not much for deep water and don't swim well, so I've never had much more of an "encounter" than a puffer fish or two! DH, however, gets adventurous around Black Rock (while I'm back at the pool) and has run across barracuda and some large eels.

Never been to Honolua Bay since we always go in the winter. Wouldn't the north shore surf be too rough then?

One of my favorite snorkeling areas in Maui is Napili Bay. It is protected by a coral reef and is calmer than some of the other areas. Black Rock is also high on the list.

We're going to Maui in January, but have not booked the hotel or condo yet. Do Fodorites have any recommendations for hotels where you can do some reasonably nice snorkeling right from the property? We do the snorkel boat tours, but sometimes it's nice not to get that complicated. We're looking for intresting fish (and turtles?) to see, and realize that it may not be the ultimate Maui snorkel area.

Thanks for all of your input! Think I will do a lot of snorkeling, after your informative and enthusiastic responses. Got a chuckle out of logandog's response-no harm done! We are staying in a condo on Napili Bay, so that should be perfect. We will definitely snorkel at Black Rock and Molokini also. Can hardly wait. Would love to see the turtles too.
Thanks again everyone!!

We've been snorkeling in winter (December), and it was just fine! If you'll be in the water for long, just wear a wet-suit and that should keep you comfortable for sure! I was really impressed with how much of a difference the wet-suit makes!

If you're interested, I've got some pics from our snorkel trip to Lanai (our daytrip from Maui) here:

http://www.paradise-found-in-maui.co...-of-lanai.html

Because we went in winter, we got to see tons of dolphins and whales on our trip across the channel! It was awesome!

Have a great trip!

Sheralyn
:)

Thanks for you input Sheralyn! I have been to a lot of places and seen a lot of wildlife, including whales breeching, lions, etc. but never have I been fortunate enough to see "killer whales" in the wild. Seeing your pictures and knowing this may be the time is really exciting. Thanks for sharing. Do you wear a full wet suit or partial?
Karn

Reply to <blue>MadameX<black>,
In my experience there are many resorts along the west coast of Maui with good snorkeling without leaving the property, though must point out January is great for whale watching but not the best month for snorkeling in calm water. Black Rock has already been mentioned here, which lies in front of the Sheraton Maui. To the north, Kapalua Bay fronts the Renaissance Kapalua Bay Resort and offers good beginner snorkeling. To the south, Ulua Beach fronts the Wailea Elua Condos, and further south Maluaka Beach fronts the Makena Beach & Golf resort (former Maui Prince) and offers good snorkeling south of the rope swing with a fair amount of turtles. :S-

I find it is chilly in January and I would recommend wearing a light wetsuit.

Sheralyn- great photos. Which company did you take your snorkel tour with?

iowagirl, my husband and I will be in Maui for the first time ever - the middle two weeks of February - and will be staying at Kaanapali as well. We arranged a non-simultaneous home exchange with a couple who have a condo at the Royal Kaanapali Golf Course, and actually live there when they aren't travelling, so we won't be right on the beach but about a ten minute walk to Black Rock.

Snorkeling is at the top of my list of things to do.

Where did you get an entire rash guard suit or did you piece one together? Do you use a flotation device?

moolyn: you will LOVE it there! It's a wonderful winter escape.

My brother is a scuba diver and gave me a full rash guard suit one Christmas, after I complained about coming out of the water with hives, rashes and itchy skin. He got it at a dive shop where they live, just a local place. Your best bet is probably to shop online, or wait and buy one when you get there. If you do buy one on the island you might pay a <i>little</i> more, but you'll be sure to get one that fits properly.

A lot of people just wear the top, but I prefer to be fully covered, which also offers sunburn protection.

I've snorkeled with and without a boogie board. Sometimes it's nice to just float along on the board but other times it seems to get in my way. I'm NOT a great swimmer and never, ever go snorkeling alone. My DH is always right beside me, unless we're in a group and I have tour guide near me.

Sorry I can't be more specific to both of your questions, but I can promise you will have a wonderful time, whatever you do!

iowagirl, you sound just like me - sensitive skin that burns easily! I was very excited when I came across the whole rash guard concept and plan to pick some up as gifts for my grandkids while we're in Maui.

It sounds like you have a one piece suit. There isn't much available in rash guards in Canada in the winter! Believe me, I've looked. I did find some Xcel swim tights that were great and will probably buy those and get a separate top or two. I've found some really cute ones online.

What week are you there in February? Maybe we'll bump into each other at Black Rock early some morning.

moolyn: yes, a one-piece - long sleeves and down to my ankles. It's actually a men's suit, as I'm 5'10" and most of the women's suits would be too short.

My skin burns in minutes it seems, especially when I show up in Hawaii in the dead of winter. I'm so pale by then I just about glow in the dark. I spend the week in sunscreen, a sun hat and lots of shade. We'll be there Feb. 5-12. We have a timeshare week at the Kaanapali Marriott and usually try to go the following week, so we're there over Valentine's Day and President's Day, but I didn't get it reserved in time this year. :-( Valentine's Day on Maui is TRULY romantic!

I also have to tell you that if you venture out on a snorkel trip by charter boat over to an area known as Turtle Town, you'll be especially grateful for the rash guard suit. There's some sort of little, microscopic sea critter that actually bites - feels like a little sting. Last time we were there my DH and several people came out of the water wondering what was biting them. (I stayed on the boat.)

Maybe someone else knows what these are? I can't remember what our guide said they were and can't seem to Google it.

iowagirl, I was just interested in rash guards as sun protection. Thanks for warning me about the nippers too!

We chose our two weeks because our anniversary is February 18th but, thanks to you, I now realize that we will be there for Valentine's Day too!

Which places would you suggest for a romantic dinner? We might have to book ahead for the 14th.

Those little nippers must be some sort of plankton or something? Now that's going to drive me crazy until I can find out what they are....

There are sooooo many restaurant choices on Maui - it all depends on what you're looking for. Something right on the beach, something fancy and candle-lit... Since you're in a condo I don't know that you'd have access to a concierge service of some sort, which would have been my first suggestion. Check the local paper once you arrive - there'll be lots of ads for Valentine's Day specials, and do some Googling before you leave.

Honestly, our most "romantic" Valentine's Day dinner one year was when we got takeout goodies, spread a blanket on the beach and watched the sunset. It was obviously a bit more "rustic" than a fancy restaurant, but we so enjoyed being outside in the warm air, watching that beautiful sunset, saw a couple of whales surface... Sheer heaven.

The problem with winter snorkeling is not the water temperature. A shorty will make you very comfortable. The problem is waves and weather. Even if the waves aren't dangerous, due to the sandy beach areas, Maui's water is often cloudy.

The aquarium and the fish bowl are great places, some of the best in the islands, but I heard that they closed the trailheads to them. I found Honolu'a bay to be very good for the beginner but the water can be cloudy because of the topography.

I highly recommend an underwater camera. I am partial to Cannon because they make their own housing. But I've use Nikon's before and they were very good.

iowagirl, I was actually thinking of lunch at Mama's Fish House followed by a beach picnic in the evening on our anniversary. I'll watch for Valentine specials in the local papers.

Have you taken the Maui Dive Shop snorkel tour to Molokini and Turtle Island? They are still offering their online October Special for this of $39.95. I was going to book but our exchange partner wrote that tourism is down so there are lots of specials to be had this year so to check around when we arrive.

Bill, I have been bidding to my comfort level for used housings for my Canon SD800 on eBay but have only succeeded in getting better prices for the sellers so far.

Yes, we've done that tour through the Maui Dive Shop. We've also gone on snorkel tours and whale watches through the Pacific Whale Foundation. We've also taken one over to Lanai, with several snorkel stops along the way, and were able to watch the spinner dolphins as well. Can't remember who we did that with, though.

Best advice about these trips I can give is to go on an early morning trip (the water is much calmer then), and try to find the smallest group outing you can.

Our absolute best trip out onto the water was 2 yrs ago. We did a sunrise kayak off La Perouse Bay (south Maui). It was just DH and me, one other couple, and our guide. We glided out onto perfectly smooth water and were absolutely enchanted to watch a mother whale nurse her baby. Talk about peaceful. It was really something. But then the boat tours full of loud tourists with video cams and captains bellowing over loudspeakers saw this pair too. Mama wasn't happy with all the sudden boat commotion, so they dove under and off they went. It was wonderful while it lasted!

iowagirl, because we have a five hour time change, we plan to do early morning things like sunrise at Haleakala, a snorkel cruise and driving the Road to Hana right at the beginning then just walk or drive to various snorkel places first thing in the morning after that, depending on conditions.

Somebody else mentioned kayaking to me so I'll look into that as well. How long does it take to drive to South Maui for a sunrise kayak? Would kayaking closer to Kaanapali be any good? Do you remember which company you used?

One of the best travel experiences of all time for us was canoeing down the Dordogne in France so we probably would really enjoy kayaing in Maui as well.

It's a 4-hr time change for us. I loooove the early mornings there, so I'm always up around 6am and tend to go to sleep by 9pm. Hubby tends to adjust right away and prefers to sleep in every morning, so I'm usually up and out for a long walk on the beach by myself for awhile before he rolls out of bed.

I'm thinking we allowed ourselves 40 min to drive from Kaanapali to La Perouse bay for the kayak trip. It can get tricky to find some of these places, especially if the sun isn't fully up yet. Cannot remember the name of the company we went through, and it wasn't really a "company" anyway - it was a two-man operation and they only owned something like 6 kayaks.

I don't think there's much kayaking right off Kaanapali. I see a few float by now and then, but other than Black Rock there really isn't much bay space, so the water is choppy.

You should Google kayaking on Maui, as I'm far from being an expert!

Sunrise at Haleakala is incredible! It's like you're suddenly on another planet. But be forewarned that it will be cold - or at least "chilly" as far as us "northerners" are concerned. Several times we've heard people on the beach exclaim that it has snowed a bit on top of Haleakala and off they rush to see it. Not us! ;-)

Could be a really stupid question, but is it possible for my DW to snorkel while being a non-swimmer... no, she's not a weak swimmer! she is generally terrified of the water and I am trying to get her accustomed at least to spots which are not too deep. Black rock sounds a little dangerous from reviews at tripadvisor. Any suggestions?

iowagirl, I'm an early riser too and usually back from my morning walks before my husband wakes up. But, like you, I don't plan to snorkel on my own!

I googled maui kayaking before asking but there are so many options.

I found some Adidas ClimaCool pants with UV protection that should make good rash guard bottoms for Turtle Town. They are long for my average height but I'll wait to hem them and tuck them under my fins.

I'm probably used to the same degree of cold as you, living in southern Ontario. Would a light winter coat be about right for Haleakala, good to about -10 degrees celsius?

mc_ite, if your DW would like to try snorkeling, she could do it wearing a flotation device, not a boogie board that can float away but more like a life jacket that attaches but it would have to be her decision. Perhaps you take one of the snorkel cruises where there will be other non-swimmers.

mc_ite, I found a thread about snorkeling for non-swimmers at scuba.com and the consensus was to take swimming lessons first:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/sno...n-swimmer.html

mc: the water at Black Rock is very calm - not sure what TA reviewers are saying - I'll have to check that out. I too was terrified of water the first time we went to Maui (honeymoon in '98), but with DH right beside me and a boogie board to hold onto, I was fine in 5 minutes. I was so enchanted by all the sea life I literally forgot to be scared. I'm still NOT a great swimmer and have a VERY healthy respect for the water and know my limits, but I do just fine at Black Rock.

FWIW, the one time I did try an "attached" flotation device, I got claustrophobic. I prefer the boogie board, but have your wife try both. If you do take a guided snorkel tour, just be sure to tell the guides that your DW is a newbie so they can help her out.

Now, having said that, I DON'T snorkel out in the deep areas. We've taken snorkel tours over to Lanai and DH will get in the water there, but it's usually snorkel spots that are just off some steeper cliffs, and I just can't do that. If I can't see the bottom just a few feet below me, I get nervous. I can also snorkel Molokini with no problem, inside the crater where it's shallower, as long as I don't turn and look out into the ocean.

moolyn: ok, I had to translate -10C to F ;-)

I doubt you want to pack even a lighter winter coat. DH and I usually leave our coats in the car at the airport and wear layers on the trip to and from Maui. At the summit, I've been just fine in khaki slacks, a long-sleeve tee and a sweatshirt - what I wore on the plane. While I wouldn't want to spend all day up there in that, it's fine for an hour or so. It all depends on your own internal thermometer. :-)

iowagirl, thanks! That's about what I was originally thinking until I kept reading how cold it is up there. It's obviously relative.

Our condo pool is changing over from chemicals to saline tomorrow so I plan to practice my salt water swimming!

Just a reminder for all swimmers in Maui - don't EVER turn your back on the ocean. One of the funniest and most dangerous things I ever saw was 2 women that had turned their back and in came a big wave and totally knocked them on their behinds. Luckily they weren't hurt but could have been. It's easy enough to turn around and wave to your friends but you need to know where you are at all times.
Have a great time. We'll be in Maui for 2 weeks in February. I'm counting the days.