Is it better to rent snorkel gear on Maui or buy your own ahead of time and bring them along with you? We'll be in Maui for one week next Spring. We have two children ages 10 and 12 and I suspect much of our time we'll be spent just playing in the ocean and the pool. I plan on some snorkeling, but not sure how much we'll do overall. Thanks.

Buy it! And now is a good time since stores are clearing out their summer sports stock. I recently saw snorkel gear on sale at Wal-Mart. Also try any local sporting goods store that may have carried snorkelling gear for the summer. Even though the snorkelling gear is (supposedly) clean at rental spots, I prefer to use my own anyway!

Do you get to try on the snorkel gear at Walmart? Or are they in those prepackaged boxes? Make sure you can try it on for fit (which is the primary reason to have your own gear). Also consider how many people you have to oufit and how much gear you want to haul. We often travel with just our mask and snorkel (for issues of fit, comfort, cleanliness) but rent fins as we don't want to pack them.

We were happy we bought ours last year. Mask fit is the most important thing. I also don't like using the snorkle even if it has been soaking in chemicals just feels gross to me. I find rentals often leak. With kids especially, ours practically slept in their snorkel gear. It is great to have them on hand which you can arrange with a weekly rental just is easier to have your own save that trip to the store, oh and forget about finding the store. There are plenty but why waste your time shopping? It is a bit bulky but we were ok. We were going for two weeks last year and we all took one carry on up right and 1 day back pack. Actually this year we are bringing snorkel gear and roller skates!!! We are checking luggage this year though. Where there is a will there is a way.

This is a good question. I think the quality of the snorkel gear is critically important. WalMart gear (and other of the same ilk) just doesn't cut it. They are generally leaky, uncomfortable and stiff. Good quality gear is very comfortable. A good snorkel mask could run $85. So I wouldn't buy unless you plan on using them again. Rental gear in Hawaii is usually very good quality. I have rented before and admit I was a little put off by putting the snorkel piece in my mouth, but the mask didn't bother me. I would suggest maybe trying to buy the snorkel piece only at a sporting goods store or bringing your own cleaning supplies to rinse off the snorkel. (I used vodka but I think that was more mental than actually effective!) Plus if worse comes to worse you could always go to WalMart on Maui!

Depends on either how often your family plans on snorkeling and your budget. I recommend buying your own mask to get the proper fit (most important) to prevent leakage (no fun). Make sure to get Sea Drops or some other anti-fog lotion. A good dry snorkel will also make the experience much better, especially if you encounter waves. Check Rodale's web site www.scubadiving.com for reviews of masks and snorkels if you're interested. Regarding the fins, which vary dramatically in price, it might be best to rent since they're also very bulky. Make sure that you have booties if you rent the open buckle fins or wear lycra socks for closed fins if your feet are sensative. Lastly, I would recommend wearing a full lycra suit or top. It helps prevent sunburns, and it simply provides added comfort into the ocean. No need for a nylon wetsuit in Maui unless it's really cold. Hope that helps.

First trip to HI, we rented quality stuff at Snorkel Bob's. After returning, I looked at many web sites, and decided I could buy similar gear online for about twice the price of a (10 day) rental. So, we bought, used them on two trips, so I figure from now on I'm saving money. I.E. - whether or not it pays to buy depends on how many snorkel vacations you anticipate in the future. I think of having bought the equipment as a justification for planning more HI and Carribean trips!

Two other notes: If you look around online, there are places that will put in presciption lenses for just $40 in a moderate ($40) mask. Makes a world of difference. Also, might want to consider buying everything else and renting fins - these are the killers when packing, we need to commit an entire bag to snorkel gear.

If anyone in your family wears glasses, then definitely get your mask, etc. before you leave optical face mask will make ALL the difference. Rent the fins.

A good snorkel mask is worth the money - a bad one is just not even usable. And rental is hit or miss. Plus if you buy it up front you can test it before you go. I made the mistake of being to lazy to pack my snorkel gear on a trip last year and boy did I regret it. I tried on a rental masks that seemed to fit, but not until I was in the water do I discover it didn't!

Lee don't buy online unless you are certain of your size. You need to be fitted preferably in a dive shop.

Thanks for the great advice!

Buy mask & snorkels (use anytime anywhere) and rent fins. Fins are such a hassle to pack.