I want to try a little snorkeling while in Maui next week. My family is not interested. - They are pool people. I thought I would purchase a decent but inexpensive snorkeling kit here before I leave or after I get there at Costco or Wal-mart. Are fins really necessary? What about those tubes that have "splashguard" or even "dry" attachements on them to prevent sucking down water? Also, is Wailea Beach a decent place to snorkel? I don't want to stray too far away as my expeditions will probably be short and in between other family activities...

Aloha crazy4HI,

We picked up some cheap US diver mask/snorkel on the mainland and I also found a cheap light pair of fins at Sports Authority ~$20, which worked well.

A "floaty curl" or vest may prove usefull if you go far out, can easily get at Maui Dive shop in Wailea shops. Haven't tried the snorkelguard, but I have managed to ingest seawater while snorkelingamp; and don't recommend it. If mask leaks follow bible tip for vaseline, conveniently available as a lip balm with SPF.

Awesome snorkeling on the right hand side of Ulua Beach which is just north of Wailea Beach, can't miss it because divers/shops frequent the area. Enjoy your stay in paradise looking forward to your TR!.

Go with JohnD's suggestion, Ulua Beach is the best place to snorkel. We thought it was wayyyyy better than Black Rock and much better than Molokini.

We just rented from Snorkel Bobs. He gave us the fog clearing solution for free. He just wanted the bottle back.

Crazy, If you're only going to do a little snorkeling, you might just want to rent. Getting fitted for the mask is the most important thing. Fins do definitely help with mobility, but smaller is better for snorkeling (as opposed to those long ones divers use). After several unexpected mouthfuls of saltwater during our last vacation to Kauai, I did buy the 100% dry snorkel to use on our Maui trip this month. Normally, I am not a water person, but I LOVE to snorkel and plan to do it every day of vacation.

Morning is the best time of day for snorkeling, especially in Wailea where it can get windy in the p.m.

I hear Wailea Beach and Ulua are good snorkel spots, but you'll be able to check that out before I do. A friend who just returned swears by Aquarium/Fish Pond between 'Ahihi Bay and La Perouse Bay, but you have to hike for half an hour over lava rock -- don't think I want to do that with my 7-year-old.

If you want a good guide book, besides "Maui Revealed" (which has apparently irked the locals a bit), I also recommend "Snorkel Maui and Lana'i" by the Malinowskis. It's got great charts that rate all the snorkel spots and directions on how to reach them -- legally I think. Plus, they give a good overview of the basics, equipment and how to tell if the water is safe that day.

I'll be looking forward to your trip report before we leave. Twenty-three days to go!!

When we were on Maui last month there were free snorkel tours on Tuesdays at 9am at Ulua given by the Pacific Whale foundation; about 5 snorkelers went with the PWF leader, and were out for about 45 minutes. It seemed great for adults - my (grown-up) daughter found it very informative. It looks like their schedule has changed this month, check their web-site at http://www.pacificwhale.org/news/calendar.html
Enjoy your trip.

Thanks for all of your help! I am going to go to Ulua Beach and snorkel with PWF. They are there at 9 am Tuesday through Thursday now. It looks like I can get decent snorkel gear for about $30. - $40. here at Sports Authority. How much would it cost to rent equipment - mask, tube, and fins once I get there?

Crazy:
Rent for $9-44/week at Snorkelbobs.com. Beats toting gear thru airports....You can pick up and drop off on S. Kihei Road, Kihei (or numerous other locations on the island). Keawakapu, Wailea, Ulua, Mokapu, Poolenalena are all very good and near. Fins save you energy.

I rented through snorkel bob's last fall. I have contacts and need a tight fitting mask. It was $7 per day rental -- by far the best snorkel mask I've ever had or used!!