Going to Wailea later in February, and wondered about snorkeling at Molikini(sp?) crescent shaped island. We were on the islands in October, and snorkeled Black Rock at Kaanapali; the Tunnels, Poipu, and Ke'e on Kauai. Is Molikini good enough to spend the money for the boat ride, having experienced these other locations? Is it crowded? How about the best place to whale watch?

I think the Molokini experience entirely depends on the conditions of the water. Our two trips were both in September and were great as it wasn't real crowded and we could see forever underwater. No waves and no cloudiness. I have had friends who had a totally different experience with poor visibility. We took one cruise out in total luxury and another at a rock bottom price of $39. Actually the cheaper one was really more fun. I have found snorkeling off the Kapalua Bay Hotel in their cove to be wonderful. Saw a mother octopus and her two babies that were purple and pink. Did a Trilogy cruise to Lania area and that was terrible as the water was so choppy, everyone was sick and the water was all stirred up. Luck of the draw I guess. We are going to Cancun (for the first time)in February and will experience the same dilema regarding snorkeling trips I imagine.

We did Molikini and it was crowded, the water was choppy and it was still AWSOME. Although it was a little deep, the water was clear and there were a tremendous number of fish. I love to snorkel and have to say this was one of the best trips we have done. Because of the chop, we were unable to snorkel at "Turtle Town" where the boats also stop, and instead did a stop in a protected cove, that was also great. I don't think you should miss this trip.

Aloha Mike! Scott here with www.Maui-Info.com. It really isn't necessary to buy the Molokini trip and put up with the crowds and sometimes poor water conditions when there is such an abundance of great shore dives available. One of my personal favorites is "Mile 14," across the street (Hwy 30) from the Olowalu General Store, just a few miles out of Lahaina Town toward Kahului. This spot offers a nice beach, coral heads, lots of fish, usually great visibility for snorkeling or SCUBA diving, and a great opportunity for a picnic. If you're really into boat rides and decide to make the trip to Molokini, be sure you're scheduled to return in the morning, as the conditions often get rough enough in the late morning/early afternoon to cause some folks to lose their breakfast. As for whale watching, I personally like the Lahaina Princess. They go out at 7:30am and again at 3:00pm from Lahaina; 2-hour trips, guaranteed whale sightings, $19 per person. If you want to pre-book your whale watch or other Maui activities, I always use Dawn Loy at Hawaiian Safari, 808-667-1988. Be sure to check out the Maui info at http://www.Maui4You.com before your trip.

Scott, as for "mile 14," is that the same general area where the "famous" windsurfing spot is (can't think of the name of the area!), or is it much farther from there? Thanks!

Aloha Ted! Mile 14 is on the opposite side of the island from the windsurfing areas. Windsurfing (serious windsurfing) is mostly done on the "windward" (weather/windy) side of Maui--between Kahului and Paia--at Kanaha and Ho'okipa, while most visitor accommodations, snorkel spots, etc., are on the leeward, protected, side of the island. Mile 14 is just out of town (Lahaina), heading toward Kahului or Kihei.

We did a morning Molokini snorkel trip with our three teens last year (February). They LOVED it. Unfortunately, the weather that day was less than perfect and it was very very choppy, thus requiring us to hang on to small boogie boards to look around, but that was okay. Without them, we kept getting hit by chop and swallowing lots of water. The water is incredibly clear at Molokini and worth a trip, but I hope you have a calmer day than we did! Have fun