Winter Snorkelling off Maui

Old Feb 18th, 2015, 10:37 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Winter Snorkelling off Maui

Can anyone speak to their experience snorkeling in Maui in early March? I am an avid snorkeler and sometime scuba-er and would love to take a day tour to Molokini from Ma'alaea

I know there are a zillion different tour companies who offer full morning tours, but I'm hesitant to spend big bucks if the winter surf is always going to be too high to go to Molokini. I know that tour companies will always have a back-up snorkeling spot if the seas are too rough to go to the crater, but I would rather just save the money and go to the shore-accessible places on my own.

Also: if anyone does have a highly recommended early tour (ends by 1pm-ish) I'd love to hear!

Cheers!
vanjancran is offline  
Old Feb 18th, 2015, 10:39 AM
  #2  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I realize my question isn't totally clear!

I would like to know: is it worth it to book a snorkel trip to Molokini in March, or will the sea be too rough?
vanjancran is offline  
Old Feb 18th, 2015, 11:55 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 819
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I would only book the first boat out in the morning. The sea will be flatter, and Molokini will have more fish than boats and people; the reverse is true later. Boats depart from Maalaea and the small boat launch in South Kihei near the border with Wailea.
ChiSue is offline  
Old Feb 18th, 2015, 12:03 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I've only been to Molokini once and it was a huge disappointment. Better off shore snorkling on Maui from my experience.
Inakauaidavidababy is online now  
Old Feb 18th, 2015, 12:20 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,070
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I recommend the trip to Molokini based mostly on the pure pleasure of being at sea in Maui. Eight times out of ten it will be very choppy in the afternoon.
Better snorkeling (free) is to be found at Ahihi Reserve and Kamaole beaches 2 and 3.
logandog is offline  
Old Feb 18th, 2015, 04:23 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,329
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
I agree with Inakauai - Molokini was disappointing for the money. Just as good or better snorkeling just off shore.
MichelleY is offline  
Old Feb 19th, 2015, 12:34 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have been to maui 21 times and going again in april. I have to admit that molokini is extremely disappointing. I hate taking the 2 hour long boat ride out to a crater and being dropped off in the middle of a deep ocean with tons of other boats and tourists. Also the drive back to Kaanapali from maalea harbor takes forever in the afternoon since most flights from the mainland land then. I would stick to Kapalua and black rock and napili.
brendonb29 is offline  
Old Feb 19th, 2015, 07:48 PM
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for your thoughtful input.

Can anyone specify what was so disappointing about Molokini? I can understand choppy water or a bad tour operator, but it seems like many of you were disappointed with the site itself. I'm just really surprised that it's such a popular activity and one highly recommended by guide books...but you all seem to agree that it's overrated.
vanjancran is offline  
Old Feb 19th, 2015, 08:02 PM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,070
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
The underwater topography is boring and lacks color contrast.
You are anchored in water that is too deep to see the bottom well.
We have done some great scuba dives there. The wall on the seaward side and the slope of the volcanic cone on the leeward are spectacular.
Take a dive boat from Kihei harbor.
logandog is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Wren55
United States
8
Jan 20th, 2012 06:28 PM
bodhijack
United States
4
Jan 1st, 2009 07:33 PM
zzurbae
United States
10
Mar 8th, 2006 07:21 PM
sfernandez
United States
7
Nov 11th, 2005 01:56 PM
brittany21
United States
5
Jul 1st, 2005 10:14 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -