Author Topic: Maui Master Thread (Read 1347554 times)

PBaruch · « **Reply #1840 on:** May 27, 2015, 11:23:01 AM »

Quote from: Dan on May 27, 2015, 11:20:25 AM

Hotels also have vests.

Personally I never went to Molikini, though I will one day. There are just so many amazing free places to snorkel by yourself that it never really appealed to me.

Hotels may have vests but if you don't have the confidence to go on your own I'd recommend the tour. Besides, unless you want to rent a boat and go there yourself, a tour is the only way AFAIK to get to Molikini.

Yehoshua · « **Reply #1841 on:** May 27, 2015, 11:45:37 AM »

Quote from: PBaruch on May 27, 2015, 11:23:01 AM

Hotels may have vests but if you don't have the confidence to go on your own I'd recommend the tour. Besides, unless you want to rent a boat and go there yourself, a tour is the only way AFAIK to get to Molikini.

It's an hour boat ride, there are speed restrictions on the way depending on if there're whales in the neighborhood, you need to moor the boat once you get there, and many tours have their "spot" which makes finding "parking" hard. The only way to get there is with a tour.

Marco Polo · « **Reply #1842 on:** May 27, 2015, 11:50:55 AM »

If you are somewhat comfortable snorkeling, splurge and buy yourself a decent set.

Ergel · « **Reply #1843 on:** May 27, 2015, 11:52:27 AM »

Quote from: Yehoshua on May 27, 2015, 11:45:37 AM

It's an hour boat ride, there are speed restrictions on the way depending on if there're whales in the neighborhood, you need to moor the boat once you get there, and many tours have their "spot" which makes finding "parking" hard. The only way to get there is with a tour.

-1
http://www.maui-boat-rental.com/

Something Fishy · « **Reply #1844 on:** May 27, 2015, 11:54:57 AM »

Quote from: Ergel on May 27, 2015, 11:52:27 AM

-1
http://www.maui-boat-rental.com/

It may be possible, but that doesn't mean it's practical:

Quote from: Yehoshua on May 27, 2015, 11:45:37 AM

It's an hour boat ride, there are speed restrictions on the way depending on if there're whales in the neighborhood, you need to moor the boat once you get there, and many tours have their "spot" which makes finding "parking" hard.

Yehoshua · « **Reply #1845 on:** May 27, 2015, 12:12:25 PM »

Quote from: Something Fishy on May 27, 2015, 11:54:57 AM

It may be possible, but that doesn't mean it's practical:

My point exactly.

skyguy918 · « **Reply #1846 on:** May 27, 2015, 12:26:57 PM »

Quote from: Dan on May 27, 2015, 10:58:51 AM

There's a reason the hotel gear was free. I wouldn't feel comfortable in it either.

-1. It may be true that their gear is less comfortable than rented gear, but that was not the issue for me. I don't enjoy the ocean much in general, even when it's pretty calm. And even in the pool, I just never felt comfortable.

@Yehuda · « **Reply #1847 on:** May 27, 2015, 02:05:16 PM »

Quote from: PBaruch on May 27, 2015, 11:14:03 AM

These guys made it super simple for you. If you do not feel comfortable going on your own, go with the tour to Molikini. They will provide you with a flotation vest that will make you unsinkable.

It's funny because I saw it the opposite as you - if I don't feel comfortable, then go ALONE to a beach (and not spend money on a tour). But now that I'm thinking about it, it probably makes sense to go with a guide of sorts on my first snorkeling experience.

I'm far from set on going to Molokini. Are there any options to go with a guide locally on a beach?

Yehoshua · « **Reply #1848 on:** May 27, 2015, 02:10:40 PM »

Quote from: @Yehuda on May 27, 2015, 02:05:16 PM

Are there any options to go with a guide locally on a beach?

There are many options, especially if you want to go in the afternoon. Most tours go to Molokini in the morning only (10% chance that they can even go in the afternoon). In the afternoon they go to different areas accessible only by boat that are along the coast (15-20 minute boat ride, not 1 hour).

@Yehuda · « **Reply #1849 on:** May 27, 2015, 02:12:26 PM »

Quote from: Yehoshua on May 27, 2015, 02:10:40 PM

There are many options, especially if you want to go in the afternoon. Most tours go to Molokini in the morning only (10% chance that they can even go in the afternoon). In the afternoon they go to different areas accessible only by boat that are along the coast (15-20 minute boat ride, not 1 hour).

Nothing where like a guide will just meet you at a beach and you go snorkeling there? Not that I'm against boats, but if I'm just trying to get the hang of it with a professional, I imagine any boat ride will be more expensive than a guide just meets you on land.

Dan · « **Reply #1850 on:** May 27, 2015, 02:17:41 PM »

There's really no need for a guide on a beach, will just be a waste of money.
Go buy some good gear (Fishy found a great place in NYC IIRC) and watch a Youtube video on it. There's nothing to it, especially with a vest on.

Yehoshua · « **Reply #1851 on:** May 27, 2015, 02:20:29 PM »

Quote from: @Yehuda on May 27, 2015, 02:12:26 PM

Nothing where like a guide will just meet you at a beach and you go snorkeling there? Not that I'm against boats, but if I'm just trying to get the hang of it with a professional, I imagine any boat ride will be more expensive than a guide just meets you on land.

I didn't look for a private instructor, but I imagine such people might exist. The main difference is the experience. While you're sure to see great things snorkeling from the beach, there is often more to see in other places not accessible from the beach. The fact that you've never done it before shouldn't be a reason not to go on a boat (price may be, but at less than $100 for 2 people, I can't imagine an instructor will be much cheaper). At the end of the day you will only be snorkeling for a couple hours at most. I mean, how long can you float face down in the water looking at fish for? The tour we were on gave us 1 hour to snorkel, which was more than enough time (even for those who weren't sea sick).

@Yehuda · « **Reply #1852 on:** May 27, 2015, 02:33:26 PM »

Quote from: Dan on May 27, 2015, 02:17:41 PM

There's really no need for a guide on a beach, will just be a waste of money.
Go buy some good gear (Fishy found a great place in NYC IIRC) and watch a Youtube video on it. There's nothing to it, especially with a vest on.

Gasp! Here I've never gone snorkeling before, and now I'm going to buy gear? Financially, it makes sense, but it's hard to convince myself of that today without actually knowing that I'll be snorkeling on trips for the rest of my life.

My BIL owns 1 set. These things don't fit easily from one person to another (if the people are not the same size), do they?

Quote from: Yehoshua on May 27, 2015, 02:20:29 PM

I didn't look for a private instructor, but I imagine such people might exist. The main difference is the experience. While you're sure to see great things snorkeling from the beach, there is often more to see in other places not accessible from the beach. The fact that you've never done it before shouldn't be a reason not to go on a boat (price may be, but at less than $100 for 2 people, I can't imagine an instructor will be much cheaper). At the end of the day you will only be snorkeling for a couple hours at most. I mean, how long can you float face down in the water looking at fish for? The tour we were on gave us 1 hour to snorkel, which was more than enough time (even for those who weren't sea sick).

Ah so it's not crazy expensive. You're probably right that we wouldn't find just a private instructor for much cheaper. I think I need to re-read the Maui Revealed section on snorkeling.

Marco Polo · « **Reply #1853 on:** May 27, 2015, 02:35:09 PM »

You can buy a decent set for $35.

ETA: With fins.

Yehoshua · « **Reply #1854 on:** May 27, 2015, 02:41:18 PM »

Quote from: @Yehuda on May 27, 2015, 02:33:26 PM

My BIL owns 1 set. These things don't fit easily from one person to another (if the people are not the same size), do they?

They're easily adjustable from one person to the next. That's what the tour companies do: they don't give you a new set. The only part that's not adjustable (most of the time) are the fins, but snorkel sets don't come with them anyway.

Something Fishy · « **Reply #1855 on:** May 27, 2015, 02:54:19 PM »

Here’s what I would suggest:

Don’t buy any gear now. For $35 you might get a decent pair, but you’d get what you pay for. For example, it most likely won’t have a purge valve, which makes a world of a difference. Correct fit and seal may be an issue as well. Once you’ve tried snorkeling and fall in love you could consider buying your own stuff (I spent $250 on two complete outfits and don’t regret it for a second).

Instead, either:

Rent if you’re going on your own. The shop will have a tremendous selection of sizes and types, and you’ll have the benefit of a professional fitting. Some places even have prescription goggles available. Maui Dive Shop has locations all over the island and is highly recommended by the book.

Book a tour and use their gear. Same advantages as renting, except that the gear is generally included in the price.

There are many tour boats which don’t go to Molokini, but I’m not aware of any companies offering guided shore snorkeling. Maybe call one of the shore dive operators and see if they offer such a thing.

Dan · « **Reply #1856 on:** May 27, 2015, 02:55:15 PM »

You can buy from WM in Hawaii and return it if you're not a fan. Sets aren't expensive at all.

@Yehuda · « **Reply #1857 on:** May 27, 2015, 03:26:37 PM »

Thanks everyone for the ideas and SF for breaking it down. I think I need to what us men do best - ask my wife what she wants to do - alone or with a tour. Will post back once a decision is made.

wonderlust · « **Reply #1858 on:** May 27, 2015, 10:07:17 PM »

Flying into ogg Sunday noon & leaving Thursday night. For sure going to do 3 nights at the marriott waliu resort, the question is the 4th night. Should I do all 4 nights in wali or should I do 1 night in Hana? If I should stay over in Hana region, When would it make the most sense ? Sunday night or Wednesday night? Is there any hotel/condo that anyone can recommend? Thanks

Yehoshua · « **Reply #1859 on:** May 27, 2015, 10:20:05 PM »

Quote from: wonderlust on May 27, 2015, 10:07:17 PM

Flying into ogg Sunday noon & leaving Thursday night. For sure going to do 3 nights at the marriott waliu resort, the question is the 4th night. Should I do all 4 nights in wali or should I do 1 night in Hana? If I should stay over in Hana region, When would it make the most sense ? Sunday night or Wednesday night? Is there any hotel/condo that anyone can recommend? Thanks

Spend one night in Hana or Kula (for Haleakala). See my TR for details.

Name	Area	More Info	Comments
____________________________________________________________________________________________________	_____________________________________________________	__________________________________________________________	____________________________________________________________________________
Hyatt Regency	West side (Lahaina)	Website	Hyatt Category 5. The Hyatt advertises having Kosher food. In the past, these meals came from Oahu Kosher (Chabad in Honolulu). However, in Dec 2016 they claimed the meals were prepared by the Chabad of Maui, while in actuality they were prepared by a reform temple (story explained at the bottom of this post), which is still true as of Feb 2017.
Andaz	South side (Wailea)	Website	Hyatt category 8. A favorite among DDFers, although award space isn't easy to come by.
Grand Wailea	South side (Wailea)	Website	Hilton - 80k-95k depending on season. Reminiscent of the GHK in Kauai with sprawling grounds and more pools than you count, located on the beautiful Wailea Beach.
Sheraton	West side (Lahaina)	Website	SPG category 6.
Westin	West side (Lahaina)	Website	SPG category 6.
Fairmont	South side (Wailea)	Website	All suite hotel.
Destination By Hyatt Residence - Polo Club	South side (Wailea)	Website	Condos with full kitchen, Ocean front views. The Polo Club has the closest beach access of any property in Wailea - it's no longer legal to build so close to the shore. The beach is known for good snorkeling. Unlike all the other beaches, access from land is completely restricted to Polo club guests. While technically it is a public beach, access is only available from the sea... so it's a de facto private beach perpetually empty and exclusive.

Name	Area	Comments
______________________________________________________________	____________________________________________________	_________________________________________________________________________________
Black Sand Beach	Waiʻānapanapa State Park	One of the highlights of any Maui trip is black sand beach in Waiʻānapanapa State Park. A bonus feature there is snorkeling at the black sand beach. The waters are exceptionally clear, allowing you to observe a vibrant array of marine life, we saw lobsters, coral, schools of tropical fish, and even an eel. The waters just behind where the waves begin to break are around 10ft deep and super calm. It's important to note that a reservation is required to access this beach, so planning ahead is crucial. https://gostateparks.hawaii.gov/waianapanapa
Beach 2	Area 2	Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Beach 3	Area 3	Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Name	Area	Comments
______________________________________________________________	____________________________________________________	_________________________________________________________________________________
Sliding Sands	Haleakala	An amazing hike into the crater from the upper visitors center. Quite challenging due to the constant downhill on a loose cinder trail. Amazing views unlike anything on the island, and no shade. The entire trail takes all day, but most people take it only partway in. Go as far as you like and remember that the way back is a constant uphill and will take twice as long. Bring lots of water.
Pipiwai Trail	Hana	One of the nicest trail on Maui. A bit past Hana, just before the Seven Sacred Pools. The hike goes through the jungle, past banyan trees and a 200-foot waterfall, and through a bamboo forest (this is the highlight for most people). The trail ends at the amazing 400-foot Waimoku Falls. Give this hike a couple of hours.
Lava Field	South Maui	At the end of the road, past the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve. This is an amazing and relatively difficult hike. You will be walking on sharp, loose lava rocks the entire time, but the views are smashing and the terrain interesting. Great views of a particularly wild stretch of ocean, interesting pools (not swimmable), and ends in a glorious (and generally empty) beach if you brave it till the end. Do the loop - hug the coast on the way out, and take the Kings Highway back. See Maui Revealed for all the details.
Makamakaole Stream: 13 Crossings	North East Maui	The name undersells this gorgeous hike by a lot. This hike has close to 20 or more crossings (each way). The crossings are pretty well orchestrated such that a teen or adult can cross dry, with no issues at all. toddlers will need a helping hand (my 3yr old did this entire hike with just some hand holding) and 7-8yr olds will likely manage the entire hike with no help at all. Crossing the beautiful lightly gushing stream is refreshing and mesmerizing. The hike includes a incredible bamboo forest, and has 2 waterfalls. To the left is the main one - which is easy to get to. You are rewarded with the ability to dip into the cool water and it's deep enough to get completely immersed (5-6ft at the deepest point it seemed) and stand under the waterfall for some great pictures and memories. The hike has a lot of rocks, and is a "technical" hike - but not hard at all. Highly recommended as one of the best hikes in Maui. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/hawaii/maui/makamakaole-stream-13-crossings

Activity	Comments
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________	_________________________________________________________________________________
Helicopter tours	A few companies offer this; Blue Hawaiian is generally considered to be the best. There are different routes to choose from - keep in mind that the ones going to Haleakala don't actually go into the crater. This is not as recommended on Maui as it is on other islands, since the entire island is pretty much easily accessible so you won't go anywhere remote or extremely amazing.
Road to Hana	Absolute must-do. Don't get scared off by misinformation and go all the way around - in a way the backside is even more spectacular that the more popular first half. You do NOT need a special car or 4WD; any regular car could do it happily. Best way to do the road is to spend the night in Hana, as that will leave the most time to explore the thousand different things along the road. If you're only going for the day, make sure to be on the road EARLY (7-7:30 the latest).
Haleakala Sunrise	A spectacular event that is not to be missed. You will wake up at the witching hour, it will be freezing cold, and it will be absolutely worth it. Be there at least 45 minutes before the listed sunrise - the earlier the better; they close the upper parking lot when it fills up and you'll have to park at the lower visitor center lot. Dress warmly and bring lots of jackets and blankets. Take the trail to Pakaoao (White Hill) and you'll have the sunrise to yourself (mostly, at least). Tip: for younger kids it may be more worthwhile to go for sunset and avoid disturbing their sleeping schedule.
'Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)	Also known as the Seven Sacred Pools, this is in the Hana side of Haleakala National Park. Save your receipt from sunrise; it's valid for three days and will get you in to the pools too. Short hike from the parking lot to the pools, and it's absolutely stunning. Will be absolutely PACKED from around 1PM and on (but still worth it). If you're staying in Hana go early in the morning and it'll be mostly empty.
Snorkling Molokini crater	Countless boat companies will take you out to Molokini. It has the best underwater visibility in the state, sometimes over 100 feet. Somewhat overrated and over-touristed, but generally considered to be worth it.
Whale watching	The waters surrounding Maui are the stage for some of the best whale watching in the world. Each winter (December through May), thousands of koholā (humpback whales) travel to Hawaiʻi from colder waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. If you are going during this season, grab a pair of binoculars or book a trip to go whale watching. It will blow your mind. Whales jumping 20-30ft into the air falling back in the water with a powerful splash. National geographic moments experienced in real life. If your kids like marine life, this will be unforgettable. People recommend the nonprofit: https://www.pacificwhale.org/ However if you're slightly more adventurous, and want more of a thrill, go for one of the speedboats. They go a lot closer, and the lower boat level next to the vast whales creates an experience hard to imagine. The key is - check the ocean with your own two eyes before you book. If you're seeing tons of spouts, breaches, fins and tails - you're going to have a really good time on the boat - up close. If you don't see activity... it probably won't be great.
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Author Topic: Maui Master Thread (Read 1347554 times)