Snorkeling in Maui with Maui Classic Charters

One of my favorite activities in Hawaii is snorkeling!  Although as much as I like it, I've only snorkeled a hand full of times in all my travels.  I find it to be a more affordable activity, no matter where your visiting.  The Caribbean, Hawaii or Mexico all have snorkel trips that range anywhere from $30-$100 per person. 

We decided to do our second Molokini snorkel (the last time was 10yrs ago), which takes you on a 30 minute ride out to the sunken crater for what is known as the most popular snorkeling destinations in Maui. 

If you choose to snorkel Molokini, no matter who you choose to tour with, you must remember that the afternoon tours are very unlikely to make it to Molokini due to the trade-winds that blow in each afternoon.  Some companies are very clear about this fact, while others may place it in teeny tiny writing at the bottom of the brochure.  If your set on going to Molokini you'll have to get up just a little earlier and hit the morning tour. 

Here are the basics of what *most snorkel companies* are offering for the Molokini tours. Pricing will vary due to quality of their vessel, snorkel gear and possibly different foods offered for meals.  I only found one higher priced company that was offering slightly healthier looking food options.  For me, it's a short term investment, so dishing out the extra cash isn't worth it.  The fun of it is getting out on the water and snorkeling.

Morning Tour
Check in time: 7-7:30am
Includes Breakfast & Lunch
4-5hr tour time

Snorkel Molokini & sometimes one additional destination

Cost - $80-$130 per person

Afternoon Tour
Check in time: 12:30-1:00pm
Optional Lunch: Cost: $6-$10 per person
3-4hr tour
Snorkel Molokini if your lucky to have no wind - otherwise you get to visit the Coral Gardens or which ever location the tour company decides to take you.
Cost: $30-$45 per person

*Children, Seniors and sometimes students receive discounts on rates

Snorkeling with Maui Classic Charters

After my struggle to choose a snorkeling charter (as with every travel decision I make) I decided to go with Maui Classics's Four Winds II.  We decided we didn't want to get up early on our "sans kids" vacation and we were ok with missing Molokini if necessary.  Their prices were very competitive with other tour companies and quite frankly their boat looked alot nicer than a few I had seen down in Maalaea harbor. 

We arrived at the dock and were greeted by Nita.  She was extremely nice and I was very surprised when the rest of the crew was just the same.  Our captain was very laid back, and there to show us a good time. We were lucky to be boarding a vessel that could hold 130 passengers with about 40 that day. 

We boarded the Catamaran and sailed off towards the Coral Gardens (those darn trade winds).  The trip there was smooth, but nevertheless there was still one older lady who was heaving over the side of the boat.  During the ride out they got us equipped with the proper snorkel gear and ready to go, so when we arrived at the Coral Gardens it was a quick jump in the water and fishes galore!

My husband and I felt comfortable snorkeling on our own but the staff was great to offer tutorials and individual help to anyone who requested.  They even took time giving extra assistance to the couple of families with smaller children aboard the boat, letting them use these really cool "snorkel boards" that the kids laid on and could just look through a window to see the fish below.  The kids and adults even got brave enough to use the slide off the back of the boat into the water.

We got back on board for our quick lunch.  I can't say it was a buffet of sorts. Basic BBQ burgers, pork or veggie-burger with chips on the side.  Nothing fancy, but we were there to snorkel and I would probably recommend eating a nice meal before your afternoon snorkel trip.

Awesome CAMERA tip!
You can rent Digital underwater cameras! How crazy cool is that? Here I was running to the local grocery store for my cheapo $15 click and wind up camera that probably didn't get the best of pictures.  I have yet to even develop them. I mean, who has time to develop film these days?  The digital cameras on board were $40 to rent and they give you a disk at the end with all the pictures you take underwater and on the boat.

Our trip with Maui Classic Charters was nice and I would recommend them for snorkeling during your trip to Hawaii. They have affordable prices, a nice vessel and a great staff!


*Disclosure: Maui Classic Charters gave me a discounted tour ShareThis

Choosing your Island of Hawaii

Beautiful beaches, lush greenery and clear blue waters are what attracts me to Hawaii.  In my earlier travels I had no clue that each Hawaiian Island has it's own personality.  Something different to offer and something that may or may not please every tourist. 

My first trip to Maui was amazing and it captured the essence of what I had known Hawaii to be on Television, Brochures and Magazines.  I wanted to go again and again, so a couple years later we booked our second trip to Hawaii on the island of Oahu.  We were in for a surprise! The big City of Honolulu with the crowded Waikiki beach was not my picturesque Hawaii and I wanted to go home. 

For those who have yet to make the adventure to the Hawaiian Islands, think about what it is that your looking to experience before making your choice of islands.  Are you looking for privacy, quiet beaches, live Volcano's, a big city, or is Hawaii on a budget your biggest factor? All these things can have a big affect on where you choose to go in Hawaii. 

I am giving my own short description of each island in hopes to save someone from the mistake I made years ago.  Each island is different and appeals to different people. Some islands have similar features but always something that makes it unique!  Find your island and what fits you and have a GREAT Hawaiian vacation.

  

Kauai

Considered the most private of islands with it's tropical lush greenery, small towns, 50 miles of beaches and great hiking trails. Typically also known as the most expensive of the islands for accommodations and attractions.  Many people head to Kauai for the ultimate private getaway and true Hawaiian culture.

Maui

A mix of resort cities such as Kaanapali, Wailea and small historic towns like Lahaina and Hana.  Maui has world-renowned locations for snorkeling and plenty of beaches to stop and jump in the water at any given spot off the highways.  Haleakala crater is a great volcano to visit, but you won't see any lava flow action.  Maui can get expensive, but I've found some great deals for accommodations using VRBO.com and it's my personal favorite of the Islands.

The Big Island

Also called the "Island of Adventure", the Big Island is the youngest and biggest of all the Hawaiian islands and continues to grow thanks to it's biggest attraction, Mt. Kilauea.  Here you will find a mix of resorts, small cities, lush greenery and desert like climates around the island.  A popular destination recommended by many that I consider affordable and a great mix of all things Hawaii.

Oahu
I consider Oahu, "Hawaii on a budget".  If you are looking for greenery, stay on the North Shore side of the island.  Oahu is the only island I know that has a Freeway, which for me was disturbing because Hawaii is supposed to be the ultimate bliss, not 5 o'clock rush hour traffic.  A must see attraction is Pearl Harbor and about the only part of Oahu I enjoyed.  Waikiki is a city built of skyscrapers and if your not right on the beach your hotel may be more of a wall view rather than a ocean view.  If you like to Shop, enjoy the City life and nightlife, this may be the island for you!

I did not include Molokai or Lanai, which are also part of the Hawaiian chain. These islands accomodate tourists, but are not very populated.  I do not have enough knowledge to write about them except that I took a helicopter ride over Molokai and the waterfalls were AMAZING! ShareThis

The Road to Hana – Did we make a wrong turn?

Our third trip to Maui – Our first drive on the road to Hana. Narrow, Winding, endless drive to Hana!

I had read that the road to Hana is World famous for being one of the most scenic and beautiful drives you’ll ever take. Lush greenery, beautiful waterfalls and Maui at its best! Preparing for what we thought was a several hour drive, I packed a lunch, some water and we set off for our daily adventure.

We began our journey on Hana Hwy and at mile six we passed quickly by some “painted Eucalyptus trees”, something I had really wanted to see and photograph. There wasn’t really anywhere to stop or park and my husband assured me “I’m sure there will be more as we get farther into Hana”, so we drove on. Mile twenty and I was wondering what exactly we were supposed to be looking for and seeing on this trip? We had passed a couple small waterfalls trickling under the bridges, nothing spectacular, but nice to see. I had assumed trails or landmarks would be marked or obvious stopping points along our route. We did pass a couple areas where the tourists were piled up bumper to bumper trying to create parking space on the side of the narrow road. We were again unable to stop at what may have been a waterfall or trail along the drive. After pulling over several times to remove tailgating drivers off my rear end and driving 20mph for a couple hours, we arrived to Hana. A small City on the Eastern tip of Maui that has kept the Hawaiian culture at heart. We stopped to eat our lunch as I wondered, “Did we miss something?” “Did I make a wrong turn?” No, there is only ONE road to Hana and almost no way of getting lost.

Despite the fact that rental car companies prefer you not take the second half drive of the Hana Hwy and they will void any insurance you purchase, we did it anyways. Curious if we were missing out on what the rest of Hwy 360 has to offer, we continued on. What a Mistake! Don’t do it! Do not pass Go, do not collect $200…turn around and head back the way you came from! A couple miles in we should have gone with our gut instincts and found some way to turn around. The roads became narrower, and at some point the asphalt became dirt. We found ourselves driving past warning signs of “falling rocks” along the mountain roads we were now traveling on that barely seemed to provide enough room before we may have plunged into the ocean below to our certain death.

After getting through the mountain terrain, the Lush Greenery that we were once winding through became almost dessert like with only rocks and the ocean at one side. The coast line was a beautiful sight, but something you can admire on almost any Maui Hwy. We drove on for what felt like hours, but was really about two hours on the bumpiest, narrowest, longest road we’ve ever traveled. Around 4pm that evening the site of Makena, Kihei and the towns below were a blessing and we couldn’t wait to get back.

We went about this trip ALL WRONG!

So why wasn’t the Road to Hana the best scenic drive in the World? One thing locals seem to forget to tell tourists is that you need some sort of guide on the road to Hana. And I’m not speaking of a personal tour guide or taking a charter bus (although you can), but just a guide book or CD to take along on this trip. The roads, landmarks, and points of interest do not speak for themselves as you might see on a typical scenic Highway. Waterfalls, trails, and gardens are hidden treasures along Hwy 360. Don’t expect to see it all from your car and be prepared to take a hike or two.

You can purchase Hana Guide CD’s all over Maui (I realized AFTER the fact) and Snorkel Bob’s had one for $10, which was the best deal I found. I also found a neat looking “Hana Highway Mile by Mile” book you can buy online that would probably be most helpful.

If you’re planning the road to Hana drive, learn from my mistakes and take some guidance with you unless you’re just going for the long drive. Pack a lunch, water, sunscreen and if you’re in a convertible be ready to put the top back up at any given time for rain.

Is the Road to Hana for Kids?

I personally don’t recommend the Road to Hana for young children or anyone that gets car sick. We opted not to take this drive when we visited Maui with our children and I’m very glad we did. Older children who enjoy hiking or scenic drives may enjoy the ride, but there isn’t much to do to keep toddlers or even elementary aged children occupied.  If your lucky to have children who love car rides, this may be an ok trip for them! 

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Maui Island & Molokai Helicopter Tour with Air Maui

I’m no stranger to flying, but helicopters are a rare treat! For our 10 year anniversary we took a trip back to Maui where we had spent our honeymoon and I wanted to do some of the same activities we enjoyed the first time. On our honeymoon we had taken a short flight over Haleakala Crater and it was great. This time we were able to take the longer 60 minute flight around the entire island and it was even more amazing.

As we drove to the heliport we noticed it was quite cloudy and we were worried it would ruin the flight. When we arrived to Air Maui we were told it was extremely foggy in the valleys and they’d have to slightly re-route along the shoreline or we were given the option to fly to Molokai along with West Maui. We and the other passengers all agreed to see Molokai and that turned out to be a great decision. We soared over the sugar cane fields and across the ocean to Molokai where the mountains and valleys were covered with lush greenery and the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve ever seen. The pilot got close in for an amazing view, doing a 360 to ensure everyone had a good photo opportunity. Just as I was enjoying the flight we flew over a cliff for a roller coaster dive over the edge. I felt as though we were leaping off the mountain into the ocean, what an amazing feeling! Our pilot (Al) was funny, informative and narrated the entire tour with Hawaii legends and tales. It was one of the best helicopter rides I’ve taken.

TIPS: If you’re planning to take a helicopter ride with any company be sure to bring your camera and sunglasses, and everything else is usually left in your vehicle. Your weight will be required when booking in order to be sure the helicopter is properly loaded and you should be given safety instructions before your tour. If you tend get motion sick, take the shorter flight through Maui (half hour). The Valleys can be a little bumpy and even for someone like me who is not easily motion sick; I had a couple moments I was starring at the barf bag wondering if I’d have to use it. I’ve never had that feeling in a helicopter ride but possibly the longer, slightly bumpier ride was the reason. Lastly, bring a couple dollars cash, the Maui heliport charges for parking, about a dollar per hour, and if you want to tip your pilot as well that’s at your discretion. ShareThis

Kauhale Makai Condo - Kihei, Maui, Hawaii and my first VRBO.com rental

On our third trip to Maui I decided to try out vrbo.com to find a “vacation rental by owner”. Having never used this site I was unsure of what to expect. The searching is very open ended and can leave you scanning through hundreds of listings in a popular destination, but well worth the search if you have the time.

After going through my usual dates, location and best deals search online I chose a condo listed on VRBO located in Kihei, Maui. The pictures looked wonderful and the owner, Gina, was prompt and helpful when I sent an inquiry about her condo. Her listed price was unbelievable for what she was offering and last time I checked, she is still offering this great deal!

Upon our arrival to Kauhale Makai I was happy to see the pictures were true to the actual condo. Unlike some of our previous hotels where they used wide angle photos to make rooms appear larger and nicer than they really were in person. The condo was very clean, comfortable and had all the amenities we needed during our stay. A full kitchen, reclining leather couch, Queen bed facing the ocean and even beach chairs and an ice chest for our trips out. Even better, the owner provided free wi-fi and unlimited calls to the U.S. and Canada and the laundry was just across the hall for $1 a load. I truly can’t think of anything she missed in this beautiful Kihei condo. The owner redesigned this 1975 unit to the most up to date appliances and décor possible.

As with any other individually owned condo community, each unit is unique and designed by the owner. From what other residents were telling us, our unit was one of the nicest at Kauhale Makai. So staying here in another unit may not be a similar experience. The community has a pool, kiddy pool, hot tub, outdoor games such as volleyball and nice BBQ area in the commons.

The location in Kihei was centered for a short drive to any attraction you wanted to get to on the island, and a half hour drive to the airport. Stores, shopping and restaurants were all in close proximity - all while the ocean was just a few steps away and a beautiful view from anywhere in the Condo.

I was not only happy with my VRBO experience but extremely happy with this condo and will definitely be returning to one of Gina’s properties. She is extremely helpful and definitely treats her condos like her own home and provides the best service to her customers. To view her condos direct you can visit her at http://www.ginaonmauicondos.com/. Make sure to tell her Travelers Barista sent you over…maybe then I’ll get to visit Hawaii again even sooner!

If you are planning to stay in a popular destination, check out VRBO and search for rentals by owners to get a great deal you may not find with your typical vacation website! ShareThis

If you love it - Go Back!

I love to travel to new places, hoping to find an exciting change of scenery, but who loves going somewhere new and finding out it isn't all what you had hoped it'd be? 

I am slowly realizing as I sit her on my Lanai in Maui that this truly has always been my favorite place to travel.  My first trip here was my honeymoon 10 years ago and basically one of my first major travels of my life.  After an amazing 10 days in Maui I figured the thrill of a honeymoon must have been what kept it in my memory (and no I'm not talking bedroom thrills).  After 10 years and many more travels my heart still had a fond place for Maui.  In February of this year we made our first trip back after almost 10 years and brought our children and my mother with us.  Yet again after a week in Lahaina I wanted to stay longer.  Watching my children have the time of their life playing in the warm beach sand and enjoying walks in the morning sun.  It was all too good to be true. 
Now it's June and I sit here feeling like I'm at home.  The Northwest is where my real home is and where I usually love to go back to, but being here just feels so right!

You might think going back to the same place over and over would get boring, but I have found that learning my way around Maui makes me feel more welcome and getting to the store or doing simple things are easier and more relaxing.  Just today we took a trip up to the Haleakala Crater, something after 3 trips we had not yet done and it was Amazing!  Yesterday we drove the road to Hana, yet another activity we had not done, but probably won't do again.  We are slowly learning what we like and don't like to do on Maui and where our favorite places to be are, making each trip better and better!

So, it can be nice to travel the world and visit new places, but the best trips seem to be that place you really truly love to be.  Whether it's just a short drive from your house or maybe across the ocean, sometimes doing the same trip over and over, is a worthwhile "old" adventure! 

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Foto Fun Friday - May 14th, 2010

Recognize the trunk of this famous Banyan Tree (behind my mother, two kids and I)?  What City is in?

This Banyan Tree was first planted in April, 1873. The tree was imported from India was only 8 feet tall. It now stands over 60 feet high, has 12 major trunks in addition to a huge core. It stretches over a 200-foot area and shades 2/3 of an acre.

It resides in one of my favorite Hawaiian Island Cities!

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In Maui, ready for the beach! Where are your sand toys and beach chairs?

Ever traveled somewhere and wish you had something you know is sitting in your closet at home and it's going to cost you a ridiculous amount of money just to have it now? I realized on our recent trip to Maui with the kids that our days at the beach would be many and sand toys and beach chairs were going to be a must have. Yet paying $10-$15 for a very small bucket of toys at most stores was not my idea of being frugal, especially knowing that when I purchase the toys that I'd only be adding to the overload we already had at home and packing them would be a challenge if I dare try.

My first thought was to ask our Hotel if they had a stash of left behind beach items we could use, unfortunately they had none. We immediately went searching through a few stores and I had already glanced at some others the day before knowing this issue would come up. Finally, I hit the jackpot - $4.99 for a great bucket of toys at Walgreens on Wainee Street in Lahaina! They even had a dump truck set for my son that he absolutely loved! Other beach items were also at a great price and I stocked up while I was there. We picked up an ice chest, some snacks and headed out to the beach.

After finding the perfect beach spot (thanks to Ohanamama), having great sand toys and playing with the kids for a couple hours, my sand covered beach towel wasn't so appealing and I was wishing I had a nice chair to sit on. Once again sending me on a wild chase for chairs. Again my hotel didn't have any, but they did suggest they could rent them for us and have them brought to the room, which sounded nice, but I figured we could probably rent them ourselves for a little less cash. I found a colorful looking store on the corner of Honoapiilani Hwy 30 and Hinau Street (across from Pizza Hut) called "Da Beach House". I went in and was happy to find beach chairs for rent for only $12 a week. The clerk was very friendly and even opened up a pack of two brand new, reclining, tommy bahama chairs because he had rented all his others. Come to find out after a nice conversation that he was the Owner and had just opened his third store on Maui that I was standing in. The chairs were a life saver on the beach and made what was a fun time an even more relaxing and great time with the kids!

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Outrigger Aina Nalu Condos - Maui, Hawaii

Our recent stay at the Outrigger Aina Nalu in Lahaina, Maui was not what I had envisioned at first glance.  The seemingly oversized 2 bedroom, full kitchen, Garden view room was a little different then what was shown using those WIDE angle photos they impress you with online. 

Yes, the rooms were updated and somewhat spacious, but the fully equipped kitchen lacked cooking utensils and came with one small pot and tiny pan that we could barely cook pancakes in without sticking.  Thus making our plans of saving money to eat-in were gone and we spent WAY more to eat out than I had planned.  The "Garden view" was a garden of cars in the parking lot, hardly anything I'd consider a view.  After walking on the carpet and stone floors for just a few minutes my children's feet were black and I had to wash them before putting on any socks or shoes, this sort of grossed me out, I refused to walk on the floors barefooted.  My son also took a liking to the front door that would unlock with a pull of the handle.  I chased him down the outdoors hall several times during our stay and I'm oh so certain our neighbors appreciated him opening and slamming the door shut on several occasions.  Definately not a toddler safe door. (read my important safety tip on this)

Our stay was 8 days/7nights long and I will say that after about the third day I became comfortable with our accommodations and enjoyed the space we had with 2 bedrooms (3 adults, 2 kids).  The beds themselves were very comfortable and walking to town was just a step out the front door.  My favorite part of the stay was that despite the dirty floors, the maids were nice enough to do our dirty dishes each day and that made for some extra time for me out by the pool!  Speaking of pools, they do have two nice pool areas that are private and surrounded by that "Garden View" they had promised in the room description. 

Overall, at an average price of $175 a night (plus $15 a day to park the car) it was spacious and served it purpose for the 8 days we stayed in Maui.  I may stay again for a good rate but would definately look into other options for a 2 bedroom condo.  Although in Lahaina you won't find many accomodations and your definately limited if you want to stay right in town.  This Condo is all about Location and space!  If they provided a better "full kitchen" and the floors were cleaner I'd definately give it 4 out of 5 Lattes!   

Activities and hotels for kids in Maui, Hawaii on Trekaroo

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