Hawaii Volcano Observatory is

*** VOLCANO! *** VOLCANO! Land of fire and home of Pele! HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK The premier Big Island attraction is 30 miles from Hilo and attracts over two million visitors each year. At the main visitor center, an outstanding film begins every hour on the hour introducing you to volcanology. The Jaggar Museum at Hawaii Volcano Observatory is perched above the rim of Halemaumau Crater with outstanding educational exhibits and displays. Besides earth sciences and volcanology, the park is also the center of Hawaiian cultural preservation and values. Unlike other volcanoes, Hawaiian eruptions are not generally explosive and are relatively safe if you obey the rangers. The current eruption phase has began with dramatic fountaining on January 3, 1983 and has been steadily pumping molten lava into a well developed tube system that speeds the fluid magma to the sea to build new land. It's cut Chain of Craters Road but you'll be able to get near the new flow, explore the old Hawaiian village sites, the petroglyph trails, and see the aesthetic beauty of fresh lava. The park is filled with things to learn, panoramic scenery, details of nature, and places to explore. Hike across a frozen lava crater floor with steam still rising. Explore a "kipuka" island of old forest surrounded with barren newer lava. Walk through a lava tube or see "lava trees" or tree molds. There's so much to see and do and only some of it is covered in the following two links! HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK WEBSITE KILAUEA UPDATE - HAWAII VOLCANO OBSERVATORY VOLCANO VILLAGE Just outside the park, the village is steadily and quietly becoming a major destination with a lot of the flavor of California's Marin County or Carmel-Monterey. At a cool elevation, it was a favorite area for the wealthiest families from throughout Hawaii to have vacation homes. From ancient times, Volcano has been a sacred place where Pele and nature rules. It's the very special Big Island place that cannot be discovered by the day-trippers or cruise boat passengers on the tour buses. Those who know or seek to discover make Volcano Village their basecamp. Some beautiful older vacation estates have been converted into wonderful, comfortable, and personalized small scale accommodations. The inventory keeps growing to serve all segments of interests and budgets. Modern elegant retreats or historical comfortable homes featuring full breakfast table discussions of places to see or things to do. Luxurious secluded vacation homes or larger facilities are ideal for elegant corporate retreats and meetings. Cozy modest cottages ideal for newlyweds are tucked into the rainforest surrounded by the scent and sounds of pristine nature. Here hot tubs and fireplaces create a magical romantic mood. Tall straight Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) trees line the old Volcano Road that passes through the village. Monterey Cypresses blend with azaleas in gardens more associated with temperate climates than the tropics. SPECIAL PLACES IN THE VOLCANO AREA VOLCANO WINERY. A winery in Hawaii? Of course! Where else would you find exotic tropical fruit blends like Passion Chablis or Volcano Red? Or Tropical Hawaiian Honey Wines! Or Symphony Grape Wines! Open every day from 10AM to 5:30PM with a tasting room. Contact: General manager Scott Bothof PO Box 843, (35 Pii Mauna Drive), Volcano, Hawaii 96785 Phone (808) 967-7772 or 967-7479; FAX (808) 967-7679 E-mail: volcanowin@aol.com URL: www.volcanowinery.com VOLCANO HOUSE. Since the mid-1800's, this venerable institution has been sitting on the edge of Kilauea caldera. By 1877, there were improvements and the building that now houses the Volcano Art Center was built. A new and larger hotel was built in the 1890s and George Lycurgus and his nephew arrived in 1894 to manage it. He acquired it in 1932 and became its gracious host. In 1940 the hotel burned but was rebuilt as it stands today. VOLCANO ART CENTER. Inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, next to the main Visitor Center, and in the original Volcano House, you'll find the best juried selection of the finest art of Hawaii with the creations of over 300 Hawaiian artists ranging from furniture to jewelry. Volcano Art Center is a non-profit, tax-exempt, educational organization created in 1974 to promote, develop and perpetuate the artistic and cultural heritage of Hawaii's people and environment. They present programs, classes, workshops, lectures and performances and more! Enjoy the staff and enter into Hawaii's fine art community! For more information, contact Kate Whitcomb, manager; phone (808) 967-7511 or e-mail: gallery6@gte.net or visit: www.bishopmuseum.org/vac/vacgall.html ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE VOLCANO AREA There are a huge number of eco-tourism activities available in the Volcano area. Current information and rates are available from accommodation staffs. The following companies are members of Fuku-Bonsai's Promotional Partner Program and are committed to preserving and sharing high value Big Island activities: CARSON'S VOLCANO COTTAGES Romantic story book private rainforest cottages or family cottages sharing a grassy lawn, or guest rooms with private baths and entrances; minutes from Volcano National Park. Hot tubs, fireplaces and full deluxe breakfast. Brenda Carson, PO Box 503, Volcano, HI 96785 Phone (808) 967-7683, Toll-free 1-800-845-LAVA, FAX (808) 967-8094 E-mail: carsons@aloha.net URL: www.carsonscottage.com KILAUEA LODGE A COUNTRY INN & RESTAURANT in Volcano Village amidst giant tree ferns and majestic Sugi pines. Dinners reflect a European heritage and served alongside the historic Fireplace o Friendship of the former YMCA camp. Today, Hawaiian hospitality reigns as a dedicated staff cares for guests with kamaaina graciousness. Rooms are filled with original artworks, fresh flowers, heated towel warmers with most rooms having the added warmth and romance of a fireplace. Lorna & Albert Jeyte, PO Box 116, Volcano Village, Hawaii 96785. Phone (808) 967-7366; FAX: (808) 967-7367; E-mail: stay@kilauealodge.com URL: www.kilauealodge.com MY ISLAND BREAD & BREAKFAST INN Gracious hospitality by a pioneer of Hawaiian bed and breakfasts! In Volcano Village in a 7-acre botanical estate, a historic farmhouse is the main complex with rooms, separate garden units, studio and guest house with prices to accommodate most anyone with a more-than-you-can-eat breakfast. Gordon, Joann and Kii Morse PO Box 100, Volcano Village, HI 96785, Phone (808) 967-7216, Fax (808) 967-7719 E-mail: myisland@ilhawaii.net URL: www.myislandinnhawaii.com CHALET KILAUEA COLLECTION In 1989, Lisha & Brian Crawford firmly set down their roots in the Volcano community and began their first bed and breakfast. It became a unique boutique inn now known as the Inn at Volcano (left top photo) and the headquarters and reservation center for a full range of accomodations in the Volcano area which collectively are known as the "Chalet Kilauea Collection." CHALET KILAUEA CENTRAL RESERVATIONS (at the Inn at Volcano) Box 998 Wright Road, Volcano Village, Hawaii 96785 Phone (808) 967-7786; Toll-free: 1-800-937-7786; FAX (808) 967-8660 E-mail: reservations@volcano-hawaii.com URL: www.volcano-hawaii.com <<< INN AT VOLCANO : A Hawaiian haven offering amenities and the kind of hospitality found only in the most exclusive resorts ($139-$399) CASTLE SUITES AT MAUNA LOA : Grace and elegance in a modern Victorian Mansion in landscaped gardens with gourmet breakfasts. ($149-$249) VOLCANO VACATION HOMES : For families and large parties, here's a selection of five one, two and three bedroom cottages and vacation homes with the highest level of comfort available in Volcano Village! ($139-$379) LOKAHI LODGE : (lower photo) Blending modern convenience with country charm ($129-$149) THE LODGE AT VOLCANO : On 30 acres of lush fern forest, this serene seven bedroom ranch-style lodge is just 5 miles from the park ($89-$129) VOLCANO BED & BREAKFAST : A peaceful country home in lush and cool Volcano Village. ($49-$69) VOLCANO HIDEAWAYS Cheery accommodations for the traveler! In the heart of Volcano Village tucked in a native rainforest. The hosts live just across the lane and invites guests to drop in for an insider's knowledge of the area. Also, The Maid's Quarters, etc. Todd Marohnic and family; PO Box 611, Volcano, Hawaii 96785 Phone (808) 985-8959; E-mail: todd@volcanovillage.net URL: www.volcanovillage.net . VOLCANO RAINFOREST RETREAT Wander the magical paths . . . heal and deepen your life . . . discover and explore! Three private hand-crafted guest cottages secluded in a native Hawaiian rainforest, 3,800 feet above he sea adjacent to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Groups, families, couples or singles welcomed! Kathleen and Peter Golden. PO Box 957, Volcano, Hawaii 96785; Phone (808) 985-8696; Toll free: 1-800-550-8696; E-mail: volrain@bigisland.net URL: www.volcanoretreat.com THE GUEST HOUSE AT VOLCANO Affordable ecotourism and nice, too! Three separate housekeeping cottages with full kitchens/baths (totaling 4 units) sleeps 2 to 6 people each. Kid friendly and wheelchair accessible with TV and telephone. Great for families! Two night minimum. Bonnie Goodell, 11-3733 Ala Ohia; PO Box 6, Volcano, Hawaii 96785-0006 Phone (808) 967-775; FAX (808) 985-7505 E-mail: cmaplan@interpac.net URL: www.volcanoguesthouse.com HALE OHIA COTTAGES Retreat, Relax, and Relive Hawaii with the serenity and magic of a historic estate on several landscaped acres. The Master Suite at the main residence, four unique cottages, and several suites! Check out Cottage #44 and sleep in a water tank! Michael Tully, PO Box 758, Volcano Village, Hawaii 96785 Phone (808) 967-7986; Toll-free: 1-800-455-3803; FAX (808) 967-8610 E-mail: haleohia@bigisland.com URL: www.haleohia.com VOLCANO COUNTRY COTTAGES Ohelo Berry Cottage and the Artist's House are nestled among tall, sheltering tsugi tree in a lush secluded setting. In the heart of Volcano Village as close to the entrance of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park as one can get. Kathleen Porter, PO Box 545, Volcano, Hawaii 96785, Toll-free: 1-800-967-7960; Phone (808) 967-7960; FAX (808) 967-7960 E-mail: aloha@volcanocottages.com URL: www.volcanocottages.com VOLCANO INN A spacious inn with exquitely appointed rooms and/or fully equiped cottages offering true Aloha hospitality! Come and enjoy and experience of a lifetime! Private entrances and baths, fireplaces, gourmet breakfasts, and boxed lunches or dinners on 24 hour notice. Joan & Eric Lightner 19-3820 Old Volcano Hwy., PO Box 490, Volcano, Hawaii 96785 Phone (808) 967-7293; Toll-free 1-800-997-2292; FAX (808) 985-7349 E-mail: volcano@volcanoinn.com URL: www.volcanoinn.com HALE KILAUEA & LAVA LODGE Streses slip away in paradise! Surrounded by towering pines and ohia trees in Volcano Village, just minutes away from Volcano National Park and Volcano Golf & Country Club. All rooms with private baths and a continental breakfast. Maurice Thomas, PO Box 28, Volcano, Hawaii 96785 Phone (808) 967-7969; Toll-free: 1-800-733-3839; FAX (808) 985-7008 E-mail: value@aloha.net URL: www.hawaii-volcano.net JOURNEY JUNCTION BED & BREAKFAST Bedrooms of a 1927 plantation manager's vacation home are available with shared kitchen living room-bath, 52" TV, computer, Jacuzi and a great view! The hosts live in a nearby unit to be available at any time. (next to post office). Robert & Susan Hughes, BO Box 91, Volcano, Hawaii 96785 Phone/FAX: (808) 967-7289, Toll-free: 1-888-967-7286 E-mail: junction@aloha.net URL: www.bbvolcano.com *** Continue to next Big Island section *** Return to Big Island index page *** Return to Fuku-Bonsai home page Fuku-Bonsai Inc. Phone (808) 982-9880

Hawaii Vacation Package Deals

Hawaiian Airlines: Hawaii Starts Here Help/FAQ Sitemap Membership #: Password (Need Help?) : Roundtrip One-Way Multi-City From: Oahu - Honolulu Big Island - Hilo Big Island - Kona Kauai - Lihue Maui - Kahului ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ HA MAINLAND U.S. ~ Las Vegas, NV Los Angeles, CA Phoenix, AZ Portland, OR Sacramento, CA San Diego, CA San Francisco, CA San Jose, CA Seattle, WA ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ HA INTERNATIONAL ~ Sydney, Australia Pago Pago, Samoa Papeete, Tahiti ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ALL OTHER CITIES ~ Fresno, CA Juneau, Alaska Monterey, CA San Luis Obispo, CA Santa Barbara, CA Spokane, WA To: Oahu - Honolulu Big Island - Hilo Big Island - Kona Kauai - Lihue Maui - Kahului ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ HA MAINLAND U.S. ~ Las Vegas, NV Los Angeles, CA Phoenix, AZ Portland, OR Sacramento, CA San Diego, CA San Francisco, CA San Jose, CA Seattle, WA ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ HA INTERNATIONAL ~ Sydney, Australia Pago Pago, Samoa Papeete, Tahiti ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ALL OTHER CITIES ~ Fresno, CA Juneau, Alaska Monterey, CA San Luis Obispo, CA Santa Barbara, CA Spokane, WA Depart: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Anytime Before 9am 9am - 12pm 12pm - 3pm 3pm - 6pm After 6pm Return: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Anytime Before 9am 9am - 12pm 12pm - 3pm 3pm - 6pm After 6pm Adult(s): 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Children (age 2-15) : Restrictions 0 1 2 3 4 5 Infant(s) (under age 2) : Restrictions 0 1 2 3 4 5 Detailed rules on unaccompanied minors Baggage Check-In Service Flight Tracking/Status Flight Schedule Route Map Hotel & Car Vacation Packages Activities, Tours & Dining Hawaii Destination Info > “Just for You” $55 Interisland Fares We're celebrating with $55* each way interisland fares. Why? No, it’s not our birthday… (After 75 years, we've stopped counting!) We're celebrating "You, our HawaiianMiles members" — Hurrah! Book: Now – Jan 12th | Travel: Now – March 9th | Learn More -- > Enjoy Live Hawaiian Sights & Sounds NOW Download the free “Hawaii Anytime” portal for a virtual vacation to everyone's favorite islands! | Learn More > WINTER FARES January 9 - March 15, 2006 Starting at $298* Roundtrip | Book Now > MELE FARES Starting at $298* Roundtrip Book: Now – January 31, 2006 | Learn More > Low, unadvertised fares. Receive email announcements of exclusive interislandand mainland fares. | Learn More > Hawaii Vacation Package Deals Exclusive Offers on All Islands Starting at $564 pp/dbl from the West Coast Limited Time Offer | Learn More * Fares are subject to seat availability during the travel period shown and may change at any time without notice. Additional cost of $3.30 ZP tax per segment, a $2.50 per enplanement September 11th Security Fee (not to exceed $10) and PFC surcharge of $3-$4.50 where applicable will be applied to each ticket purchase. Taxes, fees & other restrictions apply. Hawaiian's Quality of Service Tops All Carriers Department of Transportation October 2005 Air Travel Consumer Report Learn More Contact Us Privacy Policy © 2005 Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Shirts Online can

Hawaiian Shirts Online presents Hawaiian shirts from Tori Richard Reyn Spooner Paradise Found Dragonfly and Tiki Bars It's all about attitude...being free...showing the world that you live life on your own terms. If you like a casual lifestyle, full of fun and adventure, Hawaiian Shirts Online can help you find the look you want. We have it all, from classic parrot and flower shirts to hip rock and roll designs and everything in between. Sorry, your browser doesn't support Java(tm). Hawaiian Shirts Online carries a great range of Hawaiian shirts and cool cotton basics, in sizes small to 4XL, in cotton, cotton lawn, rayon, silk and microfiber. Our extensive collection of shirts includes both classic and cutting edge designs. We have all your favorites, from limited edition Tori Richard styles to the hottest Hawaiian prints from Paradise Found. We also carry Kalaheo, RJC, High Seas Trader, Reyn Spooner, Dragonfly and much more. Do you like vintage prints and classic designs? Party shirts and pin-up girls? How about the famous Magnum shirt or the Mardi Gras Shirt? Or, for a hot deal, visit our Bargain Beach for great prices on shirts in selected sizes . We have just what you need! W e also carry a full line of Tiki Bars if you feel like turning your backyard into a tropical paradise. We hope to hear from you soon. Until then, enjoy our secure online store! Hawaiian Shirts Online, 224 Lake Vista Dr., Mandeville, LA 70471 - Phone: 800-259-0055 - Fax: 985-727-7376 E-Mail: info@hawaiianshirtsonline.com Maintenance by GRAPHIC LEGENDS

Hawaiian Food

Oahu, Honolulu and Waikiki Restaurant Guide  You are here: About > Travel > Hawaii / South Pacific for Visitors > Oahu / Honolulu / Waikiki > Oahu Restaurants Travel Go Hawaii Essentials Which Hawaiian Island Suits You Best? Clickable Map of the Hawaiian Islands Beach Guide Hawaii Pictures Clickable Map of Maui, Hawaii Topics A Hawaii Vacation Planner Big Island of Hawaii Kauai Maui / Molokai / Lanai Oahu / Honolulu / Waikiki South Pacific Culture, History & Language Hawaii Lodging Hula Luau Maps and Weather Pearl Harbor Photos, Video & Cams Recipes Shopping and Gifts Buyer's Guide Tastes of Paradise from Hilo Hattie HilHilo Hattie Dresses and Sarongs Multi-Day Guided Tours Top Hawaii Guidebooks Top Maui / Molokai / Lanai Guidebooks Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Hawaii / South Pacific for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Hawaii / South Pacific for Visitors > Oahu / Honolulu / Waikiki > Oahu Restaurants Oahu, Honolulu and Waikiki Restaurant Guide A guide to the best places to eat for many different cuisines on Oahu, Hawaii. Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent What's New With Oahu's Restaurants, Cuisine and Nightlife for the Fall of 2005 Oahu not only offers natural tranquility and spectacular ocean views, but exciting dining and nightlife experiences as well. Hawaii Food Tours - Presented by Matthew Gray's Gourmet Adventures When we come to Hawaii most of us are clueless about where to eat. Matthew Gray understood this problem very well. Hawaii Food Tours was born to help people find some of the great places to eat in the Honolulu area. Hawaii Restaurant Guide If you've been waiting for a comprehensive guide to Hawaii's best restaurants, this is the book for you. With over 3500 restaurants in Hawaii, this book helps you narrow your choices to the best ones. Check out our review. Star of Honolulu's Mother's Day Champagne and Prime Rib Brunch Cruise Moms receive star treatment on the Star of Honolulu's Mother's Day Champagne and Prime Rib Brunch Cruise. Alternative Hawaii - Oahu Dining Guide An excellent guide to dining on Oahu indexed by type of cuisine from Alternative Hawaii. Dine Hawaii: Oahu Search Oahu restaurants by name, location or cuisine; click any town on the Oahu island map to the right to search Oahu restaurants by town. Frommer's Guide to Oahu Dining An index and reviews of almost 100 restaurants on Oahu from Frommers. HawaiiRestaurants.com - Oahu Restaurants A comprehensive index of restaurants on Oahu from HawaiiRestaurants.com. Vegetarian Restaurants A guide to vegetarian restarants on Oahu from the Vegetarian Society of Hawaii. What's New With Oahu's Restaurants, Cuisine and Nightlife for the Spring of 2005 Oahu not only offers natural tranquility and spectacular ocean views, but exciting dining and nightlife experiences as well. What's New With Oahu's Restaurants in 2004 Find out how Oahu continues to provide superb dining experiences to visitors from around the world.   Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2006 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Tips to Losing Weight Guide to Distance Learning How to Travel for Less PHOTOS: Italy PHOTOS: Hybrid Cars What's Hot Top Picks in Hawaiian Coffee Kamehameha the Great Kalua Pig Waikiki Beach, Oahu - Life's a Beach in Hawaii - Hawaii Beac... Best Beaches 1999 Headlines Plumeria Photos from Hawaii Plumeria is the most common flower that you'll find in... You Won't See This Sign at Home! This certainly isn't a sign that you've ever seen near... Atlantis Submarine Tour Maui Since I had just experienced the Atlantis Submarine Tour on... Maui Swap Meet Photos Held every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to noon is the...

Maui Snorkeling Basics Gear

MauiQueen.com - Guide To Maui - Snorkeling Visitors Currently Online: 131 Maui Weather: Absolutely Gorgeous i News Broadcast: Off The Air i News Broadcast: On The Air Live Video of Maui Maui In 20 Minutes Live Internet Broadcast Archives Preferred Vendors Link Directory Link To Us Review A Restaurant Review An Accommodation Hawaiian Photography Maui Weddings Maui Activities Maui Condos Horoscopes Desktop Wallpaper MauiGuide Index From The Editors From The Publisher Introduction Accommodations Night Life Walk On The Wild Side General Information Sights and Activities Hawaii Weddings Restaurants Map And Directions Snorkeling Guide Golf Guide Privacy Statement MauiGuide Editors About MauiQueen.com January 2006 EVENTS Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Upcoming Events 26-29MELE SERIES PRESENTS: JAKE SHIMABUKURO Archives February 2006 January 2006 December 2005 November 2005 October 2005 September 2005 August 2005 July 2005 June 2005 May 2005 April 2005 March 2005 February 2005 January 2005 December 2004 November 2004 October 2004 September 2004 August 2004 July 2004 June 2004 May 2004 April 2004 March 2004 Site Map Member Maui Chamber of Commerce This weblog is licensed under a Creative Commons License . Home Maui Guide Maui Mini Snorkeling Guide Maui Mini Snorkeling Guide Download PDF Version Maui Snorkeling Basics Gear Up! Danger In The Deep Maui Snorkeling Picks West Maui South Maui Molokini Crater Maui Snorkeling Basics: GEAR UP! No worries. You will not have a problem finding quality snorkel gear (mask, snorkel and fins) to rent or buy on Maui. Locals warn against trying to save a few bucks…it’s not worth it. You don’t want to go to Kmart or Wal-Mart for your gear, unless you want to be frustrated with the performance. The last thing you need is your mask filling with water, or pinching your face while you are trying to experience the serenity and beauty of Maui sea life…it kind of throws a wrench in the whole thing, you know? Get yourself down to a dive shop. I recommend The Maui Dive Shop (phone: 808-879-3388) or Captain Nemo’s (phone: 808-891-0500). They both have a few locations around the island for your convenience. The crew members at these shops are not only knowledgeable, but friendly and helpful. They will help to custom fit you with gear that you should have no problems with during your stay. Back To Top | Download PDF Version DANGER IN THE DEEP! Okay, so you don’t want to think about the spooky stuff, or that there can be any harm done in a little snorkeling. We understand…but hear us out. There are many snorkel hot spots that are a little “secluded”, and while these are fantastic and magical areas, please realize that seclusion is not always a good thing. Always take a buddy with you, make sure your cell phone has reception in the area, and don’t leave your common sense on the plane. Nicole at the Maui Dive Shop recommends that if people are going to be doing snorkeling on their own (unguided) that they only snorkel at Maui beaches that have a lifeguard on duty. She wants to remind people that while dive shop crews are knowledgeable, they usually don’t know the specifics for all of the beaches on a given day—conditions change and the crew has been in the SHOP all day. A lifeguard on the other hand knows the condition of his or her beach and can give you the lowdown. As a side note: Fish, like women, are attracted to shiny things…to reduce your odds of getting assaulted in the water by little nibblers or…uh…BIG biters, take your jewelry off before entering the water. “R-E-S-P-E-C-T…find out what it means to me” You’re going to hear a lot about “respecting the aina (land)” during your stay. This respect should be carried over to the ocean. If you’re going to remove things from the water, it’s best to return them. Be gentle with the sea life and remember that we are guests in their “home”, not the other way around. Have fun out there and happy snorkeling! Back To Top | Download PDF Version Maui Snorkeling Picks: WEST MAUI Black Rock (The Sheraton): Black Rock is a fun beach in general. Good swimming, great lounging, fantastic snorkeling. There is a huge lava outcropping that is loaded with coral. It’s also a fun place to do a little “cliff” jumping (off of the lava outcropping). If you are on Hwy 30 in Kaanapali, turn toward the ocean onto Kaanapali Parkway. There is free beach access parking, but it’s usually full. I think it’s easiest to just park at the Whalers Village shopping center. It is paid parking, but you can always go into the mall and buy a bottle of water and get your ticket validated. Kahekili Beach Park (Airport Beach): The nice thing about Airport beach is that there are a lot of facilities—parking, showers, change rooms, restrooms, picnic areas, BBQ’s. The water is generally very calm and there is a lot of reef where you can see some great coral…where there is coral, there is fish…so you’re good to go. To get there from Hwy 30, turn onto Puukoili Rd. It is just north of mile marker 25 Kapalua Bay: The experts say that the best snorkeling at Kapalua Bay is on the North side of the beach (that would be to your right if you’re facing the ocean). It’s also a nice beach to hang out at. The currents outside of the bay can get very strong and dangerous so it is highly recommended that you keep your snorkeling inside the bay. On Hwy 30 you’ll see the Napili Plaza. Turn toward the ocean on Napilihau St. Then turn right at Lower Honoapililani Rd. Drive about a mile to the Napili Kai Beach Club. Turn toward the ocean when you see the shoreline access sign. Honolua Bay: Okay, so it’s more of a surf spot…but when the water is calm, and the surfers are bummed, it’s an absolutely fabulous place to snorkel. There are real nice coral formations and your chances of spotting turtles (honu) are excellent. It may not be the best snorkel spot if it has been rainy for the past few days—run-off really ruins the visibility here. From Hwy 30, heading north of Napili, go about a half mile past mile marker 32. Back To Top | Download PDF Version SOUTH MAUI Kamaole Beach Parks I, II & III: These beach parks are great places to spend the day—lots of grass to picnic on, facilities galore and great weather just about 365 days of the year. Snorkeling can be fun, although sometimes the waves and undertow at these beaches can be big and strong. Nicole at the Maui Dive Shop says that they often recommend these beaches to snorkelers because there is a lifeguard on duty for ocean info and safety. If you’re heading south down South Kihei Rd, the beach parks will be directly to your right. You can’t miss them. If you’ve hit the Kihei Boat Ramp, you’ve gone too far. La Perouse: This is Maui snorkeling at its finest. On a non-windy day you will be sure to see lots of fish and turtles. Want to swim with the dolphins? If you head out early enough, there is a pod of dolphins that cruise the area almost every morning. It’s a magical place with a sacred feel to it. Just make sure you take a friend with you as there are no lifeguards. Also, make sure your cell phone works in the surrounding area so that you can call for help in case of an emergency. This place is a little off the beaten path. South of Wailea, past Makena, past the Ahihi marine reserve. You know your there because you’ll hit the end of the road….literally…and don’t even think about off-roading in that rental car. Back To Top | Download PDF Version MOLOKINI CRATER I never quite understood what the big deal about Molokini crater was until I actually went out there. It was then that I realized that it wasn’t over-rated (like I had assumed) but is truly awesome. Molokini is a crescent shaped crater that looks like a little island. If you’ve been in South Maui or Upcountry you’ve seen it… Anyway, you won’t get out there unless you go through one of the many tour companies. For info on various tours log onto www.ParadiseMaui.com . Lots of fish, spectacular views, the feeling of being in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It’s fun, and a must for your stay on Maui. The only drawback is that there tends to be as many people out as there are fish. On one hand, it’s like a big party…on the other, if crowds bother you look for a company that tries to beat the crowds first thing in the morning. Questions? Comments? Want more information? Contact us! Back To Top | Download PDF Version