Snorkel/Dive Molokini Crater
The waters around Maui are particularly clear with consistent water conditions, perfect for avid divers and snorkelers. One of the best places to dive or snorkel in Maui is at the offshore submerged crater known as Molokini Crater. According to the guidebook, Maui Revealed, Molokini Crater is located just three miles from Maui and is one of Hawaii's most well known dive and snorkel locations. Visibility is excellent reaching depths of 180 feet, and you can see numerous fish and even turtles. Scuba divers will see a variety of shark species, and even the occasional manta ray or if it's the right season, humpback whale. One popular company that offers both diving and snorkel tours to Molokini Crater is Maui Dive Shop.
Maui Dive Shop
1455 S Kihei Rd.
Kihei, Hawaii 96753-8189
(808) 875-0333
mauidiveshop.com
Dive at the Maui Ocean Center
Maui is filled with excellent spots for scuba diving, but one of the most unique opportunities is found at the Maui Ocean Center. At this aquarium, visitors can don scuba gear and dive into the 750,000 gallon tank to spend 40 minutes with the tank's inhabitants. The tank has more than 20 different sharks, including a tiger shark, eagle rays, sting rays and numerous puffer fish. It's a unique opportunity to spend time with so many different kinds of species in a calm, safe environment. Even if you're a seasoned scuba diver, this is an unforgettable experience.
Maui Ocean Center
192 Maalaea Rd.
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793-5931
(808) 270-7000
mauioceancenter.com
Watch for Whales
From December to April every year over 1,000 humpback whales come to the Hawaiian Islands to give birth to their young and to breed. Maui County is particularly popular for whales and it is not uncommon to see breaching whales as you drive along the coast. To get a closer look at these magnificent animals, take a whale watching boat tour. Numerous companies offer tours. One of the most popular is the non-profit Pacific Whale Foundation which has boats leaving from both Maalaea harbor and Lahaina. On board naturalists will be able to give you lots of information in regards to the whale's behavior and they will even drop down a hydrophone so that you can hear the humpback whales singing.
300 Maalaea Rd # 211
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793-5922
(808) 249-8811
pacificwhale.org
