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You'll be entered to win 2 morning snorkel passes on the Pride of Maui, as well as 2 sunset cruise passes.  There are 5 prize winners, so you could easily be the winner and setting yourself up for some great times on Maui!

You can see the Kai Kanani coming into shore from the morning snorkeling trip to Molokini.  The Kai Kanani is one of our favorite vessels in Maui waters because it's a stable, roomy catamaran and is the only boat allowed to make beach entries in Makena.  The great location combined with the easy access to Molokini makes the Kai Kanani the best choice for snorkeling Molokini.

This was a perfect day to be on the beach (not that it's a rare thing on Maui!)  We hope you like the photo.  By the way, this was taken with an iPhone.  Pretty amazing, huh?

• Snorkeling
• Fishing
• Sunset Cocktails
• Whale Watching
• Couples Charters

BUT, one of the things this vessel does that many don't is offer engagement, wedding, reception, and honeymoon cruises.  We've written about many different ways to get married in Maui, but this is truly unique.  Having a small wedding on a boat is something you and your guests will never forget.

If you have your heart set on a beach wedding, why not do the reception on a private cruise for sunset?  Or come back and enjoy a honeymoon cruise with just you and your new bride/groom. 

When they mentioned they do engagements too, I was blown away!  What a great idea.  "Honey, I've booked us a few seats on a cocktail cruise!"  Then surprise her/him with a private cruise where you can propose in style.  I'm sure none of your friends' engagement stories would top that!

Give Maui Boat Trips a call and ask them how to arrange your upcoming Maui wedding on a boat!

At first it was just a shadow, a flicker in the corner of my vision.  I lay motionless at the surface, breathing slowly through my snorkel, eyes fixed on the dark shape.  Slowly, slowly it came into focus;   seventy feet below, now fifty, now forty.  

Five foot long wings, perfect isosceles triangles, spread out on either side of the thick gray body.  It arched up toward me and I could see the unmistakable mouth, hanging open, filtering plankton and larvae as it swam.

I didn’t move.  I just watched, eyes darting from the mouth, to the wings, to the tail.  Then I heard a muted crash – someone making their way off the catamaran into the water.  The manta ray flicked its wings and was gone in seconds, disappearing into the three hundred foot deep waters surrounding Molokini Crater.

I felt so lucky.  Manta rays are relatively rare in Hawai’i and always shy and elusive.  Taking the early morning express tour with Kai Kanani Sailing and getting out to Molokini before the rest of the snorkel boats meant the crater was quiet enough for that huge prehistoric fish to feel comfortable there.  Beating the crowds always pays off.  Always.

By Megan Edgar,
Maui Goodness Staff Writer

Give Island star a call today toll free at: 1-888-677-7238 to book your trip to Honolua Bay, or any other local Maui destination.

We regularly get emails asking us about all kinds of things in Maui.  The question below is a pretty good one for those of you visiting that scuba dive.

Hi Maui Information Guide Team,

We are planning to holiday in Hawaii in December in the lead up to Christmas.

Can you please advise if it is safe to scuba dive in December?

What are the waves / tides and currents like?

Thanks

Penelope and Kevin

Sydney

Australia

See more Maui snorkeling spots.

Besides the obvious sun worshipping activities enjoyed on Maui beaches every day, there are many free if not inexpensive things to do in Maui.

Hiking to a waterfall will cost you next to nothing for an unforgettable experience.  Gas, a packed lunch, a guidebook, and a sense of adventure are all you need to explore bamboo forests, towering waterfalls, and lush coastal areas.  Caution: Do not swim directly under a waterfall.  Often debris will float over the edge and can harm those below.

Snorkeling is another inexpensive favorite.  Gear rentals can be found all over the island for a few bucks.  Shore access to a plethora of ocean life is free and easy to find.  Honolua Bay on a calm day is a favorite.  But be careful!  If there is swell activity, do not go out!  The ocean is very dangerous; we suggest speaking to a professional at a snorkel shop to find the safest snorkeling area for your experience level.

Rent a surfboard or take a surf lesson.  The surf in Maui is usually pretty small on the South and West sides of the island.  Lessons can be found for less than $50, which includes equipment and instructions.  If you're more adventurous, you can rent a surfboard.

Again, be careful!  Lessons are highly suggested for newcomers.  The ocean has many hidden dangers.

Maui has many incredible activities available, both inexpensive and costly.  Take your time researching all of your options, and you may just find that Maui is less expensive to visit than previously anticipated.