#217
BubblesBelow - 4/30/2014 7:35 PM
Lived and worked on Maui for years, was a PADI Instructor there. A few tips for boat diving - if you go out of the west side (Lahaina, Kaanapali, Napili) and you’re going to Molokini, it’s a longer ride than leaving from Maalaea Harbor (mid-way from airport to west side, in the ’elbow’ of the island). You can also do a boat dive from there over to Lanai, or shore diving out of Kihei. Smaller and quicker boat rides from Kihei to Molokini and south shore dives accessible only by boat. Makena Coast Charters and Mike Severns - both tops in dive boats/dive tours. You might have the seasonal occurrence of mantas off of "Reef’s End" on Molokini, but as others have mentioned, a sure bet is the night dive on the Big Island. Nothing more magical than a night dive at the Crater (Molokini) with a full moon. Be sure to go up to other crater - Haleakala, but be sure to watch your diving and driving. Haleakala is 10k feet. Time your trip on a non-diving day. Take a detour on the way up and go check out Olinda and Ulupalakua - the heavenly lands above Kihei, with protea farms, wine country, and the most stunning views around. Stop at the Ulupalakua Country store for lunch and a cold drink. The road to Hana is also breathtaking, but a long drive. If you decide to go, leave EARLY to avoid the crowds and see the sunrise over the unparalleled views from the Hana Highway. Dang - getting homesick for that place now! Feel free to message me if you need any more info. Love what Curly has to offer in the previous post. Anything out of the ordinary 30 passenger and more cattle boat sounds like a good bet! Molokini gets way too crowded. Have fun, and Aloha!