Hawaii Snorkeling Tips

1. GET THE RIGHT MASK
Getting a mask and snorkel that properly fit is key to having a great Hawaii snorkeling experience. When renting gear from Boss Frog’s, one of their experts will help you try on and test the gear to make sure you get the best fit. The best masks are made out of silicon and form to your face. For those with a mustache, try using some chapstick on it to help form a tight seal. The easiest way to test whether a mask will fit is to turn the strap towards the front of the mask, hold the mask snug to your face, and suck in with your nose. If your mask stays on your face after removing your hands without a whistling sound, then you’ve found your mask! For those who wear glasses, ask for R/X masks and find one that offers the most vision clarity.

2. PICKING THE PROPER SNORKEL
Regardless of your level of skill, consider using a dry snorkel. These funnel the water away from your mouth to the outside of the snorkel. If a wave comes over the top of you, you won’t swallow water. When diving underwater, these snorkels are easy to clear once you get to the surface. Most people upgrade to the dry
snorkel from the j-tube snorkel for these reasons. At Boss Frog’s they use the Impulse II dry snorkel made by Jacques Cousteau’s company.

3. FIND FITTING FINS
Fins are useful in propelling you through currents and generally your swim easier. The important thing is to make sure the fit snuggly without cutting off circulation. Remember that once you’re in the water, they will loosen up a bit.

4. RELAX
The most common mistake while snorkeling is in over-exertion. People use their arms to swim and kick wildly which is counter productive. Floating on the surface while slowly kicking will reserve your energy and not frighten the sea life. You’ll see a lot more and be able to stay out longer.

5. KEEP YOURSELF & THE REEF SAFE FROM HARM
Don’t touch anything while snorkeling. The slightest contact from humans can be detrimental to the health of the reef and sea creatures and could possibly set off a defense mechanism that can harm you. Enter from sandy areas or from a boat. Observe proper Ocean Safety procedures and always assess conditions before entering. Ask a Boss Frog specialist to tell you the safest places to snorkel as well as the current ocean conditions. You can also find helpful Maui Snorkeling maps online to help find the best beach entry. Becareful and have fun!

The Treasures of the Road to Hana

Maui has many hidden treasures. One of the more well-known treasures is the Road to Hana. This winding coastal cliff road offers amazing views and opportunities to swim under waterfalls along the way.

What's so special about Hana?

Hana is a quiet town on the East side of the Island. It has remained virtually the same for hundreds of years, upholding it's tradittional Hawaiian heritage. The town itself is not all that impressive, but the area around it is spectacular.

Before reaching Hana Town, you'll see many picturesque spots to photograph and spend time at. One place that you must see is the Black Sand Beach at Wai'anapanapa State Park. This entire area is beautiful to walk around and swim at. It has many lava tubes and sea caves to explore, of which are subject to much Hawaiian folk lore and legend. If you arrive here early enough, you may have the beach to yourself.

You can also camp here, but you need to get the permit in Kahului before you leave for Hana. These permits are difficult to get because the permit agent is elusive and often out to lunch. The people at the Waianapanapa State Park office are far from cordial.

Just past Hana Town is the Oheo Gulch, or Seven Sacred Pools. This stream holds many more than 7 pools. The stream can be followed up past many waterfalls and gorgeous pools. Only a few of these pools are safe to swim in. Many people have been killed swimming in the wrong pools at the wrong time. Make sure to ask the Kipahula park officials whether it is safe at the time. If there has been heavy rains, this area can have sudden flash floods. Remember, even if it isn't raining where you are, doesn't mean it isn't raining heavily upstream.

Hiking at Oheo Gulch is impressive. Follow the hiking trails up the stream past waterfalls to vast oceanviews from within the rainforest. Be safe and have fun!

Maui Links and lists

My friend Lynnbear has compiled many Maui lists for visitors and residents of Hawaii. She put the time into going over the web and finding Hawaii websites that she uses regularly.

Lynn will be keeping an ongoing group of shots on flickr if you want to see some fun Maui pictures.

Of these Maui website lists, you'll find social pages on simpy, searchles Hawaii video, Maui listible, and reddit.

Why all the lists and different accounts? Lynn is an active member of social networks on the web. She spends maybe a little too much time online. (SORRY LYNN!!) But it's true. SO, we can all take advantage of her hard work and hopefully send her an appreciative email or comment here and there.

I would also keep an eye on some of her Maui news articles. Check out Maui Digg, Maui Propeller, and Maui Now Public.

Thanks again, Lynn! I'll try and make your hard work worthwhile.

The Best Maui Luaus

There are around a dozen good luaus to do on the island of Maui, Hawaii. You need to do your research before attending so that you don't end up at one you hate. Some are romantic, others for families, and others that are straight-up cheezy!

The Old Lahaina Luau is the most authentic and traditional luau on the island. This one is expensive, but worth the money.

The Feast at Lele is the most romantic luau. It has table service with many courses. Every course is accompanied by a different dance.

The Ka'anapali luau is the most family oriented luau. It is also the cheapest! Don't let the price fool you, because it still has great food and entertainment. If you go through Hawaiian Style Activities, you will get your kids in for FREE! That means 1 child under 12 for each paying adult. This is the best deal on the island and great for couples too.

For a great site for full descriptions and booking information, go to Maui Hawaii Luau. This site is informative and has great prices. If you're looking for more luau information, do a search around one of these sites and you'll get everything you need.

Please feel free to publish this post in your bookmarking communities. Mahalo!

Lahaina Halloween

Halloween in Maui is my favorite holiday. People get crazy in Lahaina and Front Street is closed off for the party. I'll be posting images once i've taken some good ones this year. If you have any questions about the event, go to http://www.lahainahalloween.com/maui-best-bars.php

I'll post back soon!

Welcome!

Welcome to my first Maui Hawaii Vacation post!!

I am a 28 year old resident of Maui, Hawaii. I've lived here most of my life and will never leave! This island is home for so many reasons.

Through this blog, i'd like to share the incredible spots, activities, and experiences with all that come to visit. People constantly ask me about insider local info, so here it is. No more secrets!!

Hope you enjoy.

ALOHA,

Your MAUI GIRL