Pride of Maui Blog

Looking for a way to get the whole family in on the diving fun Hawaii has to offer? Look no further than snuba diving a hybrid activity that rests somewhere between snorkeling and scuba diving. This activity has quickly caught on with Hawaiian tourists, inspiring many companies to promote their own version of snuba diving fun. Check out these facts about how snuba works and why it might be the best choice for your family’s tropical adventure.

What is Snuba?

Snuba isn’t exactly scuba diving, and it really can’t be categorized as snorkeling. Instead, it is an interesting mix of the two. Individuals are hooked up to an air hose and mask that allows them to breathe underwater for up to one hour at a time. Instead of your own tank, the air hose is attached directly to the boat. Snuba divers can enjoy depths of up to 20 feet, with plenty of sea life available at that level.

Snuba, unlike scuba diving, does not require a minimum number of training hours or certification to enjoy. Instead, most divers are introduced to the sport through an orientation session that lasts less than 30 minutes. Divers are then taken to their diving location, where they swim with a guide – just in case. Most snuba diving companies require divers to be at least eight years of age and in reasonable health, but no previous diving experience is required.

Snuba diving allows Maui tourists to get in the water and enjoy the rich sea life Hawaii has to offer. Families can take a snuba adventure together, without safety concerns. Companies offering snuba excursions are highly committed to ensuring the experience is safe and fun. However, it is a good idea to ask for recommendations from your hotel, cruise ship or tourism guide to find a reputable snuba diving company in the area.

Benefits of Snuba

Snuba diving allows you the opportunity to get in the water right away, without hours of training and certification required. The dives are deeper than many snorkeling adventures, allowing divers to see ocean life they may not be able to enjoy through a snorkeling trip. Kids in particular seem to enjoy snuba diving because it gives them a good taste of what scuba is like in a completely safe and exhilarating environment.

Where to Find Snuba Adventures

If snuba diving sounds like the perfect Hawaiian adventure for you, you can find charters that take passengers out for Maui snuba excursions just about anywhere on the island. Many charters depart from Maalaea Harbor, heading to destinations like Molokini Crater and Turtle Town. Charters may also provide equipment for snorkeling and scuba diving as well as snuba.

If you want to witness ocean life firsthand without hours of training, snuba diving is the perfect option. This activity has become popular enough to provide a variety of trips daily, so you can visit the precise offshore location of your choice. Snuba offers an exciting underwater adventure for Maui visitors of all ages, and is the perfect way to get in some safe and serious underwater viewing enjoyment.

In a tropical paradise like Maui, what happens under the water is just as significant as what happens on land. This island offers a wealth of diving opportunities, but there are other underwater Maui activities available as well. Whether you are an experienced diver or someone brand new to underwater adventures, Maui has something to offer you. Check out these activity options to help you plan the perfect holiday in paradise.

Scuba Diving

Maui offers some of the best scuba diving opportunities in the world, with dives available for every skill level and preference. Some of the best diving spots off the Maui coast include:

• Honalua Bay – Fully equipped with a black sand beach for sunbathing and a breathtaking reef, Honalua Bay offers some fabulous diving. Visitors can enjoy a wealth of sea life in this conservation area, including an abundance of sea turtles.
• Black Rock Beach – With easy entry and exit points, this diving spot attracts experienced divers and newbies alike. The type of sea life found at Black Rock makes this beach a popular destination for night dives.
• Marriot Reef – Many divers come to Marriot Reef for the views, plain and simple. From breathtaking coral gardens to a huge variety of sea creatures, Marriot Reef offers fantastic diving, day or night.
• Molokini Crater – This underwater volcano provides some of the best diving in the world, with the basin of the crater filled to the brim with shallow waters and ocean life of all kinds. Depending on where you dive on Molokini Crater, this area is good for divers of all experience levels.

While Hawaii is known for some of the best scuba diving across the globe, those who are not ready to put in the time and effort for scuba certification can also find ways to enjoy an underwater adventure in Hawaii.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling offers access to an underwater oasis without the need for heavy equipment or a huge amount of experience. Maui provides plenty of fabulous snorkeling opportunities; many of which are found in the same areas where scuba diving takes place. In fact, Molokini Crater, which is accessible by a 30-minute boat ride, is just as popular for snorkelers as it is for divers. If you are on a family vacation, snorkeling allows your entire clan to partake in an underwater adventure together.

Snuba Diving

This hybrid of scuba diving and snorkeling allows you to go a little deeper under the surface of the water than snorkeling for even more sea life viewing opportunities. However, the activity does not require a particular amount of training hours and certification like scuba diving does, so you can enjoy a snuba adventure almost anytime. Snuba is also appropriate for children over the age of eight, so it is another underwater activity the whole family can enjoy.

Whether you are a scuba guru or simply want to get your face wet, there are plenty of water adventures in Maui. The right activity is the one that makes comfortable enough to enjoy, with just enough adrenaline rush to make the adventure worthwhile.

If you are planning a trip to Maui, Molokini Crater is a must see for your Hawaiian adventure. This underwater volcano offers a wealth of water fun, from scuba diving and snorkeling to a champagne cruise through the crater to enjoy one of the island’s spectacular sunsets. Molokini Crater may not look like much from the air, but below the surface, this crater is teeming with a variety of sea life and some of the most breathtaking underwater scenery Hawaii has to offer. We’ve got the best of Molokini Crater to help you plan your trip accordingly.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Options

Molokini Crater is best known for some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities in the world. The crater is actually a marine life park, offering a huge array of tropical fish as well as larger, more unusual sea life species. This area is sectioned off into a number of locations, so you can choose your dives based on your level of experience and the sea life you hope to spot during your trip. Some of the Molokini dive spots include:

• Reef’s End – Offers options for both beginning and advanced divers with sharks, eels and Cauliflower coral taking up residency here
• Tako Flats – A lovely sampling of coral heads and manta rays, and if you are really lucky, you might discover one of the shy octopus that lives in the area as well
• Middle Reef – If vibrant tropical fish are your passion, Middle Reef will not disappoint
• Shark Condos – You may have already guessed that shark are the daily fare in this popular dive location, but you can also find boar fish and lobster here
• The Back Side – This area is only accessible to experienced divers, who enjoy sightings of sharks, dolphins and manta rays

Many who travel to Maui think of Molokini Crater as strictly some of the best diving they will ever experience. however, there are a number of other activities that can be enjoyed in Molokini as well.

Cruises and Whale Watching

For those who like to keep their heads above water, Molokini Crater offers a number of fun and exciting activities. Those who want to enjoy the beauty of the region in high style will enjoy one of the many cruises that set sail to this crater every day. You can find a sunset dinner cruise on a luxury yacht or take part in a family Molokini snorkel cruise that allows you some water play as well as some fabulous cuisine and views. For those who enjoy seeing the marine life without donning a wet suit, whale watching is a popular activity around Molokini Crater between the months of December and April.

Molokini Crater is definitely a Maui hot spot that you don’t want to miss on your Hawaiian vacation. Whether you choose to get up close and personal with a variety of sharks on a dive, or enjoy the view from the deck of a luxury yacht, Molokini has something to offer every tourist that visits the island of Maui.

Divers who visit Hawaii usually have two main goals in mind; to swim with the sharks and do plenty of sea turtle viewing. If you are in this category, Turtle Town is a must see stop on your island diving adventure. Turtle Town, as the name suggests, is one of the best turtle viewing locations on Maui. Check out this information about Turtle Town to help you plan the perfect visit to this diving hot spot.

Where Exactly is Turtle Town?

This question has plagued many Maui tourists, because the truth is that there is not a single, precise location dubbed Turtle Town by the natives. In fact, turtles can be viewed at many locations throughout Hawaii, but some locations are considered better than others because the turtles tend to congregate in mass at these places. Most people who talk about Turtle Town are actually referring to Maluaka Beach, a stretch of coastline between Nahuna Point and Black Sand Beach. The reason the Maluaka has this notorious distinction is that in addition to awesome turtle sightings, the beach also provides some of the best snorkeling opportunities on Maui.

The funny thing about Maluaka Beach is that it is much less famous than its Turtle Town nemesis. In fact, most tourists drive right by the entrance of Maluaka Beach without realizing it is there! A little island secret? Not really, but it is kind of fun to know about an out-of-the-way spot that is primarily visited by island natives. Plus, the density of sea turtles in the region make this quiet strip of beach worth every minute of your visit. The calm water is protected from trade winds by large mountains nearby, making this a perfect choice for boating, swimming and other water activities.

About the Sea Turtle

Hawaiian Green Sea turtles are curious creatures that were declared an endangered species in 1978. Prior to this time, sea turtles were actively hunted for their skins, shells and meat until they reached dangerously low numbers. Thanks to their federal protection, there are many more sea turtles to see and enjoy off the Hawaiian coastline today. One of the best features of these creatures is that they are just as comfortable in shallow waters as they are in deeper ocean depths. This means you can get just as good a view of sea turtles in Turtle Town from swimming or snorkeling as you do from diving.

Other Turtle Town Attractions

Another big draw to Turtle Town is the abundance of other sea life like tropical fish, eels, crustaceans and octopi that you might find in the area. For those who want to dive, Turtle Town has as much, if not more, to offer in its deeper waters with a huge variety of sea critters for your viewing pleasure. The beach also provides restrooms and parking, and is rarely overly crowded. Morning is the best time to go, to ensure a parking spot and enjoy the most favorable waters in the area.

Turtle Town is a sight not to miss on your Hawaiian adventure. Whether you want to indulge in your fill of turtle viewing or simply enjoy calm waters for your water fun, Maluaka Beach, aka Turtle Town, is the place to go.

When one is planning a trip to Maui, the first activity to come to mind is often scuba diving or snorkeling. However, there are a host of other Maui ocean activities available off the coast of this picturesque island as well. We have a few fun-filled water adventures that are sure to appeal to everyone in your travel group, big or small.

Submarine Rides

If you want to enjoy the delights of the ocean depths without getting wet, a submarine ride is the perfect choice. This vessel takes you more than 100 feet under the surface of the water in air-conditioned comfort. Enjoy schools of brightly colored tropical fish and breathtaking coral gardens. If you are lucky, a moray eel, sea turtle or shark may swim by. For those who cannot stomach the idea of being shut in a vessel so far under the ocean’s surface, glass bottom boat rides offer a similar experience with less claustrophobia to grapple with.

Wind Surfing

Wind surfing is available for all skill and experience levels, whether you want to try your hand at the sport for the first time off Kanaha Beach Park or compete with the big boys at Ho’okipa Bay. Many shops provide equipment rentals, as well as advice about the conditions. For those who don’t have the nerve to head out onto the water themselves, there are plenty of professionals practicing their moves that you can enjoy from the comfort and safety of the beach.

Kayaking

Kayaking offers a totally different Hawaiian adventure, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of Hawaii’s crystal clear waters without crowds of tourists to hinder you. Find kayak tours the provide some of the best views of the humpbacks or spend a day kayaking to Turtle Town where you can enjoy some of the best snorkeling in Maui. Kayaking is also available for all skill and experience levels, so you can find a tour that fits your specific needs best.

Jet Skiing

For sheer exhilaration and fun, jet skiing cannot be beat. Companies who rent these vehicles usually provide ample training and supervision to ensure safety. Even families can head out for a day of jet skiing, since nearly everyone is eligible to ride. Reservations are available by the hour, so you can customize your jet ski adventure to your time constraints if necessary. to ensure you use a reputable company for your jet ski rental, talk to your hotel, tour guide or cruise ship operator about recommendations.

Sunset Dinner Cruise

For some Maui tourists, vacation is all about relaxing and getting pampered. A sunset dinner cruise provide both, with fine cuisine, plenty of tropical beverages and scenery that you will not soon forget. Some dinner cruises provide a meal while others offer appetizers and drinks. With a huge variety available, you can easily find a sunset cruise that meets your specifications and budget.

Finding water activities in Maui isn’t difficult, but choosing a handful from the multitude available can be nearly impossible. Whether you want a ride that is exhilarating, relaxing or educational, Maui has the water tour you are looking for.

Maui ranks tops in the world for scuba diving, with an abundance of diving locations and sea life abounding. Depending on where you choose to go, you can customize your diving experience to your skill level and the scenery you want to enjoy. An entire world awaits in the depths of the crystal blue waters that are home to many creatures you have only seen behind glass before. Get ready for a change of perspective as you greet underwater life forms on their level, with a front row seat to survival at its best.

Molokini Crater

Your Hawaiian adventure begins with a brief, comfortable boat ride to the location of your choice. One of the most popular diving spots is Molokini Crater, where sea life runs rampant even in water shallow enough for snorkelers and beginning divers. For more advanced divers, deeper depths mean encounters with sharks, manta rays, and even an elusive octopus! The crater is vibrant and colorful, with tropical species that are sure to make your visit memorable.

Southern Diving

The southern side of Maui is another hot spot for diving, whether you are interested in underwater photography or history nestled within the ocean depths. A WWII Hellcat sits at the bottom of the ocean off the coast of Kihei; a popular sight for underwater history buffs. The southern waters also boast a rich sea life, including sharks, turtles, and some breathtaking coral. Five Caves is particularly popular for scuba diving and snorkeling, with amazing eels, fish, and turtles to see and amenities onshore.

Diving in the West

On the west side of the island, there are some excellent opportunities for shore diving. In addition to the fabulous sea life in the water, some lucky divers may see a Monk seal or two napping on the beaches, especially in Napili Bay. The coral gardens along this shore are also well worth the trip to the west side. Marriot Reef provides easy access from the beach and unbelievable scenery at depths of just 35 feet.

Nighttime Mysteries

We can’t talk about scuba diving in Maui without mentioning opportunities available for night dives. When the rest of the islands are sleeping, the underwater world comes alive with nocturnal creatures. Eels venture out to hunt for food and other night critters come out of hiding to socialize. Imagine watching a breathtaking Hawaiian sunset on the beach before slipping into the depths of the underwater world for some amazing views below. It is no wonder these nighttime dives fill up fast; book yours early to get a spot.

Maui scuba diving is a truly unforgettable experience, from the gorgeous black and white sand beaches, to the majestic coral sculptures and sea life that abounds along the ocean floor. Whether you dive from the shore or take a boat to a pristine location, you are sure to love your Hawaiian scuba diving experience.

There is plenty to see in Maui, between the pristine beaches and scuba and snorkeling opportunities. Why take a day off for whale watching? You may think you can experience Maui from the beach, or underwater, but there is nothing like setting sail near a pod of humpback whales. If you come to Maui during the peak whale watching season, this is definitely not an activity you want to miss.

Peak Season

Whale watching peaks in Maui between November and May, during their migration period. These gigantic creatures travel 1,000 miles a month without stopping, going about three to nine miles per hour. Mother whales travel with their calves, while other whales head to Maui County to give birth or mate. Although humans have never actually seen a humpback whale give birth, we have plenty of opportunity to enjoy young whales off the coast of Maui, learning to breach and play in the water while remaining close to their mothers during their first year of life.

Humpback whales are not quiet creatures; each group has a song to sing to the world. Every group of whales has its own song, and the song changes from year to year. Maui whale watching tours often provide hydrophones that allow the crowd onboard to hear the special music through loudspeakers. This amazing, haunting tune is one not to miss, so make sure the tour you choose includes this option in your package.

Whale “Muggings”

Because humpback whales are categorized as an endangered species, special laws have been made to protect them. One law prohibits any approach to a whale of less than 100 feet. However, these wild animals do not have to follow the same rules and they can – and do, on occasion – approach a boat at will. The really cool part of a “whale mugging” is that the boat cannot move until the whale moves on to different waters. You may be on your boat for some time, watching a whale swim alongside and entertain you with his many antics.

During the peak migration season, whales travel in pods, a grouping of a number of whales that will stay together for a few days before loosely breaking apart again. This means that your whale watching tour in Maui may be an opportunity to see a multitude of whales in a single location. If the males in the bunch are particularly interested in a certain female, you may get the pleasure of watching them do their best to get her attention. In some cases, this may even include breaching, which is when the whale launches himself ¾ of the way out of the water for a spectacular view and a loud crash as he dives back under.

Whale watching is an absolute must if you visit Maui during the peak migration season. These majestic creatures take on a whole new persona in the wild as you watch them enjoy their natural habitat unhindered.