Aside from the golf on the Arnold Palmer designed course and the weather, the big attraction is the beach which is absolutely fantastic. It is large enough that you will rarely be crowded but at the same time it is small enough that you won’t have a lot of people walking over you looking for shells. The beach is about 20-30 yards deep and the waves rolling up to it are just right for playing in – not so aggressive that they knock you over but not so meek that you feel like you are on a lake in the Midwest.

A special attraction of the beach is that it offers wonderful snorkeling on both ends. The beach is guarded on both ends with small peninsulas of rock and this offers the underwater wildlife a great venue for living.

HINT: stop at a local grocery store and buy some frozen peas or frozen corn, take this out in the water with you when you snorkel and throw a few handfuls around yourself. You will instantly be the best friend of several hundred fish as they swarm around you.

If you don’t like laying on the sand of the beach but still want to enjoy the Hawaiian sun, the peninsula behind the main hotel is very large and covered with a lush, well maintained lawn that is quite enjoyable to lay on or toss a ball/frisbee.

The hotel has very nice rooms that will not remind you of the typical business hotel on the mainland. The furnishing is first class and the staff is very helpful. The on-site restaurants will satisfy even the most discriminating palate.

If you prefer to stay in “your own place” then you will likely enjoy a condo on the grounds. Most of the condos will sit alongside the world class golf course and there are few things that are more relaxing and enjoyable than getting up early, sitting on your lanai, drinking your morning coffee while you watch the birds wake up. Please don’t grab that morning paper to take out on the lanai and read about the troubles of the world – after all you are in paradise. Let someone else worry about the troubles of the world for a day or two.

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The typical excursion will take you by boat from one of the various docks on the island. You will then jump or crawl into the water where you will see the beautiful underwater world. Unless the weather is stormy and you will see hundreds (thousands?) of beautiful fish feeding on the corral and each other. Since it is saltwater, you should have no problems keeping afloat however some boats and excursions may still require you to wear some type of floatation system.

Molokini is volcano that didn’t quite make it all the way out of the water. Half of the crater wall has collapsed and has created a fantastic sanctuary for underwater wildlife. The ride to Molokini will probably offer fruit and breads in the morning and may offer alcohol on your return trip, especially in the afternoon.  Since the operators of these excursions vary, I am not going to make a recommendation on individual operators, you should check with your concierge or the front desk at your hotel. Many of the excursions will provide complimentary snorkel gear or you can bring your own. There really is no reason not to enjoy this recreational activity.

Many of the excursions will include another stop other than Molokini. There are many great snorkel locations that are available by boat and these may be just as good at Molokini. Some of these other locations can be even more exhilarating than Molokini, so look for a multi-stop adventure when you are shopping.

It is possible that you will be able to swim with Sea Turtles when you are on this outing. If you do, be careful not to touch or pester these beautiful creatures. You should just swim along side of them and enjoy their company.

During your boat ride you will be able to visit with your friends and newly found friends but keep a close eye on the surrounding waters. In the winter time, you may be able to watch a whale breach very close to you. Also, any time of the year, dolphins may decide to swim along with you. These sightings cannot be planned but they can make the trip that much more memorable!

This excursion could be the highlight of your trip to Maui. Even if you are not a great swimmer, put on a life jacket and go enjoy it. The life jacket will keep you safe and the views and memories will be held for a lifetime.

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