Snorkeling in Maui

Pansy-Paws · #1 01-22-2006, 04:25 AM

Thought I'd share some photos of our snorkeling adventures in Maui over Christmas and New Year's.

These were taken at a secluded cove north of La Perouse Bay. It's in a Natural Reserve Area called Ahihi-Kinau, so the fish were very relaxed, and didn't perceive snorkelers as predators. Getting there required a 45 minute walk across a rough lava field, but it was worth it.

More to come ...

Pansy-Paws · #2 01-22-2006, 04:27 AM

Pansy-Paws · #3 01-22-2006, 04:29 AM

Pansy-Paws · #4 01-22-2006, 04:33 AM

And here's my favourite ... only 4 raccoons are shown in the picture ... but they were part of a school of eight, each of them 10 inches in size ... gorgeous

In general, most of the fish in the photos were in the 6-12 inch range.

Enjoy ...

doublette · #5 01-22-2006, 05:10 AM

Nice pictures, thanks for sharing! I can't wait till I get a chance to see this stuff for myself....one day!

Johnny Reefer · #6 01-22-2006, 05:17 AM

Great pics.
Glad you included the terrestrial shot 'cause it confirmed in my mind that I was at that exact same spot in '97.
At that time it was locally know as "The Aquarium", that's how good of a spot it is. (But it's hush hush and on the QT). (In other words, they don't broadcast it as a touristy spot like Molokini. I was dissappointed in Molokini. This quiet spot is 100x times better).
Intend to go back someday. I hope my notes to find the trail haven't become outdated.

Cheers,

Delphinus · #7 01-22-2006, 05:21 AM

Sweet stuff. Thanks for the pics!

Pansy-Paws · #8 01-22-2006, 06:02 AM

Just looking at the pictures again brings back great memories ...

We found out about the place in a book called "Snorkel Maui and Lana'i", so it's not so hush-hush anymore.

However, the book has lots of warnings about the rough trail there ... wear runners, bring water, have a hat, have sunglasses, no facilities at the other end, blah, blah, blah ... so we only saw dedicated snorkelers.

There are so many other snorkeling spots in Maui that are right off the beach (or those much hyped boat trips), that I'm sure this spot will be safe. Just too much effort for most folks.

My wife and I enjoyed it so much that we went back for a second day. The most impressive fish we saw was a 30 inch parrot fish (quite a beak on that one). When it rasped the rock to get at the algae we could hear the noise very clearly underwater.

Wouldn't want to get in its way !!

Cap'n · #9 01-22-2006, 06:10 AM

We went snorkeling for our honeymoon in Oahu a couple years ago. These pictures bring back great memories and help confirm that our next trip to Hawaii will be to Maui.

OCDP · #10 01-22-2006, 08:07 PM

ahh, memories.. I was in Maui last year at Christmas and New years myself... brings back excellent memories. I can't wait to go back.. thanks for sharing the pictures