I have been asked on several occasions about recommendation when visiting Maui, Hawaii.  So, after writing this down several times, I  thought I would put it in one location.

 Snorkeling and Snuba diving

·          There is nothing like the weightless feeling of the warm salt water snorkeling offers.

·          Definitely take the Four Winds II catamaran to Molokini.  It is a much shorter route than leaving from Lahina.  The pier is also closer to the South end of the island.  I prefer The Four Winds II boat captain, Brennan.  Tell him the Searay guy from Bellevue referred you :-).  The company is Maui Classic Charters (http://goo.mauicharters.com/).

·          I prefer to take the morning cruise as the trade winds pick up in the afternoon.

·          Do I need a scuba certification to Snuba? 

·          No.  On one visit, my then, 9 year old daughter, went snuba diving (http://www.snuba.com/about_snuba.asp) twice, so it is safe.  Just make sure you clear you ears with every variation of ~5 feet up or down.  They give you extensive training on the ride over.  You'll also have plenty of time to snorkel, eat, etc.. After the dive.

·          Molokini (http://www.mauicharters.com/new_site/fourwinds_gallery/thumbnails/01molokini.jpg) is a top dive site.  With up to 150 feet of visibility 360 days a year (http://www.hawaiiweb.com/maui/html/sites/molokini.html), this protected snorkeling and diving site is like swimming in an aquarium! 

·          If your like me and the movie Jaws changed your comfort zone in the water, you will enjoy the protected feeling of the crater.

·          Definitely get a weekly rate on snorkel gear from Maui Dive Shop.  Snorkel bob's seems a lot cheaper but once you get the better quality gear and child specific quality gear, they are on par with price.  Maui dive is also open almost all the time and located all over the place, so returning your equipment is much easier. I once returned our gear on the way to catch a red eye out.  Make sure to get a fish guide and defogger with your snorkel gear.  They throw this in for free.  Don't skimp on the quality of gear.  Don't buy defogger, it's mild dish soap and water.  Or, you can also use saliva ;-)

·          A must for sorkeling is black rock up in Kaanapali (http://www.hawaiiweb.com/maui/beaches/BlackRock.htm).  A sea turtle came up in front of my daughters viewing board while we were floating on the surface.  To this day, she tells people she rode a sea turtle.  Not exactly what I wanted to hear come out of her mouth when we were talking to the whale and turtle environmental people.

·          Park in the hotel parking garage.  Bring cash.  A secret I discovered (Don't tell anyone), is that you can also rent a cabana or umbrella and eat/drink at the resort (outside) even if you are not staying at the resort.

 Where to stay

·          I prefer the South end as the weather tends to be a little better.  I prefer the Kihei area.  There is also a good natural foods grocery store (http://www.greenpeople.org/searchResults.cfm?memid=3104) in Kihei, so if you like PCC or whole foods, you'll like this place.  It's on the main road.  In fact, that's the great part about Kihei - everything is off the main road (see my restaurant recommendation).

·          We prefer to stay in a condo since you get a kitchen.  My wife pack dry goods in a separate suite case to save money. 

·          We once stayed in Kaanapali that was a condo, but also provided a maid service, had a daily dance and rum punch activities, 2 pools, and great snorkeling.

·          Make sure to check if your room is "on a beach", that is actually a beach you can easily access and swim on.  Many places have reeds and sharp rocks.

Haleakala Volcano - Sunrise Crater

·          Biking down the mountain to the sea is a cool experience, but getting up at the crack of dawn is tough.

·          Don't make the mistake I made.  Make sure to tuck in the plastic pants  (it is cold in the morning and sometimes wet) they give you into your socks or use rubber bands.  The drag this creates is amazing.  You shouldn't have to pedal the entire ride.  If you find yourself peddling to keep up, you know something is wrong.  I was totally worn out as everyone else coasted along.

 Luau

• The Royal Lahaina Luau is the best, but you must register months in advance.  The Wahalea (just south of Kihei) Luau is a good alternative.  Make sure you choose the Luau with the experienced fire dancer and free drinks (mmmm Rum Punch).  Be sure to arrive early as it is first come first serve and you can choose a table near the stage.  And if your lucky you can see the sea turtles gathering just before sun down.  The sunset is amazing.
• If you’re a carnivore like me, make sure to have the beef at the Luau.  Sure, the roast pig from the pit is good, but the beef is even better!  And the Hawaiian bread is a must.

Lahaina

·          A great place to shop and see one of the biggest/oldest banyan trees in the world (http://gohawaii.about.com/cs/photogalleries/l/bllahaina9.htm). 

·          Park South of the Banyan tree, everyone else parks North.

·          My daughter also took surf lessons (she was 9 at the time), which is a blast since the instructor can stand out in the surf, the waves are consistently small, and you can watch from the pier. 

·          If you go on the weekend, there will also be outdoor vendors selling cool trinkets and art under the tree.

 Dinning

•  Big Wave café. http://www.mauiweekly.com/restaurants/index.php. Early bird special before 6pm means you get one free dinner.  The food is unbelievable and priced reasonably even if you miss the early bird special.
• I also prefer the Luau food to pretty much any other restaurant.

Mahalo (Definition, Boat),

JackG