Molokini Snorkel Trip

Today we sailed out to Molokini with Paragon Sailing.  You arrive to the marina, sign in and are instantly served breakfast on the boat.  There were only 20 passengers, which was perfect.  We met a couple from New Zealand and two families from Portland!  We then begin to motor out of the harbor.  After a bit, the crew puts up the sails and we began to sail to Molokini.  We arrived at Molokini shortly after 9 a.m.  We all went right into the water.  The girls were not afraid at all.  There were fish everywhere--every shape, size and color.  I wish I had an underwater camera!

After about an hour, we got back on the boat (I was the last person on--I wanted to stay out there forever!).  We were then served lunch and sailed back.  The waters were much rougher going back because the trade winds came in.  Both girls were allowed to captain the ship and steer the wheel.  Carli had great fun with that.  We got wet from the water crashing onto the boat.

It was great fun.  We will definitely do it again on another trip to Maui.  Paragon was great.  I had read about some sailing outfits that constantly try to upsell you during your sail but not Paragon.  Everything was included.  The crew was attentive and knowledgeable.  It really was awesome!

Carli steering the ship!

Pearl was fearless!

Eric steering the ship--it is amazing we arrived!

Camera shy in the beginning.

Favorites

We have mainly stayed in the south end of the island this trip (Wailea) and have found some beaches we love including Wailea, Polo, Mokapu and Ulua (my favorite for snorkeling).  We also enjoyed Kamole and Keawakapu in Kihei.  We saw awesome fireworks in Lahaina on 4th of July (but overall a bit too many tourists in this area).  We went to the west end today and visited Napili, Kapalua and Honolua Bay.  The beaches on the west end seem to be a bit windier and rougher, with the exception of Honolua Bay which is calm and shallow with the most amazing reef for snorkeling.

So far for food, the best place we have gone is MonkeyPod in Wailea.

Tomorrow we are taking a boat out to Molokini to snorkel.  I will update the blog when we come back from the trip.

Overall a wonderful trip full of beach, pool and family time!

More Pics from Maui

 We have managed to find some great beaches!  These pictures of from various days and locations.  For the most part we have gone to the many great beaches around Wailea.  Today we went to the west end and visited Napili, Kapalua, and Honolua Bay.

Napili Bay

Napili Bay

Napili Bay

D. T. Fleming Beach Park (Kapalua)

D. T.  Fleming Beach Park--a bit rough and windy

D. T. Fleming Beach Park

Pearl loving the water

Honolua Bay

Awesome snorkeling in Honolua Bay

Wailea Beach

Polo Beach

Carli was given a lei

Maui Update

Today we landed at Polo Beach.  Not only was it beautiful and gentle for the kids, but there was fantastic snorkeling.  We saw tons of colorful fish by the rocks and close-in (literally in standing water).  I don't have a water camera, so no pics of the fish.  Best day so far with the weather, too.

Sunset in Maui