Just back from a great week in Maui. First time we ever went somewhere warm in the winter. The whole week was good from the hotel to the food to the activities.
Stayed at the Royal Lahaina which is fairly quiet. The staff and food were great, special thanks to Derrick at the Expedia office in the hotel for arranging everything for us. We didn’t rent a car and explore the island this time but stuck close and had some fun in the water.
First up was whale watching with the Lahaina Cruise Company. We got very lucky on this trip and had close contact with a group of whales that popped up on all sides of the boat. The crew this day was young, but knowledgeable. We had a great time.
The next day we went snorkeling at the Molokini crater with Captain Chris on the Alii Nui. We sailed part way to the crater and did some whale watching on the way. We had a good 2 hours in the crater with clear water and sunshine. After some lunch we did some more whale watching on the way home.
Wednesday we went whale watching with the Lahaina Cruise Company. This time we didn’t get as close as the first time but saw some good breaches. Different crew this time, not quite as good. Some young guys just want to hear themselves talk.
Thursday we went snorkeling again, but this time on Lanai. We went with the Pacific Whale Foundation this time and the location was better than Molokini IMHO. This isn’t my picture but I was this close to a sea turtle anyway. He was in about 45 feet of water and I met him about half way when he was coming up for air.
Not only that but we ran into some Spinner Dolphins and more whales on the way back.