Frommer's Hawaii 2024 by Jeanne Cooper

Author:Jeanne Cooper
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: FrommerMedia
Published: 2023-11-15T00:00:00+00:00

Hawaiian green sea turtles.

Honolua Bay NATURAL ATTRACTION The snorkeling in this wide, secluded bay is worth the drive out to West Maui’s far corner. Spectacular coral formations glitter beneath the surface. Turtles, rays, and a variety of snappers and goatfish cruise along beside you. In the crevices are eels, lobster, and rainbow-hued fish. Dolphins sometimes come here to rest. Follow Honoapiilani Highway past Kapalua to mile marker 32. Follow the path through the dense forest to the sea. Tip: Don’t leave valuables in your car; break-ins have happened in this remote area.

Molokini NATURAL ATTRACTION A sunken crater that sits like a crescent moon fallen from the sky, almost midway between Maui and the uninhabited island of Kahoolawe, Molokini stands like a scoop against the tide. This offshore site is very popular, thanks to astounding visibility (you can often peer down 100 ft.) and an abundance of marine life, from manta rays to clouds of yellow butterflyfish. On its concave side, Molokini serves as a natural sanctuary and preserve for tropical fish. Molokini is accessible only by boat, and snorkelers commute here daily in a fleet of dive boats. See “Boating,” p. 333, and “Ocean Rafting,” p. 336, for outfitters that can take you here. Expect crowds in high season.

Sport Fishing

The best way to reserve a sport-fishing charter is through the experts; the top booking desk in the state is Sportfish Hawaii (www.sportfishhawaii.com; 877/388-1376 or 808/295-8355), which books boats on all the islands. These fishing vessels have been inspected and must meet rigorous criteria to guarantee that you’ll have a great time. Prices start at $1,600 for a full-day exclusive charter (meaning you, plus five friends, get the entire boat to yourself); it’s $1,375 for a half-day exclusive. Bottom-fishing trips for delicious snappers run $178.45 per adult; you’ll share the boat with up to 10 other anglers and 4 riders.

Stand-up Paddling (SUP) & Surfing

If you want to learn to surf, the best beginners’ spots are Charley Young Cove in Kihei (the far north end of Kalama Beach Park), the break in front of 505 Front St. in Lahaina, and several breaks along Honoapiilani Highway, including Ukumehame Beach Park, about 3 miles south of Olowalu. The first two are the most convenient, with surf schools nearby. The breaks along Honoapiilani Highway tend to be longer, wider, and less crowded—perfect if you’re ready to go solo.

In summer, gentle swells roll in long and slow along the South Shore. It’s the best time to practice your stance on a longboard. In winter, the North Shore becomes the playground for adrenaline junkies who drop in on thundering waves 30 feet tall and higher. If you want to watch, head to Hookipa Beach or Honolua Bay, and view the action from a cliff above.

Stand-up paddling (SUP) is one of Hawaii’s oldest and newest ocean sports. Practiced by ancient Hawaiian kings, it’s now back in fashion. You can SUP just about anywhere you can surf—and more, since you don’t need a swell to get going, just a wide board and paddle, strong arms, and some balance.

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