If you can dream it, you can find and experience it on the exotic and fun-filled island destination, Maui. Lush hiking trails in the wooded highlands or along the lower edges of the waterfalls will wrap you in the sweet perfume of red ginger and plumeria. Your eyes will be dazzled by the verdant greens, yellows, bright oranges, and reds; colors you cant reproduce on a printed page or even online. You just have to experience it! Whats your pleasure? Surfing, hang gliding, fishing, jet skiing, scuba diving, golf, whale watching, a swim in the ocean or in the clear waterfall pools? The activities on Maui fit every personality, budget and adventure level.

Cruises, for dinner, sailing, snorkeling tours, or whale watching are the most popular activities people pay for on the island. With good reason too. The clear, placid waters surrounding Maui are unparalleled across the globe.

Haleakala

Did you know the entire island of Manhattan could easily fit inside the crater of Holeakala? Not that were shipping it there, but what a perspective! For centuries, the three a.m. ascent, in anticipation of the sunrise, to the top of the Holeakala volcano has topped the list of Maui activities as a must-do for visitors from around the world. Mark Twain called it the sublimest spectacle I have witnessed. (Be sure to call 808-877-5111 for a weather report before you get on your way.)

The islands best camping is found at the Haleakala National Park. With a three-night maximum, you might mix it up with stays at one or more of the posh resorts on Mauis beaches. Since 1946, the Hotel Hana Maui has retained its reputation as an exclusive hideaway. It is walking distance to Kaihalulu, the only volcanic red-sand beach in the pacific.

Snorkeling on Mauis Coasts

If you love to snorkel, and are traveling with a scuba diving friend, Maui offers great experiences you can do together. Snorkeling cruises include dive locations where you can snorkel at the waters surface, paddling gently with your fins, and be surrounded by colorful fish, coral, and marine life, as you observe the divers exploring the sea below.

Some of the best snorkeling destinations on Maui are located right in front of a beautiful hotel. When thats the case, the hotel may cooperate with a dive shop to provide equipment and local snorkeling guides. Three of these destinations are Kapalua Beach, in front of the Kapalua Bay Hotel, Napili Bay Beach and Wailea Beach, which fronts the Four Seasons. The snorkeling is particularly good in the clear waters near the lava rocks that form the bays at Wailea and Kapalua,. Also, well loved for snorkeling adventures, are the Mokapu and Ulna beaches in Wailea.

The Hard-to Find Snorkeling Destinations

Black Rock at Kaanapali beach is considered by the locals to be the best snorkeling spot on the island. West Maui, a well-loved protected marine-life conservation district; is another dont-miss-it destination for avid Maui snorkelers. Another not-so-well-known location is the spot at Olowalu near mile marker 14; it offers a snorkeling experience you wont forget. But the best-kept secret might be the snorkeling destination at Ahihi Kinau Natural Preserve. Ahihi Bay is difficult to reach, but well worth the trouble. This 2000acre state natural reserve is a rich panorama of color and marine life.

I keep reading that the days of travel for travel sake are over. Adventure travel is what were all looking for now. We want to go and experience first-hand the landscape and terrain of our travel destination. Maybe its because were all working so hard, spending long hours in gray office buildings, staring at computer screens and print-outs; some of us not even getting out to explore our local beauty. So when we think vacation now, we think of extreme opportunities for fun and adventure. Well, the activities and opportunities for snorkeling adventures on Maui will not disappoint you. Happy traveling my friend.