Off to Maui later this week, wife and couple 19 year old boys. Snorkeling and surfing will probably interest the latter the most.
I assume local suppliers aren’t shy when it comes to rental rates for snorkeling equipment. Would purchasing snorkeling equipment here be less expensive than renting same for several days on Maui?
Any of you surfers have any recommendations for surfing/boogy boarding areas for a couple of boys not familiar with anything over 6-7’ surf?
Lastly, we’re staying in Kihei (So. Maui). It’s kinda out of the way. Boys can’t be insured on the rental car. Are there any transportation options available to them, maybe up to/back from Lahaina?
Thanks.
The surf on the southern shores is not high, maybe a few feet.
There is lots of competition in the snorkel-rental market, so prices can be low. The reason I’d get my own is quality. You can probably get a set (mini-fins, mask, snorkel) for $20-$25 on the mainland.
As for the actual snorkeling, there is better snorkeling south of Kihei than over Lahaina-way. All along the Wailea/Makena shoreline there are snorkel spots with public beach access. My favorite is Changs Beach (here).
I find Kihei centrally-located myself, but we drive. Getting to Lahaina by bus takes over two hours. It might be better to car pool and separate when you get there.
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Moved from GQ to IMHO.
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I think you’re better off buying your snorkelling stuff here. Head over to Sports Chalet or even Ocean Enterprises. For one thing, you can make sure you get a good fit on the mask. And you also don’t have to hassle with needing to return the stuff.
Can’t recommend any places to surf, but up toward Lahaina is a place called Olowalu that has awesome snorkelling. It is a bit of a swim out from shore, but well worth it.
Also, since they’re surfers, have them wear their rash guards while snorkelling for sun protection (I’ve gotten roasted out at Olowalu).
As for transportation, I’m afraid there’s pretty much nothing. You pretty much need a car on Maui. The boys would probably have to hire a taxi.