RESERVATIONSEven though Maui has so much to offer for both residents and visitors, the water is one of the main reasons to visit. It is well known for its beautiful beaches and surf. But don’t feel limited to wading in the water and sunbathing as there are plenty of water excursion adventures that are suitable for nearly everyone – couples, families, and children.
Fishing
Most people don’t think about fishing when they come to Maui unless it’s something they really enjoy. Lucky for you, Maui’s “fishing season” is all year long. While there are some available fishing spots around Maui, getting on a boat means you can fish in deeper ocean waters for “big game fish” such as Striped and Blue Marlins, Ono, Ahi, and Mahi Mahi.
Depending on the time of year, a deep-sea fishing excursion off the coast of Maui can net fish of over 1,000 pounds. Unfortunately, you can’t keep the monster fish—you can only take a picture. The charter boats sell the biggest catches, although you may get to take home some steaks from the smaller ones.
If deep-sea fishing isn’t for you, “bottom-fishing” is a little closer to shore. The boat stopped in water just 60 to 180 feet deep, in and around areas where the fish hang out. Amberjacks, Gray and Blueline Snappers, Papio, and even the Barracuda are all plentiful. You probably won’t catch the really big fish, but there is plenty of smaller fish available—and you can keep them to cook for dinner that night.
Sailing And Cruises
Whether you’re anxious to get into the water and snorkel early in the morning or prefer a cocktail or dinner cruise at sunset, you have multiple ways to enjoy Maui’s ocean areas in a charter boat.
These excursions last anywhere from one hour to four hours, and sometimes longer. Depending on what you’ll be enjoying, meals/snacks, and equipment are usually included in the price (ask to be sure.) You can even enjoy a luau cruise, complete with deliciously prepared Hawaiian foods. And of course, at the right time of year, whale watching trips.
Before reserving your trip, make sure that it’s one in which everyone in your party can participate. Some boats may have limitations on wheelchairs and strollers, as well as minimum and maximum participants for each excursion.
Submarine Tours
Want to see Maui’s underwater world, but don’t snorkel or scuba? The answer is taking a submarine tour.
You’ll see fish, natural coral reefs, and Maui’s colorful marine life right up close from the comfort of a water vessel that goes where you can see everything. These are air-conditioned, comfortable vessels with a wide range of views (unlike military subs.)
One of the attractions around Lahaina Harbor is the sunken ship Carthaginian, now an artificial reef. This former “floating museum” was a replica whaling ship at the harbor’s entrance for many decades. When the maintenance costs became burdensome, the ship was then sunk, allowing it to turn into a reef to attract wildlife. The plan worked, and the ship is now visible on submarine tours.
Whale Watching
Humpback whales live in the cool waters off the coast of Alaska during the summer months. During winter, they travel 3,000 miles south to the warmer waters around Hawaii where they mate, calve, and nurse their offspring. The waters are warmer, and there are no natural predators to bother them.
From December through mid-April, you can see these magnificent creatures all around Maui. You’ll take a boat out with a tour guide, and wait and watch. The best times to see them are from mid-January through March, early in the morning or in the evenings before sunset. However, daylight hours, from 11 am to 3 pm, offer the most sunlight for viewing.
For those not interested in taking a boat out, you can still see them from the shore at the scenic McGregor Point lookout west of Maalaea) as well as on the beaches of Kaanapali, Kihei, and Wailea. Submarine whale-watching adventures are also available during the season.
Make Hana Kai Maui Part Of Your Maui Experience
Maui’s wide range of water excursions give you a lot to choose from when you’re visiting Maui., Hana Kai Maui’s comfortably designed beachfront condos on Waikaloa Beach are a quiet, relaxing stay while on the island of Maui. Hana Kai Maui is both a journey and a destination for a night, a weekend, or longer. If you’re bringing home fish, you can cook it in the condo’s kitchen.
Call to book your next reservations at 1-800-346-2772, or book directly online. We’re open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Hawaii time to answer all of your questions.
