Planning a Maui vacation in the summer? As the rest of the country experiences record high temperatures, Maui remains pleasant at just around 80 degrees. Summer snorkeling around Maui is one of the absolute best ways to cool off and beat the heat. Our crystal-clear waters are relatively cool and refreshing. If you plan to escape the summer heatwave on the Mainland, Maui is always a great choice. Our speedy ocean rafts are super fun and the wind in your hair feels great.

Let us whisk you away to the island of Lanai, which is home to some of the world’s best snorkeling. Lanai is a sparsely-habited private island just a short trip from Lahaina harbor on Maui. The reefs and waters surrounding the island are nearly untouched and you won’t believe the lava formations that lie just below the surface! Read on to find 7 ways that you might be sabotaging your trip.

#1: ‘Mai Tai’ Mayhem

The beloved Mai Tai is a staple of any Luau worth its poi here on Maui. Only adding to the appeal of this tropical libation is the fact that this beauty is often complimentary, that’s right FREE! The combination of exotic drums, gently scented breezes, and aloha spirit make this cocktail a sweetly hidden threat. A “couple” of Mai Tai’s can easily become a “few to many”. Beware: this tropical sunset colored cocktail may leave you feeling a bit green aboard your early morning snorkeling tour. Keep an eye on early morning plans while planning your Maui vacation.

#2: Being ‘Landlocked’

Seriously there is nothing out there on the water that you can’t see more comfortably from shore. Whale spouts (breaths) can be spotted from shore while avoiding the stinky whale breath experienced by those up close.  If you are “lucky” enough to get out on a vessel with a hydrophone you won’t even be able to hear yourself talk over the “beautiful” whale songs piped through the onboard speakers.  For those that choose to book a seat on a whale watching adventure, here is a word of warning. The experience that many have on a small group tour that takes you right out to the majestic humpback whales can be a bit magical. Once you witness these gentle giants up close and personal, you may never be able to simply watch from your Lanai again.

#3: Being a ‘Culinary Coward’

Loco Moco, spam musubi, and shave ice, if they were so delicious, they would serve them on the mainland like McDonalds and Olive Garden. Don’t get sucked into all those roadside fruit stands and farmers markets either. Some of these places even try to push tropical smoothies on you. Does pineapple, Lili koi, and passionfruit even really sound good? Best to stick to the tried-and-true foods from home. Your Maui vacation isn’t the place to go to have any fun!

#4: ‘Hangin too Loose’

Most folks don’t see this one coming. For many the “aloha spirit” strikes directly upon arrival and sets one’s normal brain to “Maui Time”.  This particular syndrome affects folks in the most unforeseen ways.  Normally, you would see people jumping off of Kaanapali’s Black rock; you may snap a photo and discuss it over dinner.  Now that you are “hangin loose”, you may give a whoop and get in line. Such enthusiasm is great until you swim back to shore all exuberant and realize that your wallet and cell phone are still in your now soaked shorts. Sometimes this “no worries” feeling can manifest when you leave your purse with everything in it on top of your car and drive off into the sunset. Hey, you don’t need “stuff” in paradise.  Sure, security won’t let you anywhere near a plane without your I.D!

#5: Underprepared for Adventure

Make sure that you plan any strenuous/dangerous activities for the very beginning of your vacation. Scheduling your bike tour down Haleakala on the first day will ensure that any minor injury or soreness will plague you for the remainder of your trip. Also, sunblock is highly overrated. Sure, it may hurt to move or wear clothes, but how else do you plan to prove that you were on vacation. Just wing it! What kind of a “stick in the mud” books a whale watching tour in advance? Like it really matters that they often sell out quick during the high season (see #1 Landlocked).

#6: Feeling Overcrowded and Underwhelmed

Many folks prefer a smaller more “intimate” tour experience. How on earth are you going to be sure that you are in a “worthwhile” spot if there aren’t crowds of others there? Sure, you could look an attraction up on TripAdvisor or Yelp, but then you are only taking a bunch of other people’s word for it. The whole “online review racket” could be there just to throw you off the scent. Best to follow the tour buses and look for activities that really pack ‘em in. You may not be able to get an unobstructed view of anything, but you won’t be the only one.

#7: No Time for “Maui Magic”

Make sure to squeeze every last second of your vacation into a regimented schedule of activities and tours. So, what if you end up not having a moment left to watch the surprise monk seals basking on the beach, you have plans! Mai Tai by the pool, no time for that. Google it and make it at home! Some less experienced travelers may book a few highlight activities during their trip and leave a little free time for some Maui Magic, but where’s the fun in that?

(BONUS) #8: Legend of the “Lava Not Left Behind”

Take a picture. Bring home an Aloha shirt. Leave the lava rock behind. This particular mistake may not ruin your Maui vacation, but it may have the power to curse any future plans. Lava rocks arrive back on Maui by mail on a daily basis from tourists claiming to have had bad luck after taking the lava rocks home. You are now experts so don’t make this rookie mistake.

How You Can Make the Most of Your Maui Vacation

Summer snorkeling in Maui is just a step away and there is no better way to beat the heat. Check us out online or stop by our ‘office’ at slip 8 in Lahaina harbor. Book online and save an automatic 15%. We specialize in small group tours stepping far from the beaten path. Because our rafts are fast, we can spend less time travelling and more time snorkeling! See coral reefs, sea turtles, tropical fish, dolphins and more on this Eco snorkel adventure. Departing daily from Lahaina for intimate snorkeling and whale watching tours. Climb aboard our ocean rafts and spend the day snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the islands of Maui and Lana'i. We encounter the Spinner dolphins quite often on our excursions. We'll spend time interacting with them as they frolic in the water.

Skip the over-crowded snorkeling tours that can only take you to the well-known spots. Instead, opt for a Zodiac rafting adventure where we go to the hidden spots so you can snorkel Maui's pristine waters. Continental breakfast, snacks and cold drinks served throughout the day. Snorkel gear is provided. This trip will be the highlight of your vacation! We depart daily from slip #8 Lahaina Harbor. We also offer whale watching tours from December through April from Maui, Hawaii.