Hello and Happy Labor Day weekend!
Today I am going to tell you about a fabulous Catamaran call the Trilogy. The company was recommended by a friend who goes to the Hawaiian Islands every year and has taken their snorkeling trip to the Molokini Crater. I'll just tell you up front here -- it was a magnificent day of sailing!
We had to get up at the crack of dawn to drive to the small boat harbor where the Trilogy docks. We still had our rental car from the day before, we were off the boat at 6:30 am to give ourselves plenty of time to get lost! We were to board by 7 am and take off by 7:30pm. From the cruise ship dock to the small ship dock is not far, but make sure you have really good directions, the turn-off to the harbor is not clearly marked.
To snorkel the Molokini Crater is on many peoples list when going to Maui. There are many operators to choose from. We picked Trilogy based on a recommendation from a fellow traveler. We were so pleased that we did. First off Trilogy is smaller than the 'cattle boats' that take people out. I prefer smaller groups, as I think you get better service. Trilogy only takes 40 - 50 passengers per trip. We had about 35 or so on our snorkel. Secondly, Trilogy doesn't just do Molokini (which in and of itself is spectacular), they do a second snorkel after lunch, so you really get the best day of snorkeling. Third, you have one of the nicest and more friendly crews I've ever sailed with. They take great care of their guests and are extremely safety conscience. And finally, the food we were served was fantastic!
After everyone boarded and we had pulled out in to Ma'alaea Bay, out comes the crew with hot, fresh, sticky, yummy cinnamon rolls and juices. Just the smell alone was enough for everyone to almost jump the server! This really hits the spot at 7:30 in the morning as you are sailing on a large catamaran it to the beautiful bay.
The Molokini Crater is a crescent-shaped volcanic crater that is partially submerged. The crescent shape protects snorkelers from waves and stronger currents so it is an ideal place to snorkel (and dive too if you are in to it). The visibility is excellent and the best time to do the crater is in the AM when it is clearest - as much as 150 feet of visibility! There are trips that will take you there in the afternoon, but do the morning time if at all possible.
This is the Molokini Crater. Photo below from Google Images. You'd need a helicopter for this shot and that does not come until later in our trip!
There are over 200 species of fish to be seen here. Some of the most common are: Parrotfish, Butterflyfish, Yellow Tang, Moorish Idol, Trigger fish and so many more. There is also many types of coral to see. Because the site is such a popular attraction the fish do not seem to mind the presence of the snorkelers. Please remember that this site is part of the Hawaii State Seabird Sanctuary and the Hawaii State Division of Boating has established mooring buoys & Day use rules - no dropping anchor if you choose to take your own boat out.
When we arrived at the Crater, I was impressed with the Crew's safety precautions. They provide snorkel gear for those who need it, but I noticed most everyone had their own gear. They gave very one snorkel vests, had one crew member on a board in the water with us at all time, with the other crew members on the boat watching.
The steps on the back of the CAT were easy to use and getting in to the water, no problem.
The trip is two snorkels at Molokini, and then a snorkel at a site they called 'The Three Fingers.
I just have to show you some more pictures because words will not do this snorkel trip any justice. It was a magnificent day, clear sky's, fantastic visibility in the water, and a fun & good looking :-) crew!
After a fantastic day of snorkeling, and a tasty B-B-Q lunch, we headed back in to base. I really could have stayed out all day. If I ever have the opportunity to be in Maui again, I am going to save my pennies for a private charter that will take us out all day and we can stay and explore until we can't swim any more!
Once back on shore, we did a little driving tour on our own before turning our rental car in. By the time we were back aboard the Pride of America, we were truly exhausted from a fantastic day.
When in Maui.....
Do this: Snorkel or Dive the Molokini Crater
Don't forget: A good underwater camera as well as your regular camera
Do: If you are there for more than a day, rent a car - it's handy and pretty cheap
Until next time, safe travels
Today I am going to tell you about a fabulous Catamaran call the Trilogy. The company was recommended by a friend who goes to the Hawaiian Islands every year and has taken their snorkeling trip to the Molokini Crater. I'll just tell you up front here -- it was a magnificent day of sailing! |
| approaching Molokini |
We had to get up at the crack of dawn to drive to the small boat harbor where the Trilogy docks. We still had our rental car from the day before, we were off the boat at 6:30 am to give ourselves plenty of time to get lost! We were to board by 7 am and take off by 7:30pm. From the cruise ship dock to the small ship dock is not far, but make sure you have really good directions, the turn-off to the harbor is not clearly marked.
To snorkel the Molokini Crater is on many peoples list when going to Maui. There are many operators to choose from. We picked Trilogy based on a recommendation from a fellow traveler. We were so pleased that we did. First off Trilogy is smaller than the 'cattle boats' that take people out. I prefer smaller groups, as I think you get better service. Trilogy only takes 40 - 50 passengers per trip. We had about 35 or so on our snorkel. Secondly, Trilogy doesn't just do Molokini (which in and of itself is spectacular), they do a second snorkel after lunch, so you really get the best day of snorkeling. Third, you have one of the nicest and more friendly crews I've ever sailed with. They take great care of their guests and are extremely safety conscience. And finally, the food we were served was fantastic!
After everyone boarded and we had pulled out in to Ma'alaea Bay, out comes the crew with hot, fresh, sticky, yummy cinnamon rolls and juices. Just the smell alone was enough for everyone to almost jump the server! This really hits the spot at 7:30 in the morning as you are sailing on a large catamaran it to the beautiful bay.
The Molokini Crater is a crescent-shaped volcanic crater that is partially submerged. The crescent shape protects snorkelers from waves and stronger currents so it is an ideal place to snorkel (and dive too if you are in to it). The visibility is excellent and the best time to do the crater is in the AM when it is clearest - as much as 150 feet of visibility! There are trips that will take you there in the afternoon, but do the morning time if at all possible.
This is the Molokini Crater. Photo below from Google Images. You'd need a helicopter for this shot and that does not come until later in our trip!
There are over 200 species of fish to be seen here. Some of the most common are: Parrotfish, Butterflyfish, Yellow Tang, Moorish Idol, Trigger fish and so many more. There is also many types of coral to see. Because the site is such a popular attraction the fish do not seem to mind the presence of the snorkelers. Please remember that this site is part of the Hawaii State Seabird Sanctuary and the Hawaii State Division of Boating has established mooring buoys & Day use rules - no dropping anchor if you choose to take your own boat out. 
When we arrived at the Crater, I was impressed with the Crew's safety precautions. They provide snorkel gear for those who need it, but I noticed most everyone had their own gear. They gave very one snorkel vests, had one crew member on a board in the water with us at all time, with the other crew members on the boat watching. The steps on the back of the CAT were easy to use and getting in to the water, no problem.
The trip is two snorkels at Molokini, and then a snorkel at a site they called 'The Three Fingers.
I just have to show you some more pictures because words will not do this snorkel trip any justice. It was a magnificent day, clear sky's, fantastic visibility in the water, and a fun & good looking :-) crew!
After lunch we headed over to the three fingers. This site is were there are three fingers of Lava with lots of sea life and turtles. And yes - I did get a turtle picture with my cheap underwater camera!
The following pictures are from my $9.99 Target underwater camera. I promise you faithful readers that next April when we go to Tahiti, there will be a really good underwater camera for some spectacular underwater shots, but for now, these are what I have to share with you. It was a magnificent snorkel and I loved every minute of it. Always one of the last out of the water!
 |
| Me, picture by CJS on my cheapie camera |
 |
| I think CJS snapped this too as it is a much better shot than I would take |
After a fantastic day of snorkeling, and a tasty B-B-Q lunch, we headed back in to base. I really could have stayed out all day. If I ever have the opportunity to be in Maui again, I am going to save my pennies for a private charter that will take us out all day and we can stay and explore until we can't swim any more!
Once back on shore, we did a little driving tour on our own before turning our rental car in. By the time we were back aboard the Pride of America, we were truly exhausted from a fantastic day.
When in Maui.....
Do this: Snorkel or Dive the Molokini Crater
Don't forget: A good underwater camera as well as your regular camera
Do: If you are there for more than a day, rent a car - it's handy and pretty cheap
Until next time, safe travels
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