Maui Fun - Best Snorkeling Spots

So we know you 'll have a blast with surfing and stand-up paddle boarding lesson here in Maui but what other activities might you do while on vacation on this beautiful island? Maui snorkeling is a favorite of both visitors and locals. Home to some of the most gorgeous beaches in all of Hawaii, Maui offers some great snorkeling spots with calm, clear waters, coral reefs, and a diversity of stunning marine life. You’ll definitely want to put snorkeling on your list of things to do in Maui. But you probably want to know which Maui snorkeling spots are likely to delight the most? Well, here’s a list of our favorites.

Molokini Crater

A partially submerged volcano crater just off the southwest coast of Maui and is likely the most popular snorkeling location in all of Maui. Some of the clearest waters in Maui are at Molokini (often with over 100 feet of visibility) making it a favorite snorkeling as well as diving location. As a State Marine Life and Bird Conservation District where no fishing is permitted, Molokini Crater is home to a wide assortment of marine life including hundreds of species of tropical fish, reef sharks,moray eels,manta rays, parrot fish, whale sharks living amid a stunning array of coral reefs. Molokini snorkeling is best next to the shoreline, within 15 feet, and the best time to snorkel at Molokini is in the morning before the trade winds start grow strong. You will have to take a chartered boat from Maalaea Harbor to snorkel Molokini, but this will likely be one of your most unforgettable Maui vacation spots (along with your favorite Maui surf spots of course).

Black Rock at Ka’anapali Beach

One of the top beaches in all of Maui, Kaanapali Beach in West Maui is known for its nearly 3-mile-long white sandy beach that ends in a wall of lava rock to the north known as Black Rock. This spot has great snorkeling with depths of up to 25 feet. The lava rock wall at Black Rock is home to gorgeous coral reef formations with a variety of marine life including Hawaiian green sea turtles,porcupine fish, butterfly fish, box fish, and an assortment of other tropical fish species. It’s best to snorkel at Black Rock when the waters are mild as there can be powerful currents near the point.

 Honolua Bay

Located on the northwest shore of Maui about 20 minutes from Lahaina, Honolua Bay offers an incredible snorkeling experience. This Marine Life Conservation District surrounded by rocky cliffs is home to an great diversity of marine life including a spectacular array of tropical fish and coral reefs that just abound in these protected waters. Most of the marine life and coral are located on the right or north side of the bay, but take care walking on the rocks because they can be very slippery. Honolua Bay is also known as a great Maui surf spot, especially when there’s a north swell, so the best time for snorkeling here is on a calm day. The famous Maui surf break at Honolua Bay is out on the far northern point.

Turtle Town

Located between Nuhuna Point and Black Sand Beach on the southern coast of Maui near Maluaka Beach Park, Turtle Town, as its name suggests, is known for its large population of fascinating Hawaiian green sea turtles. The calm waters of Maluaka Beach and Turtle Town make it great for snorkeling along with Maluaka’s beautiful white, sandy beaches. A beautiful diversity of tropical fish along with coral reefs also call Turtle Town home. See these amazing creatures in their natural habitat in the clear waters of Maui.

So these our some of favorite incredible Maui snorkeling locations on the Valley Isle. After your Maui surf lesson or SUP lesson with Hawaiian Style Surf, why not check out some of these amazing snorkeling beaches and locations to see all the wonder that Maui has to offer beneath the ocean’s surface.

Surfer's Appetite - Shave Ice Is Nice After Maui Surf Lessons

 

After finishing up a great Maui surf lesson and experiencing the exhilaration of riding the waves all the way to the beautiful Maui shoreline. What’s next?  Maybe about now, you need to find some refreshment – somewhere to relax and recharge before you get back out on the waves. To cool off and get a revitalizing treat, check out some of Maui’s best shave ice places.

Most people have had shave ice before, but maybe not Hawaiian shave ice. For example, have you ever had ice cream with your shave ice? Or topped with sweet cream? If not, you're going to have to try Hawaiian shave ice with all the unconventional extras!

There are quite a number of shave ice spots around the beaches we usually take our guests to for their Maui surf or SUP lessons. Here are a few of the best shave ice places in the area:


 Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice

A short drive up the coast from your Maui surf lesson at Kalama Beach Park on Kihei Road will take you to Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice, which by the way, is the top-rated shave ice store and restaurant in all of Kihei and Lahaina. Not only do they have a vast selection of delicious flavors, but you can also try their “favorite combinations” flavors like Haleakala or Sunset Beach and add macadamia nut ice cream or shredded toasted coconut for a real sweet treat you're sure to remember. Well known for their “extremely fine shave,” awesome flavors, and friendly Aloha service, Ululani’s is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. They have two locations in Lahaina you could also check out if you want a cold dessert after your Maui surfing lesson at Ukuhame Beach Park.

S & Q’s Coffee and Shave Ice Shack

If you’ve worked up a little bit of more of an appetite after your Maui SUP lesson and would also like to get a bite to eat with your shave ice dessert, check out S & Q’s Coffee and Shave Ice Shack at the Rainbow Mall on South Kihei Road. S & Q’s provides a diverse flavor selection (people love the shark’s blood flavor combo with ice cream and haupia, or sweetened coconut cream, sauce on top). S & Q’s is also renowned for their smoothies, teas, espressos, and breakfast selection with waffles, bagels, and parfaits. They also serve a selection of delicious sandwiches for lunch. So you can stop by S & Q’s before you go to our Maui surf school in the morning and then pop in later for some tasty shave ice treats after you perfect your surfing skills.

 Surfing Monkey Shave Ice

Naturally, we would be partial to this shave ice stand for its name alone, but Surfing Monkey Shave Ice does offer some flavorsome Hawaiian shave ice as well. Also located on South Kihei Road in Kihei, Maui next to Foodland, the Surfing Monkey has a fantastic selection of shave ice flavors and offers complimentary extras like azuki beans, vanilla ice cream, and delicious sweet cream. All of their shave ice syrups are derived locally from raw sugar cane. How fitting it is to try the Surfing Monkey after your Maui surf lesson?!?






 Old Lahaina Shave Ice

Since you’re in the Lahaina area for your Maui surf lesson at Ukuhame Beach Park, stop by the Old Lahaina Shave Ice store for a refreshing and sweet treat. Try the mango,passion fruit, or pineapple flavors with ice cream. Then you can take a journey down Lahaina Town’s famous Front Street with its variety of other great shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Or you could get back in the waves to try out what you've learned during your Maui surf lesson with Hawaiian Style Surf!

Top Maui Surfing Spots

Surfers come to Hawaii to catch some impressive surf breaks. And naturally the pristine beaches of Maui are pretty famous for surf and stand-up paddleboard spots, excellent both for those who want to learn to surf in Maui and others who want to test to the full their surfing skills. So whether you’ve just had your first Maui surf lesson or you’re an experienced surfer, you’ll want to take note of these unforgettable Maui surfing beaches.

At Hawaiian Surf Style, we often take our beginning Maui surf or SUP guests either to Ukuhame Beach Park in West Maui or Kalama Beach Park in South Maui. These beaches both offer dependable, easy peaks of knee high to head high waves that are great for beginners and longboard Maui surfers. These Maui surfing spots are good for morning Maui surf lessons when the winds are generally calmer and the waves are nice and smooth. Kalama Beach Park also has a great well-landscaped park area that’s perfect for having a picnic after finishing your Maui surfing lessons.
 
While you’re in South Maui, you can also check out the great waves at Cove Beach Park. Just off of South Kihei Road, Cove Park is a hotspot for longboard surfers. It’s also a nice surfing beach for beginners and Maui stand-up paddle board enthusiasts with its calm waves rolling in. There’s also a nice park area here too for those who just like to admire the surfers and have a picnic.

Ho’okipa Beach on the North Shore just outside of Paia is recognized as the “windsurfing capital of the world” and is also a popular place for the experienced Maui surfer. This well-known surfing area boasts at times exceptionally large waves and strong winds, (especially in winter) causing it to attract world-class surfers, but due to this fact also, this location is not typically best for those just learning to surf. But you can sure enjoy watching pro surfers battle these commanding waves at a lookout point just above the popular surfing break known as “Pavilions,” which is the break furthest to the east.

Nearby Ho’okipa Beach lies another famous surfing location – Jaws – or Pe’ahi, Maui – about three miles east of Paia. This legendary Maui surfing break is where some of the best surfers in the world come to challenge, maybe not even each other, but some of the largest waves in the world. These massive waves can reach upwards of 4 stories during the winter. Often it becomes too dangerous for Maui surfers to paddle out to the break so they must use the “tow-in” surfing method where pro surfers are towed to the waves by water crafts and dropped off.

Several ‘Big Wave’ surfing competions have been held here including the Red Bull Jaws contest. Of course, these Maui surf waves are only attempted by professional surfers, and they can be very risky even for them. But there are nice lookout areas on the cliffs overlooking Jaws where photographers and other fans gather to watch these spectacular surfing breaks.

If you want a little less demanding surfing experience, Lahaina Harbor in West Maui is another a great spot for beginners and intermediate surfers with its steady waves. You can paddle out from the beach next to the marina and catch both left-handed and right-handed breaks.  After surfing you can shuffle over to historic Front Street in Lahaina and do some sightseeing or eat at one of the town’s tasty restaurants.

So after your Maui surf lesson with Hawaiian Style Surf, check out some of these awesome Maui surfing spots along the beautiful Valley Isle coasts, where novice and pro come out to perfect their Maui surfing techniques.

Delicious Places to Eat After Maui Surf Lessons in Lahaina

Great surfing is what Maui is known for, but many also appreciate Maui for having some great little places to eat. These sometimes hidden, culinary treasures of the islands are often best delighted in after Maui surf lessons. You’ve spent some exciting times in the surf and now may just want to unwind or maybe refuel for your next round of Maui surf or SUP. Whichever the case, you’ll need to know where you can find some tasty and reasonably-priced eateries throughout the island. So here are some delicious places you might try in Lahaina Town.

Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop

If your in the mood for something sweet or want a delicious sandwich, salad, or burger after your Maui surf lesson, swing by Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop. Located before you get into the town of Lahaina, Leoda’s offers great chocolate macadamia nut and apple crumb pies along with delicious seared ahi sandwiches and scrumptious pot pies.

Pizza Paradiso Mediterranean Grill

Sometimes surfing in Maui may leave you wanting a little Mediterranean, (cravings can be a wonderful thing). Try Pizza Paradiso in West Maui. Located north of Lahaina in the Honokowai Marketplace, Pizza Paradiso was voted “Best Pizza in Maui” three times by The Maui News readers. This laid-back dining restaurant offers some delicious Italian, Greek, and Mediterranean dishes including their signature pizzas, Big Fat Greek Gyros, cheesesteak sandwiches, and chicken, beef, and fish kabobs. So if your Maui SUP lessons leave you famished, stop in for a specialty pizza or fresh hummus at Pizza Paradiso.

Lahainaluna Café 

Going out to check out Old Lahaina Town after your Maui SUP or surfing lesson with Hawaiian Style? A great place to stop at along Lahaina’s famous Front Street is Lahainaluna Café. This local dining spot has delicious Hawaiian and Asian fusion cuisine amid a low-key outdoor atmosphere. Dine outside in a lovely Hawaiian courtyard while you savor their delicious fish tacos, grilled mahi mahi, Korean barbecue tacos, and crazy fries. Everything is delightful at this delicious Front Street café, voted second best restaurant in Lahaina just after the shaved ice.


 Ono Tacos

Another nice place with local flare is Ono Tacos. This little Mexican eatery serves delicious fish, chicken, pork, and beef tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and other tasty authentic food. This small walk-up stand on the Lower Honoapiilani Road may not have much seating, but it’s well-known for having some of the best tacos on the whole island. So take a break from surfing or stand-up paddle board, and try Ono Tacos. But remember to bring cash.

Aloha Mixed Plate

Winning multiple awards for “Best Plate Lunch” in The Maui News, this little restaurant is known for its great Hawaiian platters, jumbo portions, and beachside setting. Aloha Mixed Plate offers tasty poke, coconut prawns, hoaloha poi, and kalua pork in an open-air patio dining setting with an ocean view. So, if you want to try another great eatery on Front Street, stop by Aloha Mixed Plate

So if you venture over to Lahaina after your Maui surf lessons, stop in at one of these great restaurants and let us know what you think!

Maui Ocean Sports Top Gear - Surfboards and GoPro Cameras

Surfing and stand-up paddle claims some of the coolest gear of all the Maui ocean sports. Carrying these colorful and artistically-designed boards across Maui’s shorelines can immediately create a feeling of excitement and thrill as to what the day in the Maui surf might bring. They are the instrument of a surfer’s symphony on the water. They can enrich the skill of the surfer. Over the years, surfboards have stood out as a symbol of this cherished Maui ocean sport.

You might be interested to learn you may want to know what kinds of surf and SUP boards Maui surfers use most to develop their surf skills…Well, Hawaiian Style began their Maui surf lessons using a type of surfboard called a softop, made by Surftech, an innovative surfboard manufacturer 25 years. These surfboards are great for beginner surfers. Over the years, they’ve proven to be durable, very stable, as well as forgiving to new surfers. Surftech softop boards feature a soft EVA deck and rails for easy use and safety.

For our Maui surf lessons, we often recommend using 9 to 10 ft. boards for children and petite adults and 11 to 12 ft. boards for other surfers. This year we’re also using surfboards from the Maunalua board company for our Maui surf lessons. These surfboards that feature wide-bodied designs are also well-constructed, stable boards that are excellent for beginner surfers and those progressing to more difficult breaks.

For our Maui SUP lessons, we use paddleboards from Naish, which makes a good diversity of stand-up paddleboards for cruising, racing, wide-style waves, touring, and fitness as well as SUP paddles and gear. Naish also makes kiteboarding and windsurfing gear as well. Naish’s softop Mana series SUP boards have an excellent design and stability about them that works well both for beginners and experienced Maui stand-up paddleboarding enthusiasts.

Along with these amazing surfboards and SUP boards, we also offer GoPro cameras for our customers to record all of their Maui surfing adventures up close and personal. We use the GoPro HERO3+ Silver edition camera for both videos and still photography of our surfing lessons. The waterproof GoPro HERO3+ Silver features video resolutions up to 1080p60 and 10MP photos up to 10 frames per second with enhanced low-light performance and built-in WiFi.

These unbelievably handy video cameras can either be mounted on the surfboards or handheld. The quality of video these cameras take is really awesome, and our clients love the awesome footage this cameras takes of their personal Maui surf lesson. See how the GoPro camera captures the Hawaiian Style Surf adventure!


Those taking our Maui surf or SUP lessons can also use Hawaiian Style rash guards and booties o ensure they have a safe and fun surfing experience.

Our surfboards and surfing gear are all part of a tradition of Maui ocean sports that deliver an unforgettable experience to island explorers.

While we can say that learning to surf in Maui is epic and exhilarating, you’ll need to experience it first-hand to really see what makes Maui surfing so unforgettable.

Maui Vacation Ideas - Visit Famous Maui Surf Town - Paia

Among the “World’s Best Surf Towns” by National Geographic was one our own here in Maui. The small town of Paia on the North Shore of Maui – with its population of just 2,668 – was given this distinguished mention not only because of its excellent morning surf breaks but also because of its welcoming and artistically laid-back culture.

As noted, there are some “daily side-shore winds that shred the line-ups most afternoons,” but this often means less surfers battling for the waves. Beginner surfers, the article noted, should try the nearby Paia Bay. So Maui surfers can head out early and catch some nice breaks before the trade winds show up.

But the winds are also what has made this surfing spot famous. Paia is also known as the “windsurfing capital of the world,” calling pro windsurfers and kite surfers to Ho’okipa Beach from all over the world. And as the article mentioned, if you want to catch some other international pro surfers, stop by Hana Highway between mile markers 13 and 14. There you might catch a glimpse of professional surfers during the winter swells taking on the famous outer reef.

While not being a “surfing mecca,” Paia made the list of awesome surfing towns because of the “artsy, eccentric vibe” found in this charismatic little town. A shopper’s paradise, Paia is packed full of unique and colorful boutiques, shops, and art galleries along with a blend of delicious restaurants.
Paia was once a bustling plantation town in the heydays of Maui’s sugar cane industry. Once it was even the largest city on Maui with a hospital and theater. The old Paia Sugar Mill closed down in 2000, but the town still stirs with local residents and tourists gathering to see the “the coolest little town in Maui,” as the town of Paia calls itself.

In Paia you’ll still find “remnants of authentic Hawaii” because it’s “one of the last holdouts,” Fodor’s Travel noted. There’s no major resorts nearby only gorgeous beaches with surfers and windsurfers alike, cute shops, and an artistic flare.

So after your Maui surf lesson with Hawaiian Style Surf, come over to the North Shore and try out what you’ve learned at one of the World’s Best Surf Towns – our little Paia!

5 Places to Grab A Bite in Kihei After A Hawaiian Style Surf Lesson

We often take people to Kalama Beach Park in Kihei for their Maui surf lessons. It has a beautiful beach and good waves for everyone from beginners and children to more progressive surfers. There’s also an accommodating park area by the beach that makes a nice spot for a picnic.

So after their surfing lesson, many want to know where they can get some food…because of course, surfing can make you work up quite a healthy appetite. And many surfers search for a fast, inexpensive, and delicious spot where they can refuel and be ready to take on the next big wave.

If you’re looking for a good place to eat after your lesson, here’s some of the best eateries we’ve found in Kihei:

 

Stewz Maui Burgers. If you’re craving a good burger after your Maui surfing lesson, try Stewz Maui Burgers (formerly Stewart’s Burgers) right across from the beach in Kihei. Enjoy their gourmet hamburgers and fries in a casual open air patio atmosphere. Try their special burger of the day and one of their delicious shakes.

Kihei Caffe. This little spot is also right across the street from the beach and has a marvelous breakfast. A great local feel, the Kihei Caffe has a walk-up order style, after which, you grab a table and wait as your food is brought out. We like the macadamia nut French toast or their delicious cinnamon rolls. At times, there may be a line, but it’s worth the wait. And if you love breakfast or just get a late start, they serve breakfast through out the whole day.

Eskimo Candy. Don’t let the name fool you. This has nothing to do with candy. It’s actually a delicious little seafood market and cafe! This little place and fresh fish market offers eat in, take out, or cook at home food. About a 5 minute drive from Kalama Beach Park, Eskimo Candy offers awesome fish and chips as well as delicious poke bowls. Open Monday through Friday, you can either eat in or buy some fresh Maui fish and seasonings to cook a meal at home.

Horhito’s Taqueria taco truck. This tasty mobile restaurant is right across the street from Kalama Beach Park in the Kihei Market Place parking lot. They arguably sell the best fish tacos in Maui! Prepared fresh, Horhito’s is an excellent value. They also have delicious salsa, carne asada, and pork tacos. Many of the locals frequent this delicious mobile eatery after they’ve surfed at Kalama Beach.


 Maui Brick Oven. If you’re planning to have dinner after your day at the beach, this little restaurant features fish and chips, pizza, pasta and more. One of the unique and often most appreciated features of this Kilhei favorite is that everything is gluten-free! So for those who follow a strict gluten-free diet or those who just want to enjoy a delicious pizza and fabulous dessert, this is the restaurant. There’s a tasty dish for everyone. Less than two miles down the road from Kalama Beach Park, it’s open for dinner six days a week.

Of course by the beach, there are also many great shaved ice, ice cream, and coffee houses to stop in at if you just want a quick snack.

It's good to bring a little cash with you when you visit Kihei because some of these little eateries only accept cash.