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.

Surfing with Proper Etiquette

Proper surfing etiquette is one of the first things you’ll need to learn as a surfing beginner in Maui. These basic rules of surfing are for your safety and that of other surfers, but following this surfing etiquette will also help you gain the high opinion of local seasoned surfers. And they might even give you some helpful tips.


You’ll need to understand these few basic ‘rules of the surfing road’ as part of your Maui surf lessons, before you embark on your surfing or “he’e nalu” adventure.


Surfing Right of Way. Just as with rules of the road, there are rules of the wave in surfing that surfers must yield to. The first surfer or the surfer closest to the peak of the break has the right of way on that wave. Anyone else paddling for that wave should allow him fist access. The surfer riding the wave has the right of way and the surfer paddling out to the break must yield. This means getting out of the way when possible, even if it is into the breaking wave or behind the rider.

If you’re paddling for a wave and someone is paddling out toward you, it’s good to make eye contact with that person and indicate the direction you’re intending to go in reference to them.

Don’t Ditch your Board. In the beginning, it may be a little difficult to handle your board on the waves. But don’t let go of your surfboard. If you throw your board behind you in a big wave, there’s a good possibility it will harm another surfer. Even with a leash attached, there’s a chance that the leash might break or detach itself from the board. Always put a great deal of distance between you and other surfers, paddling next to them, not in front or behind them so that if you’re board does get away from you, it won’t hurt others.

Staying in the right location for your skill level and ability will also help you to have more control over your board and allow you to surf with others safely.

Don’t ‘Drop In’ on or Snake Someone. This won’t be a problem if a surfer follows the right-of-way rule. But “dropping in” on a surfer basically means you’re cutting in front of them while they’re catching a wave. This happens when someone further out on the shoulder of the wave tries to catch a wave another surfer is already riding or has claimed, thus cutting off or blocking the first surfer. This is, of course, very offensive and very dangerous. The surfer with the right-of-way riding the wave could very easily run into the surfer dropping in. This could happen by accident so always stay alert to where others are around you.

Snaking is a more intentional drop-in where someone knowingly, and often more subtly and deviously, paddles around a person who has the right-of-way and catches the wave they were going for.

Don’t Paddle Into a Lineup. Again, the right-of-way rule says that the surfer riding the wave has the right of way. Thus, if you are paddling out, you need to make sure to stay out of the way of riders on the waves. Don’t paddle directly into or close to a lineup. Always paddle out around the break in the channel so that you’re not in the path of oncoming surfers.

Respect the ocean, the beach, and fellow surfers. As with commonplace rules of etiquette, you should always leave a place at least as good as the way you found it…picking up after yourself and not leaving trash on the beach or in the ocean. Also respect fellow surfers, apologizing for mistakes, and respect their local customs and rules of etiquette for the lineup.

Keep in mind these few simple guidelines of proper surfing etiquette, and you’ll not only be riding a waves, but also have the respect of the local surfing scene.

Surfs Up! Corporations Come to Maui for Hawaiian Style Surf Lessons

How about beginning summer with a trip to Maui? And what’s one of the best things to do in Maui? Surf lessons, of course! Several large companies joined Hawaiian Style for Maui surf and SUP lessons recently, proving they know how to start a summer off right!

Beautiful Hawaiian days with great swells and little wind made for some excellent surfing. These fun groups of professionals and their families really seemed to enjoy the surf and sun as they got comfortable with Maui’s waves. Many easily took to surfing and stand-up paddleboard.

Software AG, a world leader in enterprise management software, joined Hawaiian Style in May for surf and SUP lessons in Maui. These professionals had a great time learning “he’e nalu” or surfing. With its headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany, Software AG has more than 5,000 employees in 70 countries, helping more than 70 percent of the Global 1,000 to run their business more efficiently.

Also in May we took out an sensational group from Tupperware Brands Malaysia. These “pioneers in innovative storage products” really had a great time as they learned to surf and SUP. Tupperware Brand professionals visited us from Argentina, Brazil, France, Tunisia, and many other locations. Everyone seemed to have a great time as they learned to surf together, building great bonds and the spirit of Aloha.





At the end of May, professionals from CA Technologies, one of the largest independent software companies in the world, came out for two days of surfing and stand-up paddleboard lessons. Forty-eight guests from CA Technologies joined us each day. On the final day, CA Technologies Executive Vice President Adam Elster and his wife had a private surfing lesson with Hawaiian Style owner Rick Leong. Mr. Elster said he really appreciated Rick taking good care of all his employees and that they all had a great time learning to surf with Hawaiian Style. We had a awesome couple days with this fun group of gifted first time surfers!





Employees from one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, Boehringer Ingelheim visited Hawaiian Style for surfing and SUP lessons during the early part of June. The group went out to Kalama Park in Maui for their lessons. There was great weather and waves for their three days of surfing and SUP. We had a fun time with the great crew from Boehringer Ingelheim!




Members from VISTAKON®, the makers of ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses, and Ford Motor Company also came out early in June to experience the adventure of surfing and SUP in Maui.

Everyone at Hawaiian Style truly had an awesome time with all these great people! We always have a great time helping corporate groups from around the world learn to surf and stand-up paddle on the beautiful shores of Maui.

Fun in Maui - Ocean Sports

Planning your vacation to Maui? No doubt enjoying some ocean sports are included in your plans. These are some of the most exhilarating and memorable things to do in Maui. What Maui ocean sports are at the top?

Well, call us partial but, surfing and SUP of course…The classic Hawaiian ocean sport, surfing is a must-do on your vacation because it’s one of the key elements of the Aloha spirit. Surfing is an essential part of Hawaiian culture, having been done on the islands for hundreds, possibility thousands of years. So, it would just be wrong to come Hawaii and not take a Maui surfing lesson.

Stand-up paddleboard or SUP is also a great part of Polynesian culture that you wouldn't want to miss. SUP is actually one of the quickest growing water sports in the world because many new surfers can stand-up paddle. This Maui ocean sport is easy to learn and offers a great workout along with awesome views of marine life. The world has just fallen in love with stand-up paddling and we know you will too! At Hawaiian Style Surf, we offer both personal and corporate surfing and SUP lessons.

Kayaking. This allows you can see a variety of marine life like dolphins, manta rays, green sea turtles, tropical fish, and more; Get up close and personal from this eco-friendly mode of transportation. A guided kayak tour can save you time and help you see the most amazing sites in Maui like Honolua Bay, Turtle Town, and Olowalu, all from the water! Check out the kayak guides at Kelii’s Kayak Tours for more info.

Snorkeling. After kayaking above the water, you can get in the water and snorkel right near the sea turtles, tropical fish, and the rest of the underwater world of Maui. Snorkeling tours also gives you a unique experience with knowledgeable guides helping you all the way, form gettting the right fit with your snorkeling equipment to answering any of your questions or concerns. These tours are also great for the whole family to enjoy together. Learn more about these snorkeling tours at Maui Snorkel Tours.

Scuba diving. Of course, next you could go deeper into the ocean by scuba diving. You can dive at some of the most raved about spots in Maui like Black Rock, Molokini Crater, Coral Gardens. If you’ve never dived before, you can often get a PADI certification through a class on the island. Have a personal guided scuba diving tour by Sammy Scuba.

Spearfishing.  If you want even more adventure as some of us do, spearfishing may be for you. Spearfishing involves hunting for fish underwater, often by freediving (diving by holding your breath), and using a speargun or polespear. This type of fishing is not only exciting but also is specific in its targets, thus causing no by-catch, or non-targeted fish that may be too small. Spearfishing also offers the satisfying chance to catch your own tasty dinner! Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, try a spearfishing tour from Spearfish Maui.

Windsurfing. In this thrilling ocean sport, windsurfers can experience amazing waves, perform awesome jumps, and other freestyle maneuvers. Try skimming over Maui’s gorgeous waters by windsurfing. With its steady winds, Maui is a windsurfer’s paradise. Windsurfing combines sailing elements with surfing. Whether you’re a beginner or you want to improve on your windsurfing skills, taking windsurfing lessons may be for you.

Kiteboarding. Maui is often called the birthplace of modern kiteboarding and is one of the world’s best kiteboarding spots because of its awesome beaches and great trade winds. Kiteboarding or kitesurfing brings together the best of several ocean sports like wakeboarding, surfing, and paragliding. Even if you’re a beginner, kiteboarding lessons can help you start riding the big waves. Check out Aqua Sports Maui Kiteboarding Lessons.

Whichever Maui ocean sports you decide to enjoy, have fun, be safe, and always respect the beautiful ocean waters and beaches of Maui.

10 Amazing things to do in Maui

Are you coming to the gorgeous island of Maui soon? If you are, you’re probably thinking about what you will do while you’re here. There is so much to do in this paradise location, you can’t fit everything in during just one short vacation. So how do you know what to choose? To help you get the most from your Maui vacation, we’ve made a list of the things we most love to do in Maui….in addition to surfing that is.

Bike down Haleakala. Watch the sunrise from the Haleakala Crater. This mountain biking tour from the top of Haleakala, Maui’s largest volcano, is truly spectacular with unforgettable views of the sun coming through the clouds. There are several companies that offer this bike tour, taking you up to the summit as you tour Haleakala National Park along the way. Then you can bike down from the summit all the way to the little beach town of Paia. Some companies offer a self-guided tour where you can stop and see whatever you want as you bike down. It’s really a amazing way to see Upcountry Maui! But take a jacket because it’s super cold on Haleakala at sunrise.

Road to Hana. This is Maui’s famous scenic (and exhilarating) drive from Kahului to the little town of Hana in East Maui. There are dozens of switchbacks and one lane bridges along the route that showcase spectacular views out over cliffs, along breath-taking coastlines and beaches, and through fascinating rainforest jungles. This world-renowned drive affords many opportunities to stop along the way at fruit stands for delicious banana bread for example and hike to unforgettable waterfalls. Highlights of the trip include the black sand and red sand beaches in Hana. Although the red sand beach is hidden, it’s really a great hike.

Snorkel with sea turtles. View these incredible sea creatures up close as you snorkel with them in their natural habitat. You can go out on a catamaran or snorkel from shore. There are many beautiful spots around Maui where these incredible Hawaiian sea turtles hang out. Turtle Town along the southern coast of Maui is a good area to snorkel as well as Black Rock at Ka’anapali Beach.

Swim under a waterfall. Natural pools and waterfalls are plentiful in Maui, although most are located in East Maui along the Road to Hana.  Twin Falls is the first one you come to along the Road to Hana, but it’s often crowded. Try Oheo Gulch, Ching’s Pond, and Alelele Falls too. Oheo Gulch or the Seven Sacred Pools, located about 10 miles south of Hana in the Kipahulu area, are a group of waterfalls that spill into tiered natural pools that lead to the sea.

Spend a day upcountry. Most tourists never make it up here, but it’s really the heart of Maui! The lavender farm is truly amazing and offer great views of the mountains. The winery at Ulupalakua Ranch is well worth the drive. They have free tastings, so try some of their pineapple wine! At the end of the day, the Surfing Dairy Farm offers a great farm tour where you can even milk a goat. Also, don’t miss their homemade truffles.

Be a beach bum. No Maui vacation is complete without spending some time just relaxing and soaking up rays at Maui’s amazing beaches. Big Beach and White Rock in the south of Maui as well as Kapalua Bay Beach and Ka’anapali Beach in West Maui are some of our favorite Maui beaches.

Kayaking over coral reefs. Kayak tours are available, or you can rent a kayak on your own to see these stunning coral reefs and the colorful reef fish. Olowalu is a great spot to kayak. The reef at Olowalu on the west side of Maui near Lahaina is pretty amazing. And if you’re near Olowalu, be sure to stop in Leoda’s Pie Shop.

Circle West Maui. If you thought the Road to Hana was exciting, wait until you try this.  This narrow road that rounds West Maui and has steep mountain cliffs aren’t for the faint of heart, but you’re rewarded with fantastic views and great hikes. Start your trip at the Iao Valley to check out the Iao Needle and then continue up counter clockwise, stopping to hike down to the Olivine Pools, tide pools on barren lava rock on the ocean’s edge and the Nakelele Blowhole (don’t miss the heart-shaped rock nearby).  If it’s summertime, stop to snorkel at Honolua Bay and end your day with a sunset dinner in Lahaina.

Go whale watching. During the winter months, migrating humpback whales or “kohola” make Maui their home.  Dozens of companies offer whale watching excursions (the ones on the catamarans are best), but these amazing creatures are so plentiful that you can often spot them from shore.

Learn to Surf. Last, but certainly not least, is the unforgettable experience of learning to surf in Maui with Hawaiian Style Surf. Maui surf lessons are a must-have experience for every island vacationer. This ocean sport gives you a thrill you can only find by surfing the waves in Maui. Easier than it might seem, especially with assistance from the native Hawaiian instructors at Hawaiian Style, learning to surf provides a unique and memorable exhilaration that is truly Hawaiian. And learning to surf in Maui amid the paradisiac waters and amazing island views of this Hawaiian island is an extraordinary experience you just can’t pass up.


So, when you’re creating your “list of things to do in Maui,” don’t forget these 10 incredible, awesome adventures!