Maui Ocean Center Aquarium

If you're staying at one of our Maui vacation rental condos in Kaanapali, the Maui Ocean Center (MOC) is about a half-hour away, at the neck of the island. This is a great place to visit while you're here, whether you're on a family vacation, romantic getaway or even a business trip. If Maui's spectacular marine life interests you, the MOC is a must see.

While snorkeling and scuba diving can be awe-inspiring experiences, you could go exploring dozens of times and you still probably wouldn't see all the numerous species that the MOC has brought together in this convenient and beautiful viewing environment. You can find live coral displays, a lovely green sea turtle exhibit, sharks, rays, a myriad of brilliantly colored fish and many other fascinating creatures. 

The purpose of the Maui Ocean Center is to foster an understanding of native Hawaiian marine life through a fun and beautiful educational experience. You'll see hundreds of endemic animal species throughout the aquarium. You can also learn how Hawaiian culture was shaped by the ocean and its vibrant marine ecology. Hawaiian language, myths and history are all represented.

There are expert naturalists within the park who can answer all kinds of difficult questions. They also hold presentations at various exhibits throughout the day.

You could probably see everything in the aquarium in about an hour and a half or two hours, but visitors typically stay longer to try lunch at one of the aquarium's restaurants, take in the beautiful views of the Ma'alaea Harbor, or pick out unique gifts at the aquarium store.

All in all, the MOC is a great place to spend your afternoon. For more information on the aquarium, see the Maui Ocean Center website.

For ideal vacation rental accommodations, check out our two-bedroom Maui condos if you are vacationing with family, or perhaps our Maui studio rentals if you are on a romantic getaway or business trip. We can also assist you with Maui car rentals. Mahalo for reading!

West Maui Snorkeling at Olowalu

Do you want to explore Maui's teeming tropical reefs up close on your own schedule? Skipping snorkeling charters saves money and it's quite convenient to rent equipment yourself and take a short drive to amazing West Maui snorkeling locations that are easy to find. One of those spots is Olowalu.

On Hwy. 30 at mile marker 14, ten miles south of Lahaina, you will see a narrow strip of white sand beach right near the road. In fact, you have to pass this area on your way from the airport to your West Maui vacation accommodations. You'll probably notice how calmly the blue green water laps against the sand. It gets a lot more interesting below the surface.

Olowalu is home to literally acres of coral reef. It would take much more than a day to see it all, and you never know what fascinating and colorful marine creature you'll see from one moment to the next. Here's a little insider knowledge on things you should know about Olowalu snorkeling.

Weather: As a general rule on Maui, conditions are calmest in the early morning and grow windier and choppier throughout the day. The exceptions are any occasional storm we might have, but there aren't a lot of those. This is good to know for all beach activities. That being said, Olowalu is a pretty good afternoon snorkeling spot because it's protected from the trade winds. Don't go out unless the surf is small. Use your good judgment.

Clarity: Below the surface of the water at Olowalu, there can be a bit of murkiness if you are very close to the shore. Simply make your way out a little further and if weather conditions are good, it will be nice and clear. The water is shallow for a long way out in this area.

Navigation: Because the water is shallow at Olowalu, the corals are very close to the surface in many places, especially when the tide is low. Follow the sand channels that weave through the reef and you will avoid scraping over the coral as you explore.

Warnings: Avoid touching coral. Do not touch any black sea urchins, as the variety known as "black wana" are venomous. Pretty much all reefs harbor a few eels, but you will be lucky to see them, considering that they are extremely shy and reclusive. Don't stick your hands in any holes and you should be fine.

What makes Olowalu special? A. The vastness of the reef. B. The location couldn't be more accessible or easy to find. C. Because the water is shallow and the corals are high, you can get an incredibly close look at everything! Bring a waterproof camera to this spot because the photo opportunities are incredible. If you don't have one, you can easily find a disposable waterproof camera in numerous shops.

Special Note: If you are snorkeling anywhere from November to May, you might hear the humpback whales singing!

If you haven't reserved your vacation accommodations yet, browse through our West Maui vacation rental condos. We have everything from studios to three bedrooms in some of the loveliest beachfront locations in West Maui.

Spacious Honua Kai Maui Condo Rental

This spacious three bedroom three bathroom condo rental is located at the beautiful Honua Kai, West Maui's newest luxury resort. You'll find no better views of the sparkling pacific ocean than from this condo. You'll find it at the front of the resort with a beautiful wrap around lanai from which to enjoy the incredible vistas of flaming sunsets, whales at play, and the majestic islands of Lanai and Molokai in the distance.

Exquisitely appointed, this unit represents luxurious elegance mixed with a relaxed island theme. There is 2,800 feet of space and the finest building materials were used in its design, including granite, stainless steel, travertine and more.

You have a full Viking kitchen for all your cooking needs, and the bathrooms present a soothing and rejuvenating atmosphere.

A less common feature that this condo rental boasts is sliding retractable doors to the lanai which you can remove for a seamless indoor/outdoor experience. On your spacious lanai, you can look out on the tranquil ocean views, or observe the goings on below within the resort at the infinity pool, Dukes Beachside Restaurant, and other little spots of interest. In fact, there is a private little outdoor kitchen if you prefer to cook or barbecue outside.

This is Honua Kai condo unit 301, and when you venture out onto the grounds below it, you'll have access to miles of white sand beach, three different swimming pools, and all the charms of Kaanapali Beach including nearby shopping at Whalers Village. You're in a perfect spot for indulging in all the enjoyment that Kaanapali has to offer, including world-famous golf. A short drive north lie the renowned Kapalua golf courses, and a short drive to the south is exciting Lahaina town where you can enjoy fine dining, a variety of interesting places to shop, plenty of fun places to get a drink, and all the activities and ocean charters that operate from the scenic Lahaina harbor.

If you want to see more accommodations, we have plenty of West Maui vacation rentals to choose from. We definitely recommend all our Honua Kai accommodations. If you need any assistance, you'll find our contact information at the bottom of the page. Mahalo!

Visiting Hana in East Maui

So you want to experience those sparkling tropical waterfalls that Maui is so famous for? Fill up your gas tank, grab a camera and leave bright and early because it's a long drive, from the resort areas on the other side of the island, but once you get there, the rainforest is simply stunning.

When you make the trip to Hana, the experience is more about the journey than the destination. In fact, the journey is the destination. Once you get out into the lush greenery, you will see countless beautiful waterfalls from the road. No two waterfalls look remotely the same, with some towering and wispy and others low and fast. In some places you'll see mossy rock walls with just a delicate trickle dripping down. If you enjoy photography, the sky is the limit on the kinds of creative images you can capture out there.

Some spots in Hana are particularly admired for their beauty. One of those is the Seven Sacred Pools at Ohe'o Gulch. You'll find it near mile marker 42 on the Hana Highway. The water from one pool feeds the one below for an effect that looks so perfect, it almost seems like a man made water fountain.

Another especially impressive spot is Wailua Falls, which boasts two hundred feet of cascading water down a lush cliff face. This one can be found at mile marker 45. Wailua Falls looks especially beautiful in the morning when the sun lights up the frothy white water.

There is also an exciting self-guided cave tour out in Hana where you pay about $12 to rent a flashlight and go exploring a fascinating system of lava tubes with all kinds of geological fascinations. There are plaques which include educational information about what you're seeing. Check out the Maui cave website for more info.

If you are searching for Maui vacation rental accommodations, we can help you. You'll find numerous West Maui condo rentals on our website, but if you have any questions, you'll find our contact information at the bottom of the page. Mahalo for reading!

Maui Kaanapali Villas Vacation Condos

The Maui Kaanapali Villas is located right on the renown Kaanapali Beach and within the wonderful Kaanapali Resort. It's a luxurious, oceanfront condominium with an incredible location that puts you just a short walk from Black Rock on the northern end of the beach, as well as Whalers Village where you can find shopping, fine dining, exciting performances and more.

If you do opt for a stay at the Maui Kaanapali Villas, you can enjoy yourself swimming or sunbathing at one of the newly remodeled swimming pools. You'll find the "Castaways" restaurant right on the grounds, which doesn't get any more convenient.

Imagine stepping out of your room to miles of white sand beach and tranquil blue-green waters. Spend your days soaking up the sun, exploring brilliant coral reefs on a snorkeling adventure, taking in the sights from a kayak, or watching the whales at play during the winter months.

The sunsets from West Maui are legendary in their beauty. From your own private lanai, you can watch flaming red light streak across the clouds above the majestic neighboring islands of Lanai and Molokai.

The Maui Kaanapali Villas is just minutes from the renowned Kaanapali and Kapalua golf courses. A short drive will take you to Lahaina's myriad of clothing and jewelry stores, unique boutiques and souvenir shops. There are numerous restaurants including everything from fine cuisine to family fare.

With a rental at the Maui Kaanapali Villas, you're in the perfect location to enjoy the many charms of West Maui, both within the Kaanapali Resort and outside it. Keep in mind that we have many other West Maui vacation rentals to choose from. If you need any assistance, you'll find our contact information at the bottom of the page. Mahalo!