Insiders tips for snorkelling and snacking in Maui
Vuk Malobabic has sailed the Hawaiian Islands on Norwegian Spirit for three seasons — but never bothered to explore further than a couple of streets in touristic ports … until a friend convinced him to go snorkelling in Maui.
This is the day, in Vuk’s own words:
We started our day docked in Kahului, then drove to Kaanapali Beach — a five-minute drive from Lahaina. Here you will find several miles of sandy beaches, beachfront resorts, surfer shops and restaurants. After spending some time at Kaanapali Beach, we realised this wasn’t a good spot for snorkelling. The waves were too high, making the water sandy and visibility low. This beach is better suited for surfing.
We decided to move to a turtle cleaning station in Lahaina, where we experienced some of the most vibrant marine life. If you’ve ever wanted to snorkel with turtles, this is where to do it. The reef not only provides adequate food and shelter for the turtles, but an abundance of damselfish, angelfish, tangs and wrasse feed on the algae on the turtles’ shells, hence the name turtle cleaning station.
After an exciting day of snorkelling, I took a friend’s recommendation to have lunch at Mama’s Fish House on the North Shore of Maui. This is on the opposite side of the island from the Turtle Cleaning Station in the area named Paia. I wouldn’t usually travel all that way for a meal, but I’m quite the foodie. The bouillabaisse was one the best, if not the best I have ever tried — and I’ve had bouillabaisse in Marseille.
Just a two-minute walk from Mama’s Fish House at Ho’okipa Beach, you will see a beach covered with turtles being lazy on the sand. That afternoon I counted 46 of them.
After a full day of excitement in Maui, it was time to board Norwegian Spirit. I missed out on visiting Haleakala National Park, which supposedly looks like mars, but at least it leaves something for me to visit next time. I look forward to visiting Maui again soon.
fact file
NCL is the only major cruise line with year-round, seven-day inter-island cruises in Hawaii. They depart Honolulu every Saturday, 52 weeks a year.
The itinerary includes five ports and four islands in the one week — O’ahu, Maui, The Big Island of Hawaii and Kauai.
There are two overnight stays, in Kahului (Maui) and Nawiliwili (Kauai), which makes this a cost-effective way to discover multiple Hawaiian Islands, compared with land package or island-hopping tours.
The voyage starts from $4068 per person but is currently discounted to start from from $3225 per person, based on twin share.
Call 1300 255 200 or visit ncl.com
Camera IconVuk Malobabic flying his drone at Lahainea. Credit: Vuk Malobabic/Supplied
Camera IconTurtles on the beach at Ho’okipa. Credit: SuppliedCamera IconHo’okipa. Credit: SuppliedCamera IconMaui. Credit: SuppliedCamera IconMaui. Credit: SuppliedCamera IconVuk Malobabic at Mama’s Fish House. Credit: SuppliedCamera IconTurtle off Maui. Credit: SuppliedCamera IconHumpback whale plaque on Maui. Credit: SuppliedCamera IconWailea Beach on the Southwest Shore of Maui, Hawaii, USA. Credit: SuppliedCamera IconCliffside coastal scenery beside the road to Hana, Maui. Credit: SuppliedCamera IconNorwegian Spirit sailing between islands. Credit: SuppliedCamera IconOn deck off Maui. Credit: SuppliedCamera IconVuk Malobabic on Paia. Credit: SuppliedCamera IconPaddle boarding with Pride of America in the background. Credit: SuppliedCamera IconTurtle cleaning station at Lahaina. Credit: SuppliedCamera IconTurtle cleaning station at Lahaina. Credit: SuppliedCamera IconTurtle cleaning station at Lahaina. Credit: Supplied
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