One of my favorite Honolulu festivals is the Oktoberfest in Ala Moana Hotel that comes every October. There are lots of German good beer, music and dancing. The food is great too. Here are some videos from this year’s fest.

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Water Fantasy Diving is a private scuba diving tour and instruction company run by Mark, an experienced dive master. Mark specializes in small classes that ensure personalized instruction for each member. The classes so far have a zero dropout rate, which means that all his students leave the class prepared to dive the warm, open ocean. The company operates both on Maui and Oahu, two of the major islands of Hawaii.

The focus of the classes is one-on-one instruction. Class sizes are kept to four or five students, except when you’re training as a family. Mike charges per person with discounts for children and students, with textbooks, dive gear, and certification card processing all covered by the fees. Lessons are held in an open classroom under a palm tree, so it feels just like a fun Maui activity.

No time to take classes? Take one of the introductory dives instead. Mike’s intro dives take off from the beach and are designed to show you the basics. The dive includes a crash course on scuba diving and a 45-minute shallow dive. You’ll be exploring the waters up to 30 feet with a certified instructor right by your side. This trip costs only $99 per person.

Once you’re certified, you can join one of the company’s Boat Dives and explore the ocean from an authentic Hawaiian vessel. Boat Dives cost $139 per person for a two-tank trip. If you want to take it further, you can also to an Open Water Diver Course later on for $260.

For more info and reservations visit http://waterfantasydiving.com

Explore the wonders of Maui in one of the largest cruise vessels on the island, the 92’ Prince Kuhio. The boat leaves daily for some of Maui’s most popular dive sites, including Molokini and Keawala’i. Prince Kuhio is also the only snorkel company to offer free transportation to and from most major hotels, particularly in the Lahaina, Ka’anapali, Kihei, and Wailea areas.

The vessel consists of two spacious decks with ample seating, perfect for large groups or families. The boat’s capacity is around 149 passengers, but they keep group sizes small to keep everyone comfortable. All members are provided with snorkeling equipment and flotation devices. Be sure to check out the upper sun deck for views of the Haleakala volcano—definitely a visual highlight to this fun Maui activity!

If you’re coming in the summer, the Molokini Snorkel cruise is the Maui activity for you. It takes off from the Ma’alaea Harbor near Highway 30, with trips offered daily except when the weather is bad. The all-day trip includes a continental breakfast, deli lunch, and a wide selection of beverages.Check-in time is 6:45am for those who are driving to the harbor.

Winter visitors can catch the fun whale watching cruise and see the famous humpback whales put on a show in the water. You can watch the humpbacks up close as they play, glide, and rest in the clear waters of Maui, with the beautiful coastline in the background. Be sure to bring a camera, as this is one Maui activity you won’t want to forget!

For more info and reservations visit http://www.mvprince.com

Professional training and fun Maui activities are the highlights at Maui Scuba Diving, one of the most established dive companies on the island. It offers introductory classes and full certifications from PADI, the world’s premier diving association, and dives to some of Maui’s most popular sites. Among its main destinations are the Cathedrals, Molokini Crater, Kihei, and Ma’alaea Harbor.

There are three main dives to choose from: the beach dive, the boat dive, and the night dive. The beach dives are usually for introductory courses, or those who don’t want to take the certification class. The gentle slopes of the Maui beaches allow for an easy, laid-back ride especially for first-time divers. Divers also have the option to upgrade to a certification class afterwards.

If you’re certified and want some serious exploring, the boat dive is the dive for you. Instead of the beach, you dive straight into the water from the company boat. This gives you a lot more freedom in the water and more dive sites to choose from. You can even book an entire day for your Maui activity, so you don’t miss out on the best dives! More experienced divers, or those with an adventurous streak, should definitely try the night dive. Many of Maui’s sea creatures only come out at night, so you’ll be seeing a whole new side of Maui.

Night Dive

The company also offers Dive Packages, which combine two or more activities for a discounted price. You can customize your trips according to your schedule and preferred Maui activity, although self-arranged dives will cost you a bit more. Some of the most popular combos are the beach dive and night dive, and the introductory lesson plus a boat and beach dive.

For more info and reservations visit http://www.mauiscubadiving.cc

Maui Eco Tours prides itself in excellent service and a friendly, knowledgeable staff dedicated to making your snorkeling trip one of a kind. It only employs two full-time guides, both of whom are highly experienced. They’ll help you make the most of your Maui activity, showing you the best spots and giving you fascinating insights on the magnificent seas of Hawaii.

Choose from four snorkel tours: Discovery, Whales, Escapade, and the new Seacliffs dive. Discovery is easily the most popular, named a family travel favorite at the WeJustGotBack.com website. The 3-hour trip is offered year-round, includes two snorkels, and is open to anyone aged five and up. It’s the perfect Maui activity to cap off a family vacation!

In the winter, whale and dolphin watching are the main highlights. Humpback whales and spinner dolphins make their annual migration from Alaska to the Hawaiian waters, staying from December to April. The Whales dive includes whale watching, snorkeling, and kayaking, while the Escapade features dolphin spotting, swimming with sea turtles, and exploring Honolua Bay. Escapade accepts snorkelers aged 16 or older and usually accommodates groups of 8 or less.

The company’s newest offer is Seacliffs, which is based in Central Maui just 20 minutes from the town of Lahaina and 25 minutes from Kihei. The Seacliffs site hugs the Maui coastline and features some of the best coral gardens this side of the Pacific. You have to be 12 or older to join the tour, and preferably have snorkeled at least a few times.

For more info and reservations visit http://www.mauiecotours.com/

Blue Water Rafting offers three comprehensive snorkeling tours around Maui, designed for snorkelers of all ages and skill levels. One of its most popular Maui activities is the Kanaio/Molokini Tour, as it takes you to the Volcanic Kanaio Coast, one of the lesser known parts of Maui. Kanaio boasts some interesting sea caves made by a lava explosion around 200 years ago. You’ll also get to explore coral reefs, swim with green sea turtles, and if you’re lucky, maybe even spot a few dolphins!

The Kanaio Coast Tour is a smaller but equally fun Maui activity, centered on the Kanaio caves and Maui’s Gold Coast. Much of the cave is hard to access, so be prepared for a bit of hiking. Once you get past it, you’ll be rewarded by great views of Maui’s landmark, the Haleakala Volcano. The snorkel sites vary according to the season and weather, but typically include La Perouse Bay and Makena.

If you don’t have much time, get on the Molokini Express tour. The two-hour trip includes a ride to the Molokini Crater aboard a high-powered raft, a short briefing, and over an hour of snorkeling the crysal clear Molokini waters. Those who are feeling adventurous can also check out the Back Wall of Molokini, a cliff that drops to a dizzying 400 feet below sea level. The waters here are very calm and harbor some of the most beautiful tropical fish on the island, beautifully lit by shafts of sunlight cutting through the water.

Whale watching is an optional stop for those coming in the winter. From December to April humpback whales come to the Hawaiian coast from Alaska to spend the colder months. Watch them play and glide through the water, and try listening for whale songs! Just make sure to clear your schedule as this can add an hour and a half to your tour time.

For more info and reservations visit http://www.bluewaterrafting.com

Friendly Charters has been offering snorkeling and whale watching trips on Maui since 1983. It takes pride in having a friendly, experienced staff who knows the island by heart. All its Maui activities are carried out on the Lani Kai, a 53’ double-deck catamaran designed to get people fast and safe to Maui’s most popular spots.

Guests can choose from morning, afternoon, and sunset trips. The morning tour consists of a trip to Molokini and Turtle Town, where you can snorkel among moray eels, green sea turtles, and other exotic marine creatures. A continental breakfast will be served on the way, after which you will be briefed and fitted with snorkel gear. Lunch will be served at the stop in Turtle Town before turning back for Maalaea Harbor. The trip lasts 5 hours total and costs $62 for children and $98 for adults.

In the afternoons, you can choose between the Molokini Snorkel Adventure (similar to the morning trip) and the Coral Gardens. Both are among Maui’s best dive sites and offer great opportunities for all types of divers. If you come in the winter season, you may be able to spot humpback whales on the way. This three-hour trip costs only $33 for children and $44 for adults.

Those looking for a romantic evening should try the Maui Sunset Concert Cruise. A two-hour ride aboard the Lani Kai, this trip includes a blues performance by Estee & Company and asumptuous dinner featuring sushi, cheese and crackers, fruits and dips, and crab salad.

For more info and reservations visit http://www.mauisnorkeling.com

Island Star Excursions offers three boat tours in and around Maui, with Maui activities ranging from sailing and sightseeing to adventure-filled snorkeling and diving. Its tours are provided by two vessels the sailboat Island Star and the adventure speedboat the Scarab. Trips can be customized according to the size and preference of the divers, and are always subject to the weather to ensure the best Maui activity for everyone.

One of the most requested trips is Island Star Sailing, a two-hour sunset sail perfect for couples on a romantic getaway. At your request, the crew can also take you snorkeling, scuba diving, or fishing. You can also book a week-long sailing cruise around Maui County, and in the winter, you can stop for a whale watch as the humpback whales come in from Alaska.

If you’re more into adventure Maui activities, a snorkel tour may be your best choice. Half-day and full-day snorkel trips are available, usually on the island of Lanai and if the weather permits, the Molokini Crater. You’ll get to see and explore pristine coral reefs and fascinating marine wildlife. There’s also a whale watch option on the winter.

The company’s high-speed rate boat is also open for private charters. With speeds reaching 50mph, it’s perfect for those who want to see as much of the place as possible. The private charter departs either from Lahaina or Lanai and typically includes a full-day Lanai tour, a whale watching stop, and scuba diving if you have a certification.

For more info and reservations visit  http://www.islandstarexcursions.com

The Maui Princess is one of the most popular vessels on the island because of its friendly crew and excellent onboard facilities. It offers lots of shade for summer cruises, which ensures a great view of the Maui sunset. Excellent service, good entertainment, and a cruise-like atmosphere make it a good choice for pretty much any Maui activity, although the dinner cruise remains its most requested ride.

The dinner cruise starts with a slow, leisurely ride along the shoreline, letting you enjoy unique views of Maui and the nearby islands. The boat comes around just before sunset to give you the best viewing angle. The best time to visit is off-season, especially May, as there are fewer people and you can get dibs on the good seats. Most people stick to the farthest seat aft as it offers the best views, with no one else in front of you.

Dinner is served on an open air deck on top. There’s also a singer and keyboard player in a covered area below, playing classical and jazz music which you can dance to later on. However, as the ship is small, on rough days the motion will be too rough for any dancing.

The meal consists of three main course choices: vegetarian, chicken, or prime rib. There’s also a side dish or salad, or your choice of appetizer. At the time of boarding, you’ll be given coupons which you can trade in for drinks, such as soda, wine, beer, or tropical fruit juice.

For more info and reservations visit http://www.mauiprincess.com

Seafire Snorkeling Adventures specializes in small group charters around Turtle Town and the Molokini Crater. Their vessel Seafire is one of the fastest and safest boats on the island, with a speed that takes you to some of Maui’s best dive spots in seconds. That means you can beat the crowds, get more time in the water, and have a better selection of Maui activities for the day.

A typical tour starts at the Kihai Boat Ramp, where the Seafire will be waiting for you. The trip to Molokini takes a mere 15 minutes, during which the crew will give you a quick briefing and fit you with sanitized snorkel gear. You can actually see other boats slug along as the Seafire speeds across the water-that’s how fast you’ll be going!

Once you dock in Molokini, you can immediately dive in and explore the clear Maui waters. If you want, the crew can join in and show you some of the best snorkel spots. They’ll be more than happy to point out the tropical fish, green sea turtles, and other marine creatures on the crater. One of the highlights are the “cleaning stations” where the fish nibble at the algae and parasites that collect on the turtles’ shells. It’s a fascinating sight that’s sure to light up your day in the water.

The Seafire departs twice daily, one at 7:30am for a three-hour ride and a shorter, two-hour ride at 10:45am. The rates range from $45 to $55 per person, making it fairly affordable considering there are two snorkel stops at every trip. All the equipment is included, including snorkel gear and wetsuits, as well as a continental breakfast with drinks.

For more info and reservations visit http://molokinisnorkeling.com

South Pacific Kayaks specializes in kayak and snorkel tours on Maui and other Pacific islands. It takes pride in offering an environmentally friendly Maui activity that suits divers, snorkelers, and kayakers of all ages and skill levels. It also has some of the most experienced guides in the area, who will be more than happy to share their knowledge and help make this Maui activity one of a kind.

The kayak excursion takes you along a side of Maui seldom seen by tourists. You’ll get to see crystal-clear waters brimming with all kinds of sea creatures, stunning coastline views, and a wide range of colorful coral reefs. Of course, you’ll also see the famous Hawaiian green sea turtles, and in the winter, you can spot humpback whales playing and relaxing in the warm Pacific waters.

All South Pacific tours include high-quality snorkel gear, on-board snacks and beverages, professional touring kayaks (your choice of singles and doubles), and guide-assisted launches and landings. You’ll also be given clear instructions on snorkel safety and an interesting talk on Maui’s rich natural wonders. The guides are all CPR and First Aid Certified, so you know you’re in good hands.

The company also offers special private tours for guests ranging from half-day tours to cruises lasting several days. You can also book private trips to Lanai or from Hana to Maliko Bay, one of the most scenic routes in the area. The crew can arrange a custom tour for you according to your schedule and preferences-just give them a call and they’ll send you a quote right away.

For more info and reservations visit http://www.southpacifickayaks.com

One of my most favorite beach bars on Maui and entire Hawaii.

Kaunakakai harbor:

Dole Park in Lanai City:

Lahaina Divers has been offering dive charters around Maui for over 30 years, making them one of the most established on the island. They are also the only dive charter company operating straight out of the Lahaina Harbor, which allows you to schedule other Maui activities with your dive. The company boasts two 46’ boats, the Dominion and the Dauntless, both of which ensure the perfect Maui activity for you and your family.

The base lies just four miles from the Kaanapali Resort, a busy tourist site. Besides the resort, some of the most popular dive sites are Lanai, Molokini, the Carthaginian Wreck, and parts of the West Maui Coast. The Turtle Reef dive is one of the most requested, with its rich coral gardens and wide range of marine creatures. Make sure to check out the green sea turtles, an endangered species that somehow only thrive in Hawaiian waters.

Another good site is the Cathaginian Wreck, the remains of a large pier that gave in to the hurricane. It is now preserved as a historical site and a popular destination for the eco-naturalist divers. The structure is now home to some interesting marine life, including a family of frogfish that have set up camp there. Lahaina’s Wreck Dives are given longer bottom times so you can explore to your heart’s content.

First-time divers are also well accommodated in the Discover Scuba program. This dive covers the shallower parts of the site which you don’t need a license for. It’s a great choice for kids, beginners, or those who are accompanying more experienced scuba divers.

For more info and reservations visit http://www.lahainadivers.com

Pacific Dive Maui is a 5-star rated center based in Lahaina, Maui. It is more known for its scuba diving and certification classes, but it also offers dive tours for divers of all skill levels. Its most popular Maui activity is the Introductory Dive, designed for non-certified divers who don’t have time for a three-day certification course.

If you’re new to diving or have just been certified, the Beach Dive may be best for you. Maui’s gentle tides are perfect for diving off the beach even with limited skill and experience. Choose from an intro (non-certified) dive at $89, a scooter dive (assisted with a sea doo) also for $89, or a shorter one-tank dive for $59.

Boat dives are usually recommended for those who have done at least a few dives. The dive is done on the island of Lanai, just a quick boat ride from Maui. Here you’ll see various lava tube formations and a rich variety of marine life. Only two-tank dives are available. The rates are $139 if you have your own gear and $159 if you’re renting.

You can also choose to explore the Molokini Crater, a small volcanic islet off the coast of Maui. The site is open to scuba divers and snorkelers, so you can have your choice of Maui activity. A two-tank dive costs $129 plus gear rental and $75 up for snorkeling. You can also request a trip to the Back Wall of Molokini for a more adventurous dive.

Night diving is one of the less explored tours on Maui. The company offers nighttime dives assisted with dive lights. Explore the mysteries of the deep where some of the most fascinating sea creatures come out to play. This tour is open to Certified Open Water Divers only, and costs $79 for a one-tank dive.

For more info and reservations visit http://www.pacificdive.com/

If you’re looking for a quiet but professional diving tour, Scuba Mike may have just what you need. The company focuses on small, intimate groups where each diver gets individual attention. The owner, known simply as Mike, has been teaching diving on Maui for nearly 30 years and knows the land by heart. For the divers’ safety, they only go to locations where the conditions are optimal for diving and exploring.

Mike recommends taking an Open Water Diver course from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) before setting out to dive. The course takes three days on average. If you’re not up for a full course, Mike also offers a Discover Scuba Diving course which covers most of the basics. This program is open to divers of all ages and is just as fun as any Maui activity.

Divers who like it fast and wild can try the Scooter Dive. Riding an underwater vehicle known as the Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV), you can go up to four times faster and go up to eight times as far. Just make sure you’re well experienced and certified—it takes some skill to drive the DPV safely and effectively.

Scuba Mike also offers night dives, which show you completely different side of Maui. The waters take on a whole new form at night, and you’ll see many unique sea creatures who only come out at night. The tour also includes lessons on dive planning, techniques, and safety for nighttime dives. You must be a PADI Open Water Diver and be at least 12 years old to take part.

For more info and reservations visit http://scubamike.net

This dive is for the ardent environmentalists who want a more laid-back Maui activity. Unlike other scuba charters, Mike Severns Diving doesn’t put a limit on your underwater time. You can explore at your own pace and see as much as you want. At your request, a dive instructor will come with you and show you around Maui’s fascinating marine paradise. Beginners, amateurs, and certified divers are all accommodated, and the staff is more than willing to assist first-timers.

Another thing that sets Mike Severns apart is that they don’t have “guaranteed” dive sites. Instead, they go wherever the weather allows, depending on visibility, surf, and your own preferences. They know Maui weather like the back of their hand, so they can tell which sites are best to visit on a given day. A typical tour includes a stop at Molokini, except on very rough days. Other common dive sites include the Back Wall of Molokini, St Anthony’s Wreck, Makena, La Perouse Bay, and the 85-foot Pinnacle.

Whale watching is also offered in the winter, but the best time to go is from February to March. Although the humpbacks start arriving in October, they don’t appear regularly until late in the season. Again, you can take as much time as you want on the whale watch, and go back for a dive if you feel like it.

The two-tank, one-day dive trip costs $130 with mask, tanks, fins and weights included. You can rent other gear such as a regulator, BC and wetsuit for $5 each. If you decide to dive the next day, you get $15 off the fees. Here’s the best thing: every day you dive, Mike Severns donates one dollar to the Maui Reef Fund, a private charity that protects the coastal environment of Maui.

For more info and reservations visit http://www.mikesevernsdiving.com/

The Maui Diamond II is named after a 40-foot twin-diesel dive boat which has been offering Maui dive tours for several years. The company specializes in nature dives and accommodates both certified and non-certified divers, so there’s sure to be a Maui activity for everyone. Their main dive sites include the Molokini Crater, St Anthony’s Wreck, and the Seven Daves.

The boat dive leaves fairly early, around 6:30am, to avoid the strong trade winds that come later in the day. If you’re not an early riser, there’s also an afternoon version of the same tour. Diving groups meet at the Maalaea Harbor Slip 23, where the company is based. The tour starts with a 45-minute ride to Molokini, during which you’ll be briefed on the dive and fitted with equipment. After the first dive, you’ll be taken to the second site on a 40 to 60 minute interval. The tour lasts approximately five hours, except in the winter when you’ll stay longer for some whale watching.

The Maui Diamond staff consists of experienced dive masters and scuba instructors. If you’re a beginner, you’ll be accompanied by a certified diver as you explore the reefs, sea life, and tropical fish at your own pace. Certification classes are kept small so that everyone gets one-on-one instruction.

All divers are provided with dive equipment on the tour, although you can use your own if you have one. The trips also include a continental breakfast or deli-style lunch with chips, and your choice of beverage (sodas, coffee, water).

For more info and reservations visit http://www.mauiscubatours.com