Snorkelers delight!

Up early today for a Pacific Whale Foundation cruise to Molokini & Lanai. A short drive down to Maalaea Harbor & check in at 7:45 for our 8:30 departure. The boat holds 150 people, but today they are 86 going on the trip, so it was comfy on board. Captain Doug..born in Tallequah, OK..explains all the rules & heads out toward Molokini (and breakie too!), with a few whales on the way..blows & flukes..before anchoring inside the crater in crystal clear water. One hour of snorkeling here with good coral & lots of fish, but not as many as Honolua. Pull up anchor and head off toward Lanai, with a smooth Pacific & we can see 5 islands from here, including the BIG Island of Hawaii, 90 miles in the distance. We end up at Shark's Fin Bay & once again, clear water. A little rougher than we'd like but good coral and even instruction from one of the Pacific Whale workers on the reefs & fish, while we snorkel. Oh, and a good lunch just before we get to Lanai..grilled chicken, dogs, burgers, pasta salad & drinks. Another hour here & up anchor to see a massive pod of spinner dolphins all around the boat..WHAT A SHOW! And now the bar is open! Drinks for everyone, and Capt Doug is "buying"! A nice cruise back to Maui & Capt stirs up some sea turtles over by Olowalu. Into the harbor about 3:30 & a wonderful day. We top it off with some local ice cream & cookies & then back to the condo. A short power nap & clean up for dinner. We walk up to the plaza to Maui Brewing Co and some mahi-mahi, burgers, calamari & local brews. Not bad! Some good laughs about old times in Uppity St Clair & back to the rooms by 9:15. See ya "Upcountry"!