Molokini with Alii Nui

I got invited to tag along on the Alii Nui, the 65 foot sailing catamaran, on a snorkel cruise to Molokini Crater.

It was an impromptu invite, offered over drinks and dinner at Captain Jack's last night as Bryan, Jess and I were snacking and watching Will play music.  Jess works on the Alii Nui and told me there was plenty of room on the Molokini snorkel charter if I wanted to jump aboard in the morning.  I hesitated for a millisecond as I considered the inconveniences of squeezing in a boating snorkel trip before going into work later.  I decided that it would be totally worth it.

I got up early in the morning, drove to south side of the island to Maalaea harbor and boarded the Alii Nui.

The Alii Nui is the largest sailing catamaran on Maui.  Because of its size, the crew can offer the most luxurious sailing adventures.  There's plenty of room above and below deck to sprawl out and relax on your way to the snorkeling destination.  The boat is pristine and the crew delivers outstanding service.  The crew's mission is to make you feel like royalty, like the boat's namesake.  Alii Nui denoted the Hawaiian royalty.

{looking back at the windmills}

Sailing out from Maalaea on the south side of the island offered views of Maui that I had never seen from the water before.  I loved looking at the long line of white windmills marching up the backside of the West Maui Mountains.

Even though I've lived here over three years, I still have never made it over to the famous snorkel destination, Molokini Crater.  It's an incredibly popular snorkel and scuba diving spot that can only be reached by boat, as the small half moon crater is off island.  

{about to circumnavigate Molokini}

It took us about an hour to get to Molokini from Maalaea harbor.  The ocean was incredibly glassy and calm, making it easy to spot flying fish and a handful of whales.

{panoramic view of Molokini's backside}

{Captain Aaron at the helm}

{easy access to the water}

After a quick safety talk, Captain Aaron ushered us down the steps and into the ocean.

Under the water, there was so much going on.  Lots of fun, colorful fish.  Mounds of prickling sea urchin.

I spotted this eel undulating above the coral.  I followed him and his blue ulua escort, the bright blue fish with electric blue spots.  It was hard to tell who was chasing whom, but I followed the eel as it slipped over and through the coral.

{you can see the blue ulua, also known as a trevally}

{the blue ulua}

The Alii Nui also employs a photographer.  Harold took photos on board as well as underwater, and he got some super sweet shots of me playing in and around and through rings he blew out as he dove below me.

{shot by Harold Giger}

{shot by Harold Giger}

{shot by Harold Giger}

After about an hour and a half of snorkeling and playing with bubbles thanks to Harold, I got back on board and relished the warm fresh water shower on deck.  Talk about fancy!

I toweled off, wrapped up and got lunch below deck.  On our way out of Molokini, the crew was able to let loose the sails, and we got to sail part of the way home.

On our way back to the harbor, we saw a few more whales.  We didn't get mugged, but it's still the closest I've gotten to the whales so far this season.  It's still pretty early on still, so it's only a matter of time before it's whale soup out there!

I had an amazing trip with the Alii Nui crew, and even though I was just a tag along, I still felt like a queen.  The boat is a beauty, and the crew sailing her is some of the best.

After a full day in the sun and the water, I'm feeling supremely delirious.  I cannot wait to go to sleep tonight!