Maui Condos on the Beach Archives

Where to Go Snorkeling in West Maui

West Maui offers a variety of top snorkeling spots that cater to different interests. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back beach vibe or full-day excursions, here are some of our favorites:

Olowalu is known for its massive protected coral gardens with tropical marine life and iconic green turtles.

Napili Bay provides outdoor showers, soft sand, and relatively calm waters, ideal for families.

Kaanapali Beach is home to the famous Black Rock, a prime location for beginners wanting to encounter marine life.

For another chance to swim with sea turtles, hop on a boat and head to Turtle Town near Makena.

For more adventure, consider a boat trip to Molokini Crater with Four Winds or Lanai Island with Trilogy Excursions. Both places are known for their clear waters and abundant marine life.

West Maui Snorkel Gear Rentals

Whether you plan to visit some of the places above or explore the waters near your condo, you may want to rent some snorkeling gear.

Snorkel Bob’s

Snorkel Bob’s is a go-to choice for snorkeling gear in West Maui, offering high-quality equipment and a wide selection to suit all needs. With seven convenient locations, renting gear is simple and hassle-free. The friendly staff ensures a smooth experience and online reservations make the process even easier. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a first-timer, Snorkel Bob’s provides everything you need for a great day in the water.

Boss Frog’s

Boss Frog’s is another trusted resource for snorkeling gear rentals in West Maui. It is known for its knowledgeable staff and exceptional customer service. With nine locations in West and South Maui, they offer great gear prices and comprehensive instructions for use. Beyond equipment, the staff provides excellent advice on other activities, ensuring visitors get the most out of their Maui experience. Whether you need snorkeling gear or beach essentials, Boss Frog’s has you covered with convenience and expertise.

West Maui Vacation Condos on the Beach

West Maui is an outstanding snorkeling destination, offering crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life. Our top spots will surely provide unforgettable underwater experiences for all skill levels. Staying with Chase ‘N Rainbows gives you easy access to these prime locations and convenient options for snorkeling gear rentals and nearby tour companies. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, West Maui’s stunning underwater landscapes await your exploration!
Remember to check out our specials page, which has plenty of Maui deals!

Types of Lei: A young couple embrace while wearing newly adorned lei.

Few symbols are as iconic and beloved as the lei in the vibrant tapestry of Hawaiian culture. These intricately crafted garlands hold deep significance, symbolizing love and respect. Throughout the islands, various types of lei are created using traditional methods passed down through generations, each with its unique style and symbolism. In celebration of Lei Day, Chase ‘N Rainbows wants to showcase the different kinds of lei.

How May Day Became Lei Day

In the early 20th century, Lei Day in Hawaii began when poet Don Blanding proposed honoring the lei’s cultural significance. The first Lei Day was celebrated in 1927 in Honolulu, featuring lei-making contests, music, hula performances, and cultural demonstrations. Over the years, Lei Day grew in popularity and became an annual tradition, officially recognized by the state legislature in 1929. Held on May 1st to coincide with May Day, Lei Day serves as a celebration of Hawaiian traditions, the spirit of aloha, and the beauty of the lei. Today, we celebrate throughout Hawaii with various cultural events and festivities. Now, on to the different types of lei!

Kui

Among the most common types of lei, kui involves stringing flowers or materials onto a thread using a needle, resulting in a necklace-like adornment. This method showcases the beauty of flowers like plumerias, with each material individually pierced and strung onto the thread to create stunning floral arrangements.

Hili

The hili style features braiding a single type of material throughout the entire lei, resulting in a consistent and uniform appearance. Often made with ferns or vines, this method creates a sturdy and durable design, perfect for adorning special occasions or honoring loved ones.

Hipu’u

Knotting stems or materials together in a chain-like fashion characterizes the hipu’u style. Each stem is knotted to the next, creating a continuous string of materials that vary depending on the desired look. This method offers versatility in design and materials, making it a popular choice for lei-making enthusiasts.

Haku

The haku style mounts chosen materials onto the strands, creating a decorative and visually appealing design. Long leaves or tree bark are often braided together to form the base, with materials added into each braid wrap to create an eye-catching lei that celebrates nature’s beauty.

Wili

Twisting short lengths of material and securing them with a coil or wrap characterizes wili leis. Common materials include leaves, flowers, or fabric strips, which are twisted together for a twisted and layered appearance. This method offers a dynamic and contemporary twist on traditional lei-making techniques.

Hilo

The hilo style utilizes long, flexible materials like ti leaves. It involves twisting them together to form a rope, which is then used to create the lei. Two strands of ti leaves are twisted together to create various patterns and designs, making this style a timeless symbol of Hawaiian culture.

West Maui Condos and Vacation Rentals on the Beach

Exploring different types of lei is just one example of the various customs and traditions you’ll discover when you visit West Maui. As many of our guests will tell you, most locals are delighted to teach visitors the ways of the islands. Not only does this foster an appreciation for the culture, but it also helps create a sense of community among travelers and Hawaii’s inhabitants. To start planning your Maui getaway, visit our vacation rentals or condo resort pages and find your favorite spot on the beach with Chase ‘N Rainbows!

Maui Condos on the Beach