molokini morning

We were up early to meet our snorkelling tour with Four Winds II at 7am. Destination - Molokini, a submerged caldera that has coral reef and many species of fish. Once on the boat, we learned about Snuba and decided to give it a try. It took about an hour to get out to Molokini. The ride out was beautiful and we learned about the islands in the area. Above, Molokini is a bird sanctuary - no people allowed - and below it is a marine reserve. No touching the coral!

We were in the second snuba group so we started with snorkelling. Amazing! The water is so clear and there were many different kinds of colourful fish. Unfortunately I have no photos.

Five of us tried snuba and it was an experience like nothing else. It felt like we were visiting a different world. Which I guess we were. We were the humans in the fish tank. Snuba (cross between scuba diving and snorkelling) allows you to go up to 15 feet deep with an oxygen tube to explore even more. It's hard to explain but it feels like you are suspended in time and you are totally present to the sights around you. The gradation of blue underwater is unreal. I only wish we had a little more time because by the time you understand how it all works (and get you ears de-pressurized) it's time to come up. I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Even though I am a darker shade of my usual light beige...I still look white compared to everyone else. Sunscreen is my friend.

Uncle Kevin & Aunty Mary Lou

James and Sarah ready to snuba

On the way back we saw a bunch of dolphins -spinners and bottlenose. They were in sleep mode so no playing in the wake.

The tour was definitely a highlight so far!

Back at the condo, we went to the pool to cool down for a bit and played some ping pong.

We went for Happy Hour #1 at Monkey Pod where Alana and I had what was billed as the best Mai Tai on the island. It was very good - the best I've had so far.  We then ventured to the shops at Wailea for Happy Hour #2 where I had another Mai Tai - not the best but good and it had Hawiian kitsch. The Edmonton Eskimos were on TV. Have I mentioned there are a lot of Canadians here? We may go back tomorrow for the Saskatchewan game.

We ended the day at the beach watching the sunset and Alana, Kate and Ben boogie boarding.

Next up: Helicopter ride!