Dissecting Molokini Crater

Molokini Crater

Quicksilver – Quicksilver Charters enjoys a prime location at Molokini Crater.  See a Molokini expert at Boss Frog’s for more.

Tako Flats – A sand channel with coral heads, Tako Flats is a great place to find octopus and the occasional Manta Ray.

Middle Reef – Home to many variey of tropical Hawaiian fish, the protected Middle reef is made up of mostly hard corals.

Reef’s End – Molokini Crater sinks into the ocean and continues for around 200 yards. Strong currents are closer to the end.

Shark Condos – Deep down around 130 feet, you’ll find harmless reef sharks taking refuge in the cascading caves.

Enenue – A gentle slope that continues for 6o ft.  Closer to the crater wall, you’ll find abundant schools of butterfly fish.

Flying Sea Cliffs – Scuba divers love the many hanging shelves sitting at 50 ft, and below this is another 80 feet of wall.

The Back Side – The entire back side of Molokini Crater is for experienced divers who enjoy drift and wall dives.

Edge of the World
– Dropping to a depth of 250 ft, this area is in constant shadow, bringing out exotic ocean life.
You can learn more about Molokini Crater by visiting the Molokini information Kiosk in the Lahaina Cannery Mall, by speaking with a knowledgeable Boss Frog’s representative at any of our island shops or calling one at (808) 661-3333, or by visiting Molokini Maui.

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Humpback Whale Information

Lahaina Cannery Mall

Whale PhotosYou may have recently seen the new Maui whale Kiosk at the Cannery Mall in Lahaina, Maui.  Below is some of this information about our annual visitors: Humpback Whales.

Also, if you’re looking to do some whale watching, please visit Maui Whale Watching or call Toll Free:  1-888-700-3764 ext. 8

Humpback Whale General Information

Scientific Name: Megaptera Novaeangliae
Class: Mammalia
Order: Cetacea
Suborder: Mysticeti
Family: Balaenopteridae
Genus: Magaptera
Species: Novaeangliae

Humpback whales are rorguals, a family that also includes the Blue Whale, Fin Whale, Bryde’s Whale, Sei Whale and the Minke Whale. Rorquals have two common characteristics: Ventral pleats running from the tip of the lower jaw back to the bell area, and a dorsal fin on their backs. Rorquals are filter feeders. They have sheets of baleen in their mouths that filter food such as krill, plankton and herring out of the seawater, as opposed to the odontocete or “toothed” whales such as the Orca and the Sperm whale. The humpback has a bulky head with bumpy protuberances (tubercles), each with a bristle sticking out of them. Humpbacks are acrobats of the ocean, breaching and slapping the water. They live in pods and have 2 blowholes on the top of their massive head for breathing air. The name humpback describes the motion it makes as it arches its back out of the water in preparation for a dive.

From small to big!!!
At birth, humpback whales can weigh between 1 and 1.5 tons and range from 10 to 15 feet in length. The gestation period is usually between 11 – 12 months. Calves grow rapidly in Hawaiian waters averaging about 1 inch in length and 100 pounds a day in weight. The mother’s milk is close to 50% fat, and has the consistency of yogurt. When baby is hungry it nudges its mother. The mother then squirts the milk out into the seawater, which the calf then consumes. Calves consume up to 100 gallons of milk per day. These calves have to gain strength and body fat quickly for their long journey to the feeding grounds in Alaska.

Humpback Whale PodI’m hungry!
While the calf is busy feasting and playing, mom is burning the candle at both ends. Not only is she fasting while in Hawaiian waters, she is also producing large amounts of milk for her calf. Hawaiian waters contain no phytoplankton, which are microscopic plants that support the small fish that the adult whales feed on. Simply put, there is no food source for adult humpbacks in Hawaii. Their bodies burn their own blubber layer for energy. As a result, the adult whales can lose up to 1/3 of their body weight, especially the females.

Up or Down, that my friends is the question…
How long do these gently giants stay down? On average a humpback whale can stay submerged for up to 45 minutes, however, average down time is between 5 and 15 minutes. If you see a whale’s fluke, you may be in for a long wait before the whale surfaces again. You thought Lance Armstrong had large lungs!! Think again. Each lung can be the size of a compact car. Whales exchange up to 90% of the air in their lungs as compared to us humans that exchange only 15% to 20% of the air in our lungs.
Whale blood contains a special chemical called myohemoglobin, which allows the blood to contain a large volume of oxygen. This may help the whale stay submerged for long periods.

Whale BreachBeach front cabanas, fish tacos, and nightlife with friends?
Hardly, As far as we know, humpbacks are quite solitary animals. They don’t seem to form a strong bond between each other as adults. They mainly get together for feeding and breeding purposes. They do travel in loose nit pods. Calves tend to stay with their mother during their first year of life. They will make the migration back to Alaska after birthing and mating season and remain together in Alaska for the summer. They will return together to Hawaii in the winter. At this time they are likely to separate.

We Sing, We dance…….
Have you ever been in the water in Hawaii during whale season and heard the whales sing underwater? Their singing sounds kind of like a very high-pitched violin being played from a distance. Both male and female whales are capable of song, however the male is the most vocal. During mating season, males will sing complex, organized songs with distinct themes and melodies for up to 20 minutes. These songs can be heard from over 15 miles away. It’s not known why whales sing, but it’s rumored that it is either an attempt to attract females or serves a warning to other whales. Maybe they are just happy.

Yes whales dance!! Have you ever seen a whale breach? Slap its pectoral fins or do a peduncle slap. Ok, maybe they don’t dance, however, Humpbacks exhibit all kinds of extraordinary behaviors during their stay here in Hawaii.

Sleep
Humpbacks sleep by shutting off half their brain. Periodically, they switch brain sides. While one half is awake the other is asleep. The side that remains awake acts as a sentinel to protect the whale from threats, including sharks and boats.

Migration
Every year the North Pacific population of humpback whales migrates to Hawaii, Western Mexico and the islands of South Japan to mate, calve and nurse. The Alaska to Hawaii migration is over 3000 miles long and takes about 39 days. They are believed to swim 24 hours a day and cruise an estimated speed of 3 to 4 miles per hour. It’s rumored that whales may use what is called biomagnetic navigation to find their destinations.  Other animals such as Pidgeons, Starlings and Tuna use biomagnetic navigation, which is using Earth’s magnetic field to navigate.  The strength of this field varies at different places on Earth much like our existing landscape varies.  A substance known as biomagnetite, found in the brain of humpback whales, is the brain chemical required for this type of navigation.

Humpbacks may also use echo-location as a means of navigation.  This is the method of bouncing sound off an object from a long distance away and using the length of time the sound takes to return to give specific location or distance from the object.

Go to Boss Frog’s across from Starbucks at the Cannery Mall in Lahaina to book your seats on the next available Whale Watch in Maui.

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Grand Wailea Luau

Grand Wailea Luau

Hula DancerThere’s a new luau in town!!  The Grand Wailea has all of the wonderful components that you want.  A delicious feast, hula dancing, sunset over the ocean, fire knife dancers, and Hawaiian music.

The Grand Luau is set on the Molokini lawn at the world famous Grand Wailea Luau in south Maui, Hawaii.  This lawn has a great view of the ocean, and of Molokini Crater.  The Hawaiian luau buffet is diverse offering everything from Mahi Mahi to pineapple upside down cake.  There’s sure to be something to please every appetite.

Come to the Grand Wailea Luau and enjoy a cold mai tai while sitting back for a great show.  Book your seats today by calling (808) 661-3333.

Fire Dancing

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Maui Home Sales UP!

Foreclosure Maui
According to the Realtors Association of Maui, Home sales in Maui are at a 17-month high and sales of condos have doubled from last year.  The numbers show a positive swing in the real estate movement due to low prices for homes and condos.  This looks like the beginning of the end when it comes to real estate problems in Hawaii… for now.

December 2009 home sales on Maui are up by over 60% from December 2008.  Sales have increased due to the 16.3% drop in median price from homes as well as the many Maui foreclosures, REO, short sale listings and low interest rates.  Another incentive to first-time home buyers is a tax credit for up to $8,000 held until April 30th.

Oahu, The Big Island of Hawaii and Kauai all experienced upward sales in December.  Last month’s market activity shows us that buying in Hawaii is attractive.  If you’re looking for a first home, 2nd home, or an investment property, it seems that now is a good time to look for Maui real estate.

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Maui Fun Charters – Bottom Fishing

Maui Fun Charters

Lots of fishIf you’re an avid fisherman, or have always been curious of what it’s like to reel in fish, you have to try bottom Fishing in Maui!  Maui Fun Charters offers a personalized trip to catch all kinds of delicious tropical Hawaiian fish.  Their 25 foot Cabin Cruiser is outfitted for sport and bottom fishing as well as snorkeling, diving, and whale watching (in Season.)

With all new fishing tackle and the latest in modern electronics, you can enjoy the best of Hawaii fishing from a convenient launch point at Maalaea Harbor.  We also really like Maui Fun Charters because they only take 6 guests at a time, making your experience more private and enjoyable.  To book the Marjorie Ann for your next fishing trip, call (808) 875-4477 and ask for Benjammin or book online at Maui Bottom Fishing.  Aloha and Happy Fishing!

Marjorie Ann

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Duke’s Kayak Adventures – Wailua River, Kauai

Duke's Kayak Adventures

We recently went on a kayak trip down the Wailua River in Kauai, Hawaii with Duke’s Kayak Adventures.

Waterfall Hike We began our adventure Kayaking down the river in tandem kayaks.  We went on the morning tour, which was easier because there was no wind.

Our guide was really nice and knowledgeable.  At one point we traveled past a field with a lush cliffy hill.  He told us that they filmed the intro to Indiana Jones and the Lost Arc there.  The part where he’s running away from the natives with poison arrows.  It was a beautiful spot.  We decided later to watch the movie and it was indeed the same spot (see photo below.)

After kayaking, we went on a hike by the river.  We passed a beautiful little waterfall and ended up at a 120 foot-tall waterfall.  We swam in the cold stream water and enjoyed lunch.

After lunch we set back down the river in our Kayaks.  The trip was  really fun, one of the best things we’ve done in Kauai.  Call Boss Frog’s in Kapaa at (808) 822-4334 to speak to someone that can give you a great price and has plenty of information.

Indiana Jones

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Getting Married in Maui, Hawaii

Married in Maui

Maui BrideWe’ve been bombarded lately with questions about getting married in Maui.  Hopefully the following information will help you in making arrangements for your special day!

Wedding Planners in Maui

Though some do without them, when planning a destination wedding it’s a big relief having help from a local professional.  They can help you with all the details making your wedding much less stressful.  They also have local knowledge and relationships with vendors, which is priceless.  We’ve heard some horror stories with particular wedding planners, so choose carefully.  Use someone with good references and experience.  One wedding planner that we particularly hear does a great job is at Akia Weddings.  Tamera is well known for her cool under pressure.

Maui Wedding Locations

Wedding ReceptionYour wedding location will depend on whether or not you want to get married on a beach, in a chapel, or on an estate.  For small weddings, we suggest a simple beach wedding.  Though, keep in mind that all beaches on Maui are public.  This means that other people will probably also be on your beach, and depending on where you go, other couples may be getting married too!  One such busy beach in Makena Cove.  It’s a very small beach (beautiful and great for photos) but often it has multiple brides waiting their turn.  We call it the Wedding Factory.  We highly suggest choosing another location for your big day.

Chapels and churches are great too, but keep in mind you’ll need to find a reception area.  Personally, we like weddings on estates.  You can find them for rent for small groups of 5-25 and some others that go all the way up to 300.  Sugarman’s Estate in Makena, South Maui, holds the most people as well as Olowalu on the West side.

Maui Wedding Photographers

Maui Wedding CoupleObviously, your photography is one of the most important things on the list.  Luckily, you’re getting married in Maui, so you’ll be getting some wonderful backgrounds right off the bat!  Choosing your photographer is very important.  Make sure that your photographer is talented, experienced, and personable.  Everyone knows you need someone that’s good and experienced, but that last point is sometimes overlooked.  We’ve seen some brides go with a photographer because of the pictures on their site, even if the photographer doesn’t sound very interested or friendly on the phone.  You don’t want a Black Cloud at your wedding!  Find someone that will make you and your family comfortable and relaxed.

Our favorite photographer (as you can see from the photos on this post) is Natalie Brown.  She spends countless hours touching up and making her photos perfect in post-production, has hundreds of weddings under her belt, and is a warm and happy person with a great personality.  You’ll find after and during the wedding that your guests will approach you with how happy they are with your choice of photographer.  It’s nice to know that at least one thing will go right at your wedding.

Maui Wedding Catering

Maui CateringAnother crucial part of your wedding is the food and service.  A huge part of your budget is going to this part of your wedding, so choose correctly.  You want someone with plenty of references that makes great food and has a staff that handles your wedding professionally.  We like Maui Executive Catering because they embody all of the above.  When it comes to creating a menu, their classically trained chefs will blow you away.  It’s hard to find caterers that have formal training, and with Maui Executive Catering you’ll find that they’re artists that truly believe in their craft.

Maui Activities

Whale WatchLast, but certainly not least, having activities planned for your guests makes the whole adventure that much better.  We don’t suggest you do all of the planning yourself, however.  You’ve got enough on your plate.  Instead, choose some activities for specific days around the wedding.  Buy your tickets, and let all of your guests know well ahead of time.  This way, it’s up to your guests whether they want to go.  Let them know that there’s no pressure, and that they should book early on to avoid having the activity fill up.

To make things easier, give one of our agents a call at (808) 875-4477 or Toll Free at 1(888)700-3764.  We only hire agents that are knowledgeable about the activities and that live on the island full-time.  Most have been on all of the activities you’ll want to do.  They can help you with other questions about Maui too!  (Make sure to ask about snorkeling and dinner cruises.  We have the best prices for these activities especially!)

For more information, check out these helpful Maui Wedding Tips.  We hope you got something out of this!  Have a wonderful trip and wedding!

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Bike Down Haleakala

Haleakala Crater

Bike Ride ViewOne of the most popular Maui activities to do is Bike the Volcano. We love it, and so will you!

Our latest trip was with Haleakala Bike Company.  They were professional, friendly, and safe.  Not only was the trip great, but Boss Frog’s offers it at incredibly inexpensive rates.

The trip started with a ride up the summit of Haleakala Crater.  The sunrise was spectacular with the sun breaking through the lower clouds and past the edge of the crater.  As it came up, the entire crater lit up and made for some fantastic pictures.

The ride down was unforgetable.  We saw fields of cows, Jacaranda Trees, Euclyptis Forests, a Lavender Farm and vast views of both coastlines and the valley of Maui.  It was a lot of fun.

Great trip!  You can book this adventure down the volcano at Maui Bike Tours.

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Seabury Hall 36th Annual Craft Fair

Seabury Craft Fair

Famous for always being held the day before Mother’s Day, Upcountry’s Seabury Hall Annual Craft Fair went off without a hitch today. There was a slight drizzle of moisture that arrived late in the afternoon, but for most everyone, it was a welcome cool-down.

The music was great, with Marty Dread getting people to dance and have fun. There were countless booths with crafts of all kinds (great for the last minute Mother’s Day shoppers!) They also had delicious food and fun for the Keikis. 2 large slip-n-slides were set up as well as multiple jumping castles. The kids also loved the face painting available.

Classic CarAs for the Maui artists, we had dozens of great artists from every discipline. Everyone was friendly and enjoying the vibe as people from all over the island, and mainland visitors, met up to talk story and check out the goods. There was also a few Maui art galleries showing and selling paintings, prints, and maps like Maui Giclee.

The classic car show was ALL TIME!  Collectors pulled out some old cherry vehicles that don’t see sunlight very much.  These beauties made us all a little more than envious.
Today was a great day with a very strong turn out at the crafts fair. The only regret I have is not having shown up earlier. There was too much to do and see for the few hours I attended. Next year we’ll do it differently with a full day of fun!
See you then!

Slip n' Slide

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Quicksilver Snorkeling Cruise

QuicksilverWe thought we’d share some of the many comments received from previous guests of the Quicksilver morning snorkel cruise to Molokini Crater.  Please consider making the Quicksilver snorkeling adventure part of your next Maui Vacation.

“Awesome, fun experience.  Thank you!  Nice and friendly crew.  best money we’ve spent so far!”
Tami Bates of Roseville, CA

“Worth every penny!  Knowledgeable and friendly crew, good food, and a lot of fun!  We loved swimming with the turtles! Can’t wait to see the video!”
Tanya and Mathew Grace of Hicksville, NY

“Wonderful day!  We were very happy.  The crew was polite and fun.  The food was delicious.  We will repeat it again.”
Ana Carlos and Carmina of Seattle, Washington

“Great snorkeling!  Turtle town was an experience to remember!  Crew was funny and friendly.  Thanks for the great time!”
Rod and Alicia Magner of Montana

Fun, great music, equipment (loved the shower) and friendly, helpful crew.  We will recommend this!”
Dave Allen of Simsbury, CT

“Awesome time – we had a blast!  The crew was great!!  We will come back.”
Mike and Vicki Barker of Gig Harbor, WA

“Fabulous trip!  Great value, wonderful crew, good food – What more could you ask for?”
Steve Roizen and Gary Averett of Vernon, CT

“We had a great time – beautiful views, good snorkeling and wonderful crew!  Mahalo!”
Lillian and Joe Evcole of New York

“Awesome experience especially for people like me who had little to no experience with swimming.  Will definitely recommend.”
Prashant and Aika Kalanta of Jersey City, New Jersey

“Had a wonderful time, the expereince was one I will never forget!  Thank you, crew!”
Lisa Morelli, Tucson, Arizona

“Wonderful experience.  Great crew – friendly and careful.  Nice commentary.  Loved the Hawaii history lesson!”
Brenda Starr

“Thanks for a wonderful day and sightseeing.  Comments on the history were very cool.  Third time on board with y’all!”
John and Barbara Martin of Katy, Texas

“Great tour, wonderful staff, had a great time and would recommend to people!!”
Tim and Sarah Hanstine of Orting, WA

“Crew is great, good things to see.  I couldn’t believe how talented Ric was!  Great job!”
Bill Smith of Greeley, CO

Thanks to everyone that put the time into responding to us with your kind comments.  The Quicksilver continues to strive for perfection.  We know we have the best trip to Molokini with the friendliest staff, best boat, and highest quality overall experience.  Give us a call today toll free at 1-888-700-3764 to reserve seats, or learn more online about our Maui snorkeling cruises.

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