Review
Funny thing about Judy and Mel Malinowski. They live in Northern California, and are certified scuba divers who have traveled to more than 50 countries around the planet. Yet they prefer the freedom of snorkeling, and they keep coming back to Hawaii. The result of their love affair with Hawaii is a series of exceptional guidebooks to the best snorkeling sites in Hawaii. With simple prose that is eloquent with aloha, their books are extended love letters to Hawaii's best reefs. The authors preach respect for moana and aina, and gush over the more extravagant snorkeling sites while warning of problems. Detailed and accurate maps and charts can put even a hopeless twit in the right spot for a delightful diving adventure, and the text leaves readers with a sense of history, Hawaiian culture, geography, oceanography and aloha. They have achieved a rare balance in presenting essential elementary information to help beginners, and insightful revelations to keep experts interested. Their series includes books about the Big Island and Maui/Lanai, but the Malinowskis are happily plunging into field research to cover the rest of the islands. --
Honolulu Star-Bulletin Greg Ambrose December 15, 1997
From the Author
Why Maui and Lanai?
Maui offers more snorkeling sites within easy reach than any other Hawaiian island. There is something here for every snorkeler, and ample variety to keep a whole family happy.
Laze around on endless golden beaches and cool yourself with colorful snorkeling swims. Follow this up with good food, shopping and socializing if you're so inclined. It's all close at hand on Maui.
There are many sites with easy entry from calm, sheltered bays and broad, golden sandy beaches. Maui has extensive reefs with plenty of colorful and exciting creatures. Popular Molokini Island, with its crystal-clear waters, or the unique Island of Lanai lie just a brief excursion away, and offer a change of pace if you're in the mood.
The choices are ample: beautiful, sweeping expanses of soft coral sand and diverse snorkeling sites; action-packed total destination resorts with all the amenities; secluded little-known beach retreats just around the bend; or nearby, less touristed neighbor island hideaways. Choices like this have made Maui a legendary destination.
An active vacation is memorable for adventure as well as relaxation. Hassles and missteps finding out where to go can raise your blood pressure, and waste your time. We've done extensive research that will help you quickly locate appropriate sites that fit your interests and abilities, saving your valuable vacation hours.
Snorkeling sites in Hawaii are trickier than some calmer parts of the world, so it's best to get good advice before heading out. Everyone's had their share of unpleasant experiences due to vague directions, as well as outdated or inaccurate information. We have created the Snorkel Hawaii series as that savvy snorkeling buddy everyone needs. We hope you'll enjoy the personal stories we've included; see About the Authors on page 126 if you want to know a little more about us.
We have personally snorkeled all the major sites listed. The challenge lies in knowing how to find them quickly, as well as how to enter and exit, and where to snorkel, so you'll have a safe and rewarding experience. Our detailed maps and instructions will ease the uncertainty, saving you time and effort.
Try to visit Maui and Lanai at least once in your life, and by all means don't miss the underwater world. Aloha!
