10 Fun Facts About Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles

The scientific name for the green sea turtle is Chelonia mydas, but the Hawaiian name is simply: "Honu." For many snorkelers, these fascinating marine reptiles become the highlight of a good outing. Despite their status as an endangered species, there are relatively common sightings around the coral reefs in Hawaii waters. Whether you join us aboard a Molokini snorkel tour or a Lanai snorkel tour, your odds of spotting one are good. Here are our favorite fun facts about Hawaii's beloved green sea turtles, which we will refer to as Honu.

1. Sea turtles can't retract their head into their shell like their smaller freshwater counterparts.

2. The Honu doesn't get its name from the color of its shell, which is often brown, grey, black or dark olive colored. It gets its name from the color of its skin, or more accurately, subdermal (beneath the skin) body fat.

3. While adult Honu are herbivores with serrated jaws for eating seagrasses and algae, juveniles are omnivores, and dine on insects, crustaceans, worms, sea grasses and many other food sources that are available.

4. Honu grow to around 3-4 feet, but weigh up to 300-350 lbs or more!

5. This species of turtle won't reach sexual maturity until they are between 20 and 50 years old. They've been documented at ages of 80 to 100 years and over. Scientists are still learning about their maturity and age range.

6. A sea turtle's shell is called the carapace, and the underside of the shell is called the plastron.

7. Honu are found around the world in warm subtropical and tropical ocean waters. They've been documented nesting in over 80 different countries. In the U.S., you will find them nesting in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the east coast of Florida.

8. Honu habitats are split between the land and the ocean. The land is where they nest, lay eggs, and therefor hatch, while their ocean habitat is where they spend the vast majority of their lives. Since hatchlings rarely survive to reproductive age, most of them only touch land once in their lives, as they make their mad dash from their nest to the ocean.

9. Honu are known to travel long distances to return to their preferred breeding site. Sometimes across whole oceans. When the females are ready to lay their eggs, they climb out onto the beach, so it's important to give them plenty of space if you do see them emerge from the water.

10. The main predators of the Honu are large sharks, especially tiger sharks. But human involvement is a close second, including entanglement in fishing gear, poaching, plastic ingestion, ocean pollution and coastal development. Respect and awareness can go a long way in preventing these dangers for the remarkable Honu.

We hope to see you aboard one of our snorkeling tours soon, and that you'll get some amazing Honu sightings on your outing with us. Mahalo!

Best Vegetarian Food Cafes on Maui - HOP to it

From the cheapest dives to five-star restaurants, most places on Maui have a nice selection of vegetarian dishes. In fact, over the years, we've found Maui to be one of the more vegetarian-friendly islands in Hawaii. To be sure, we can eat unhealthy here on Maui (hello loco moco!), but our active lifestyles often call for lighter, cleaner fare. Upcountry, especially, has many vegetarian and vegan options. For this article, we're focusing on cafes that, while they may offer meat-based dishes, really specialize in vegetarian foods. Here is our list of favorite cafes that cater to vegetarians, listed alphabetically.

Choice Health Bar (Lahaina)
The most popular little health food joint in Lahaina, Choice Health Bar makes smoothies, juices, salads, sandwiches and has kombucha on tap. We appreciate the way Choice sells their cold-pressed juices in fancy bottles with a $2 deposit fee. If you want to keep the bottle as a souvenir, no sweat. But, if you return it, you'll get your $2 back. This is so environmentally friendly, we recommend all places do this. The Buddha Bowl, which combines a kale salad with a vegan soup and coconut garlic quinoa is our go-to meal at Choice. (Choice Health Bar)

Farmacy (Wailuku and Pukulani)
Pouring a full menu of juices and smoothies, Farmacy also makes killer acai bowls, sandwiches and salads. You may go for the juice, but the excellent sandwiches are available on four different types of bread, including gluten-free, or as a lettuce wrap. Try the Roaster, a punchy little sandwich with spiced eggplant and zucchini. The employees of Farmacy are friendly and create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. (Farmacy Wailuku, Farmacy Pukulani)

Jini's Curry (Wailuku)
Located in the Wailuku Promenade Food Court on Main St. in Wailuku, Jini's dishes up fast, delicious Indian curry's, both of the vegetarian and non-vegetarian varieties, available as plates and bowls. The plates also include a salad and naan and are slightly more expensive. For non-meat eaters, we highly recommend the pumpkin curry. Besides the shop, you are also likely to find Jini's at the Friday night town parties serving up a limited menu. (Jini's Curry)

Joy's Place (Kihei)
Tucked away under a condo across the street from Kalama Park, Joy's Place is popular by vegetarians in the know. Because it's not actually facing South Kihei Road, people don't seem to know it's there. But once they find it, they keep coming back for both breakfast and lunch. Joy's Place makes vegetarian and non-vegetarian sandwiches, so everyone in your party will be happy. They also serve live raw and vegan foods. (Joy's Place)

Veg-Out (Haiku)
Heading up to Haiku and walking into the fully meat-free Veg-Out is kind of like going to a food court, but instead of having to choose from different shops, all the options are available at one place. Veg-Out serves sandwiches, Mexican, Italian, Middle Eastern and Far Eastern cuisines. They also offer gluten-free pizza crusts and pastas. There's even a keiki menu with kids' faves like quesadillas, pizza, nuggets and spaghetti.(Veg-Out)

Did we leave anything out? What is your favorite vegetarian cafe on Maui? Tell us on Twitter @HIOceanProject and Instagram @hawaiioceanproject or leave us a comment below.

Common Sea Urchins of Hawaii Reefs and Tide Pools

If you love exploring tide pools and coral reefs to discover the many fascinating inhabitants, Maui is a great place to be. Whether you join us aboard a Molokini Snorkel Boat Tour, or you opt to stick to Maui's coastlines, the reefs and tide pools won't disappoint. But before you go exploring, it's a good idea to know what's what in terms of certain creatures. Particularly the pricklier ones. By that we mean sea urchins. Some are harmless, some are venomous, and some are just poky enough to cause trouble if you step on them. Here's a basic guide to the most common sea urchins of Hawaii.

Echinometra mathaei - Rock Boring Urchin: This is the most common urchin that you'll find in tide pools all around Maui. They come in one of two colors. One is a olive green, while the other is mauve. They aren't venomous, but their short, tapering spines are sharp enough at the tips that they would be painful to step on, so tread carefully. On the plus side, they carve their way into the rocky pools so each one is nestled into its own depression. This helps protect you from them, and them from you! They're also among the smaller urchins, normally growing to just 4-6 cm, but 15 cm specimens have been found.

Echinometra oblonga - Black Boring Urchin: This species is almost identical to the last one. Their size range is exactly the same, and so is their shape. They are found in the same kind of habitat and bore their way into rocks the same way. In fact, the only difference is that this species is black in color, or a very dark purple. They are also non venomous.

Tripneustes gratilla - Collector Urchin: This species could almost be mistaken for the Black Boring Urchin, but they have some very distinct differences. Although they share a very similar black/dark purple color, their spines are much shorter and finer, sometimes tipped with white or pink. Despite their short spines, they are larger on average, growing to about 10 cm. You're most likely to see them in reef flats, but they can be found in a variety of other places. They earned their name because of their tendency to pick up objects like pebbles and shells

Colobocentrotus atratus - Shingle Urchin: This species is unmistakable and very easy to identify. Its spines aren't sharp and pointing in all directions. Instead, they're shaped like little paddles, and lay flat like protective scales. These urchins are armored for surge zones, so you'll often find them on rocks along rough shorelines. They tend to be dark purple in color, and generally range from 4 to 6 cm in diameter, but can grow up to 9 cm.

Heterocentrotus mammillatus - Slate Pencil Urchin: This species is delightful to behold. They boast long, blunt, red spines that can be as thick as fingers. Because their spine tips are so blunt, they're especially benign, and their bold reddish hues add some extra vibrancy to the reefs where they live. It's not just their color that stands out, but their size as well. This species grows to a remarkable 20 cm in diameter.

Chondrocidaris gigantae - Rough Spined Urchin: These are somewhat similar to the Slate Pencil Urchin in that they both feature long, blunt spines like pencils. In this species, however, the spines are covered with rough, thorny projections, and they grow somewhat larger, at 25 cm in diameter. They are also found in holes on the reef, but sometimes at a greater depth. Their coloration is mottled red and cream on the body, which comprises the exoskeleton known as the "test," while the spines tends to match whatever is growing on the reef, as a camouflage strategy.

Echinothrix calamaris - Banded Sea Urchin (Wana): These last two species are the venomous kind, so you'll want to take care to steer clear and admire them from a safe distance. Typically found in holes on the reef, this species can be distinguished by the rich green hues of its long needle-thin spines. The green color varies from light to dark shades, and they bear distinct bands that make each spine look striped. The spines are also covered with small spinelets, and they sting. They can also grow up to 15 cm in diameter, which helps to make them especially easy to spot.

Echinothrix diadema - Black Sea Urchin (Wana): This species is closely related and therefor similar to the last, but more common. Its coloration is black in adulthood, but younger specimens also bear bands on their spines, and often share the green hues of their relatives, so the two species are often mistaken for each other at a young age. Although their adult color is black rather than green, they have the very long, needle-thin spines in common. Both species grow to 15 cm in diameter, and both can be found in holes in the reef.

We hope these descriptions are enough to get you started as you learn about the many fascinating creatures that can be found while snorkeling Maui and exploring the tide pools. We hope you have a safe and memorable experience! If you join us aboard a snorkeling boat tour, you can count on us to share our knowledge with you. Mahalo!

Fun Beach Movies

Let's be clear, this is not a Best Beach Movies list. Nope. Not even close. This list is all about fun. None of these movies will make you use your brain, but when you sit down to watch them, you'll probably keep a stupid grin plastered on your face. If you're planning a trip to Maui, these movies will get you in the mood for some fun. Listed alphabetically...

Beach Blanket Bingo (1965)
Starring Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello, "Beach Blanket Bingo" is the fifth of seven in the "Beach Party" series of movies, and the last one to star Frankie Avalon. This one features the beach, duh, singing, dancing and a mermaid(!). Of the seven movies, "Beach Blanket Bingo" is probably the best known and most popular of the series.

Blue Crush (2002)
Think of it as "Rocky" set on Oahu's North Shore. A young surfer, recovering from a gnarly wipeout must stare down her demons and get back on her board and compete. While the story is predictable, the surf scenes are cool and well shot. "Blue Crush" features appearances by some of the greatest surfers the world has ever seen, including Keala Kennely, Coco Ho, Layne Beachley, Jamie O'Brien and Bruce Irons, to name a few.

Blue Hawaii (1961)
The first of three movies Elvis Presley shot here in Hawaii, the plot revolves around Chadwick Gates' (Presley) reluctance, after returning to Hawaii following a stint in the Army, to join the family business (a Hawaiian fruit company) and instead finds work as a tour guide. Yep, that's it. Much of the film is shot on location at Kauai's famed Coco Palms resort, with additional scenes shot in and around Waikiki.

Gidget (1959)
Often cited as the movie that brought surf culture to the mainstream, "Gidget" stars Sandra Dee as the title character. Her name in the film is actually Frances, but is nicknamed Gidget, a combination of Girl and Midget. Instead of chasing boys, like all of her friends, she focuses on learning how to surf. In the course of learning how to surf, though, she ends up in a bizarre love triangle. "Gidget" is the film that kicked off the "beach" movie craze of the 1960s. Oscar-winning actress Sally Field took over the role of Gidget for the TV series based on the movie.

Point Break (1991)
An FBI officer, the awesomely named Johnny Utah (Keanu Reeves), goes undercover in an attempt to bust a group of surfers led by the also awesomely named Bodhi (Patrick Swayze), who double as bank robbers. "The Fast and the Furious" pretty much took the movie's storyline and swapped in cars for surf boards. "Point Break" features great action sequences and both really bad and kind of awesome surfing. Director Katheryn Bigelow later went on to win the Best Director Oscar for "The Hurt Locker".

Right now you're asking, where's "Jaws"? Where's "The Endless Summer"? What about "Splash"? We know. All are better than these five. But hey, it's our list, and these movies make us giggle and relax and think about how we should be at the beach, not inside watching movies.

What are your favorite beach movies? Leave us a comment below or tell us on Twitter @HIOceanProject and Instagram @hawaiioceanproject

Best Casual Restaurants with Outdoor Seating on Maui - HOP to it

Casual outdoor dining and Maui go hand-in-hand. Even the nicest places on Maui seem "casual" compared to mainland dining. We can't remember the last time we saw someone wearing a tie at dinner. But for our purposes, we split "fine dining" from "casual" using the old standby... with our gut. The restaurants on this list have a more laid back vibe than our list of outdoor fine dining restaurants. At these places, t-shirts and board shorts are the norm, not the outlier. Here are our five favorite casual outdoor locations, listed alphabetically.

Aloha Mixed Plate (Lahaina)
A definite favorite amongst locals and visitors, Aloha Mixed Plate features only outdoor seating, but the tables have fantastic umbrella's that block direct sunlight. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Aloha Mixed Plate combines a laid-back Hawaiian attitude with fierce local foods like plate lunches, saimin and poke. They also serve grilled cheese and burgers for those hesitant to go "local." For breakfast, try the fried rice loco moco. It's a gut bomb, but so worth it! (Aloha Mixed Plate)

Beach Bums Bar and Grill (Ma'alaea and Napili)
Established in 2007, the Ma'alaea restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Famous for their barbecue, Beach Bums, also serves up good burgers, fish and chips and fish sandwiches. It has a nice, fun, casual atmosphere that kids will enjoy. For breakfast, we recommend the prime rib loco moco. The Napili location is new, with the same laid-back vibe, however it does not serve breakfast. (Beach Bum's Ma'alaea, Beach Bum's Napili)

Cafe Des Amis (Paia)
Serving a slightly weird combination of crepes, Mediterranean cuisine and Indian curries, Cafe Des Amis, like Paia itself, may be a little odd, but it sure is good. If you go for the dinner, we recommend a curry plate. For lunch, the curry wraps should fill you up, without slowing you down. The crepes are available in both sweet and savory forms. Kids, OK, adults, too, seem to gravitate to the Nutella crepes... and with good reason. It's Nutella and whipped cream rolled up into a fresh off the griddle crepe! (Cafe Des Amis)

Kihei Caffe (Kihei)
If you drive on South Kihei Road at around 9:00 AM, you're bound to see long, out-the-door lines at this Kihei breakfast hot spot. If you get there before 8:00 A.M. or after 11:00 A.M., the lines are usually confined to inside the cafe, or caffe, as they like to spell it. Why is it so popular? For one, the food is just really good. Whether it's a traditional breakfast like bacon and eggs, or something with a more local twist, like the kalua pork loco moco over fried rice, everything we've had here is great. The other reason it's so popular is the portion sizes. Pretty much everything can be split by two people. Breakfast is served all day, but starting at 11:00, they add lunch items like burgers and sandwiches. Kihei Caffe closes at 2:00. (Kihei Caffe)

Kula Lodge (Kula)
If you need to escape the heat or the hustle and bustle of the city, head upcountry to the Kula Lodge. It's also a great place to stop on your way down from Haleakala. Located at an elevation of over 3,000 feet, the crisp air alone makes it worth the trip, but the views of the mountains and ocean are spectacular. Their excellent pizzas come from a kiawe wood-burning brick oven that sits outside on the terrace. They also serve a full menu, featuring locally sourced seafoods and meats. (Kula Lodge)

Where do you like to go for a casual meal with outdoor seating? Tell us in the comments below or on Twitter @HIOceanProject and Instagram @hawaiioceanproject.

Best Fine Dining Restaurants with Outdoor Seating on Maui - HOP to it

This might be the hardest list we've written due to the overwhelming number of fine dining restaurants with outdoor dining on Maui. Almost every restaurant on Maui has outdoor seating! For a romantic evening, there are few things better than dinner under the stars. Here's our list of best fine dining establishments with outdoor seating on Maui, listed alphabetically.

Gerard's (Lahaina)
Located off of Front Street, Gerard's serves Maui's best French food. French food may seem heavy for Hawaii, but Chef Gerard puts a local spin on it, staying true to traditional French cuisine, but incorporating Hawaiian ingredients. One of the pioneers of the food movement called Hawaiian Regional Cuisine, Chef Gerard has been using only locally sourced vegetables, fish and meats since he opened his first restaurant in 1982. (Gerard's)

Ko (Wailea)
Winner of the 2017 'Aipono Award gold medal for Best Hawaiian Regional Cuisine, Ko features local dishes inspired by the sugarcane plantation era. What does this mean? Expect to see a wonderful mix of foods from the homelands of the people that worked in the fields: Korean, Japanese, Portuguese, Filipino, Chinese and, of course, Hawaiian. (Ko)

Merriman's (Kapalua)
Located on the ocean, Merriman's not only has fantastic outdoor seating, its outdoor seating with one of the finest views on all of Maui. Merriman's uses only the freshest farm-to-table ingredients, 90% of which actually come from Hawaii. This in itself is awesome. But the freshness of the locally sourced foods really comes out in the dishes they serve. With fresh seafoods, steaks, gluten-free options and tasting menus, Merriman's has something for everyone... and it's all great. (Merriman's Kapalua)

Mill House (Wailuku)
With outdoor seating overlooking the Tropical Plantation and the West Maui Mountains, Mill House provides a romantic setting and some the finest farm-to-table dining you'll find on Maui. From starters to dessert, every item on the menu is well thought out and delicious. The menu changes based on the availability of seasonal ingredients, but we've enjoyed every meal we've eaten at Mill House. (Mill House)

Morimoto Maui (Wailea)
Located at the Andaz Hotel in Wailea, Morimoto Maui is a fine dining paradise. While it has a laid-back Hawaii vibe, it's still very fine dining, with impeccable service and wonderful food. Of course, the sushi is fresh and fabulous, but the menu goes beyond sushi. Morimoto Maui uses locally sourced vegetables and features seafood caught off our shores. We really enjoyed the Duck Duck Goose. The name is funny, but it delivers. The crispy whole fish is also memorable. The last time we dined here, Chef Morimoto was actually there greeting guests. (Morimoto Maui)

Where do you like to go for a fancy night on the town with outdoor seating? Comment below or tell us on Twitter @HIOceanProject and Instagram @hawaiioceanproject.

10 Fun Facts About Octopuses

The waters off Hawaii's coastlines are full of fascinating marine animals, but few have as many surprising qualities as the octopus. As researchers continue to discover incredible things about the capabilities of these remarkable invertebrates, they continue to grow in popularity. You'll need sharp eyes and a lot of luck to spot an octopus on our tours, whether you opt for our Molokini or Lanai snorkeling tour, but if you do, you're in for a treat. They're a lot of fun to watch as they prowl around the reef in search of a meal. If you're curious about the qualities that make the octopus stand out in comparison with its marine neighbors, here are our 10 Fun Facts About Octopus.

1. Native Hawaiian octopus species include the Night Octopus (he'e) and the Day Octopus (he'e-mākoko).

2. While octopuses are often described as having eight tentacles, the correct term is arms. Those arms contain two-thirds of the neurons in an octopus, meaning they are quite capable of functioning on their own, even if they've been cut off. And if an octopus does lose an arm, it simply grows a new one.

3. Octopuses are considered to be the most intelligent of all invertebrates. They've been documented not just learning from experience, but maintaining short- and long-term memory. They also improvise on shelter with whatever is available, such as coconut husks.

4. The skin of an octopus is capable of changing color, pattern and texture depending on the surrounding environment. This incredible camouflage ability isn't the only thing that makes their skin special. It also contains the same light-sensitive proteins that are found in the eyes of the octopus. That means the skin can respond to the light around it without the eyes or the brain being involved.

5. As if their unparalleled camouflage skills weren't enough, octopuses can release a cloud of black ink to obscure the view of an attacker as they slip away, like a ninja with a smoke bomb.

6. Octopuses have no bones in their bodies, which makes them incredibly flexible. It also means they can squeeze through tiny cracks.

7. Not only can they easily get out of things, but they can get into things as well. Researchers at the Seattle Aquarium tested a Pacific giant octopus against a childproof pill bottle. The octopus opened it in five minutes.

8. A common octopus has no less than 240 suckers on each arm, and just one large sucker can hold up to 35 lbs. The suckers can move individually and are extremely sensitive to what they touch.

9. Octopuses have three hearts. One pumps blood through the body, while the other two pump blood through each of their gills.

10. Octopuses typically live just a few years, and some species only live six months. This makes their problem solving abilities all the more impressive, because they have so little life experience to draw from in comparison with humans.

In addition to all these amazing qualities, the octopus is culturally significant in Hawaii. Na aumakua are considered to be physical embodiments of legends and mythology from Hawaii's history, anchored in the form of an animal. These animals are revered as spiritual counselors, and the octopus is among Hawaii's collection of aumakua. The lessons of the octopus aumakua are tied into qualities like flexibility, intelligence, and a multifaceted nature. So if you see one, a kupuna (elder) might tell you to embrace those qualities, and that there will be benefits if you do so!

If you have any questions about the creatures you encounter on our Maui snorkel tours, don't hesitate to ask our knowledgeable staff, and they will be happy to answer. Mahalo!

A Brief History of Poke in Hawaii

Poke (pronounced poh-kay, rhymes with okay) literally means "to cut crosswise into pieces." It's a simple dish made of chopped seafood, generally tuna, marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil, and mixed with onion. But, you'll find many variations of this when you visit poke shops and grocery stores around Hawai'i. Octopus (tako) and mussels are two common options, and spicing it up with wasabi and/or kimchee are also popular variations.

It's believed that poke was first prepared by native Polynesians centuries before Western travelers arrived on the islands. Initially, it was made with raw reef fish, seasoned with sea salt and seaweed, and combined with crushed candlenut. Salting of the fish was for both flavor and more importantly, preserving the fish.

Most historians agree that it wasn't until the 1960's and '70s, that the name "poke" was given to the dish we currently recognize as poke. The naming of poke coincided with ahi tuna becoming more readily available. Ahi's bright pink hue was far more aesthetically pleasing than dull, grey reef fish and it tasted better. Chef Sam Choy, one of the early purveyors of the Hawai'i Regional Cuisine movement of the early '90s, was instrumental in bringing poke to the masses. In 1991, he launched his first poke contest, featuring poke recipes from across the state. The contest showed chefs and home cooks just how inventive they could be with poke. The contest is still an annual event held in March.

Today, Hawai'i's beloved poke can be found across the country and around the world. While it a may be a food "trend" to some, it's a part of the lifestyle here in Hawai'i, and is served everywhere from football tailgates to high-end weddings. If you want to try poke on Maui, check out our Best Poke in Grocery Stores and Shops guide.

Best Poke in Grocery Stores and Shops on Maui - HOP to it

Poke on Maui, is like coffee in Seattle, or pizza in Manhattan... it can be found everywhere. From that dingy looking gas station to the highest end restaurants, you don't have to look far to find it. But, where should you go for the best poke on Maui in grocery stores and shops? Of the "Best Of" lists we've written, this one was the hardest to pare down. There's just so much good poke on Maui!

Tamura's (Lahaina, Kihei, Kahului and Wailuku)
Tamura's first grocery store opened in the 1920's on Oahu. Today, there are three Tamura's Fine Wine and Liquor stores on Maui, and one Tamura's Express in Wailuku. While it may seem odd to get fresh poke from a liquor store, it just goes to show you can get great poke anywhere! The garlic poke, which does nothing good for your breath, is simply fantastic. The shop has won numerous awards, including the 'Aipono, for "Best Poke." All Tamura's poke is served fresh, though they do sometimes offer a few previously frozen varieties at a lesser price. (Tamura's)
Eskimo Candy (Kihei)
Opened to the public in 2003, this little seafood shop sells great poke. They also serve a full menu of only the freshest seafood and burgers. The chowder is excellent. But back to the poke. You can grab a tub to go, or if you want to eat inside, you can order a poke bowl, featuring one of four types of fresh ahi tuna: shoyu (soy sauce), spicy, wasabi or furikake (a japanese seasoning, typically, comprised of seaweed, sesame seeds, sugar, and salt), served over rice. (Eskimo Candy)
Fish Market Maui (Lahaina)
One of a handful of places that serves made-to-order poke, Fish Market Maui is a favorite among locals and visitors on the west side. They serve a full menu of some of the freshest seafood you'll find on Maui. How fresh? Don't be surprised to see them walk in right off the boat, with a fish caught that morning and butcher it on the spot. (Fish Market Maui)
Foodland (Various locations)
Calling themselves "Hawai'i's Home for Poke," Foodland is not exaggerating. Long the go-to place for poke, Foodland makes excellent fresh (and previously frozen) poke, using a variety of seafoods and flavorings. If you're hungry NOW, they will whip you up a delicious poke bowl (poke over rice) on the spot. Foodlands' poke bowls are fast, convenient, and there are many Maui locations to serve you. (Foodland)
Takamiya Market (Wailuku)
Since 1946, Takamiya Market has been serving up local kine grindz from its small store in Happy Valley, a neighborhood in Wailuku. They are well known amongst locals for having the best pre-cooked meats and vegetables on Maui. Rare is the party that is not catered with food from Takamiya Market. While all of their pokes are delicious, if you've never tried tako (octopus) poke, this is the place to visit. Though it's located on a main road, trying to find Takamiya Market without driving past it is half of the fun of going there. Good luck! (Takamiya Market)
Finally, don't count out Safeway and Costco, if you need quick fix or if you need one more hit of poke on the way to airport. Both serve up good poke.

Tell us where you like to go for poke in the comments below or on Twitter @HIOceanProject and Instagram @hawaiioceanproject

Best Horseback Riding Tours on Maui

Riding can be a lot of fun for the whole family, if you're adventurous and looking for unique perspectives on Maui sightseeing. Most sightseeing is done via car, or helicopter, or boat (in our case). Each option has its own enticing qualities. What makes horseback riding unique is the natural feel that you get from your exploration, along with the engine-free quiet that brings the subtler sounds of nature to the forefront of your senses. Take it from us, when we arrive at our Maui snorkel tour destinations and turn off the engine, a whole new level of tranquility sets into the experience. Whereas our guests get to enjoy the soothing sound of the water gently lapping against our hulls, Maui horseback riding tours take you through lush landscapes where you get to listen to the whisper of the balmy island breezes rustling through the leaves. We hope you'll get to experience both! So, here are Maui's favorite horseback riding tours.

Mendes Ranch – This ranch is celebrated most for its beloved tour guides and stunning ocean views along the Kahakuloa trail. You'll find yourself surrounded by rich greenery at every turn, but with the sapphire blue of the ocean always in the distance. Unlike the other tours on our list, this one introduces you to the north-facing ocean, which is wilder and greener than locations in South and West Maui. In fact, it might feel like a totally different island! Their tours even include the option of a terrific barbecue lunch. Another stand-out feature of this ranch is the amazing care that the horses receive. You'll find that they are healthy, happy, and in good form.
Website: Mendes Ranch – Location: Wailuku

Ironwood Ranch – If you want to opt for a ranch where the staff is extra patient with beginners and safety conscious, this is the ranch for you. Their tours take you out into the gorgeous West Maui landscape, up on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains, where the temperatures are comfortably cooler than sea level. The sunset tour is breathtaking and takes advantage of the amazing sunset views that you get from this part of the island. The guides are knowledgeable, and a lot of fun. (They name all their horses after celebrities.) The horses are responsive, well-trained, and in excellent condition.
Website: Ironwood Ranch – Location: Kapalua

Piiholo Ranch – When it comes to this ranch, the private tours are an especially enjoyable option, and you'll find yourself surrounded by the cool, soothing forests and emerald green fields that blanket the slopes of the mountain in Upcountry Maui. The majesty and expanse of Haleakala is really felt here as you roam the gentle hills overlooking the ocean and the better part of the island. If tranquil forests and sprawling vistas appeal to you, this may be the perfect option for your tastes. The horses are in great condition, too!
Website: Piiholo Ranch – Location: Makawao

Thompson Ranch – If you're an animal lover and you enjoy unobstructed views from the mountainside, this ranch is the way to go. It's not just horses here. There are also cows, goats, dogs, rabbits, chickens, and more, so it's the favorite ranch for kids and those who love animals as much as the owners do. They give all their resident creatures plenty of TLC. For example, they only hold one horseback riding tour per day, so the horses get just the healthy exercise they need. Conveniently, you can still choose from three time slots, and they also keep their groups small for a more personal experience. As for the views, you get bi-coastal views, and you can easily see both the neighboring island of Kaho'olawe and Molokini Crater off Maui's mesmerizing south shore. At this location up on the slopes of Haleakala, you often get cooling mists and clouds rolling down the mountainside, depending on the time of day.
Website: Thompson Ranch – Location: Kula

Lahaina Stables – At this ranch, the sunset rides are breathtaking, while the guides are personable, knowledgeable and friendly. This part of the island tends to be warm and dry, with a rugged beauty that many riders enjoy. The location couldn't be more convenient if you're staying in West Maui. They offer morning, lunch and sunset rides, and the latter is particularly beautiful.
Location: Lahaina

We hope you enjoy your horseback riding experience, and when you're ready for a fantastic Maui boat tour, we look forward to being your guides on the dazzling Hawaiian ocean. Mahalo!