Underwater Research Vehicle Launched in Hawaiian Waters

Too small to be seen is no longer synonymous with too small to be studied. The scientists and engineers of Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) have partnered with researchers from the University of Hawaii to develop a new sampling system for long-range autonomous underwater vehicles (LAUVs). The reason? The hope is that this Environmental Sample Processor will help the team better understand microbial processes in the ocean and possibly lead to the development of preventative measures.

For those of you wondering, microorganisms are essential for earth function and play many different roles on both land as well as water. Along with serving as a critical importance to life sustainability on earth, studying the diversity patterns of these microorganisms can be used to predict environmental change.

This new sampling system that both MBARI and the University of Hawaii have been working on will collect as well as preserve ocean water samples, essentially capturing the initial state of the organisms’ proteins and genetic material. The first of the three LAUVs arrived in Hawaii and has been deployed off the coast earlier this month. When each of the three vehicles are equipped with the new system, they will work together to address the challenge of sampling different locations as well as depths.

Here at Hawaii Ocean Project, we are extremely passionate about the ocean. With our unique ocean excursions, we aim to educate both visitors and our island community about Hawaii’s marine life along with the ecosystem that people have been trying to preserve. The launch of this new LAUV and the advancement of research as well as technology, shines some light on the future of our big deep blue.

In a continued effort to support legitimate marine research, gift shop proceeds will be donated to our Research Direct program that supports researchers here in Hawaii. Looking to experience the beauty of Hawaii above and below the surface? Reserve an ocean tour today; we are sure it will make a lasting impression!

Top Wedding Venues on Maui - HOP to it

So you want to get married on Maui? First, let us say a hearty congratulations! Finding the love of your life is no small feat. Maui is a lovely place for a wedding. While we aren't wedding experts, we are frequent guests to weddings and can help you out by pointing you in the direction of some of the coolest and prettiest wedding locations on Maui. From there, you may want to enlist the help of a professional. If you google it, you'll find plenty of Maui wedding planners. OK, we're going to put this list in alphabetical order and we'll include links on where to do further research. We tried to choose different types of venues... beach, nature, chapel, old school charm and combos of everything.

Grand Wailea
For a full-service wedding in a chapel, there's no more romantic setting than the Wailea Seaside Chapel on the grounds of the Grand Wailea resort. Covering everything from clergy to perform the event, a musician, a photographer and a wedding planner, the Grand Wailea takes some of the stress out of your big day. The package also includes a complimentary room for the marrying couple and spa treatment on the day after the wedding. The photo above is of the chapel. (Grand Wailea)

Haiku Mill
If you're looking for a Maui wedding that doesn't scream "MAUI WEDDING," the Haiku Mill may be your answer. Located upcountry, so not near the ocean, on a lush, green, 150-year old plantation, Haiku Mill provides old world charm in a gorgeous setting. Entering Haiku Mill's property is like walking into a garden oasis. Step away from society and into a setting where there's only one thing happening in the world, your wedding. The pictures have to be seen to believed. (Haiku Mill)

Hale O Aloha (The House of Aloha) on Sugar Beach
Built specifically for weddings and events on Kihei's Sugar Beach, Hale O Aloha may be new to the wedding scene, but it's quickly built an outstanding reputation. The venue includes a grand ballroom that holds up to 200 guests, a restaurant quality kitchen and even a private bridal suite. The outdoor area is large enough for a tent and an additional 150 guests. Sugar Beach itself is 2.5 miles of sandy beach. So a nice sunset stroll with your family and friends is a nice built-in getaway if things get stressful. That never happens at weddings, right? One other aspect of this location that can't be overlooked is its proximity to all of Kihei's rental condos. The venue is a short Uber or Lyft ride away. (Sugar Beach Events)

Olowalu Plantation House
Conveniently located on beautiful ocean front property in Lahaina, across the street from Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop (convenient!), the Olowalu Plantation House has everything you need for a dream wedding/reception. The house itself provides full rooms for changing clothes, plus bathroom and kitchen facilities. You'll still need a caterer as the kitchen is not licensed for commercial cooking, but your caterer can use it to warm up foods and keep things chilled in the refrigerator. Outside, the house has a beautiful, covered lanai overlooking the ocean. There's room on the grounds for a tent. The Olowalu Plantation House is one of the most popular wedding venues on Maui. (Olowalu Plantation House)

Twin Falls
This one will take a little work for all involved, but as far as exchanging vows in a unique location, Twin Falls is a great place to do it! It requires a mile-long walk/hike to the Twin Falls, but once there, you have a beautiful cove with a pretty incredible backdrop for photos. The water is shallow, so saying "I do's" knee deep in the water is not only incredibly romantic, but something no one in your wedding party will ever forget. Twin Falls is technically on the Road to Hana, but it's only a couple of miles outside of Paia Town. So, exchanging vows at the waterfall, then returning to town for drinks at Charley's or Rock and Brews makes for a fun and memorable Maui wedding day! (Twin Falls)

Did you get married on Maui or attend a wedding on Maui? Leave us a message in the comments below.

10 Fun Facts About Humpback Whales in Maui

Whale season in Hawaii refers to the return of the north pacific humpback whales every winter. While the cycle varies slightly every year, most people consider whale season to run from December to April. To get you ready for whale season, here are 10 fun facts about humpback whales.

  1. Most humpback whales don't actually have a hump on their back. Instead, the name is derived from the hump that appears when they arch their backs prior diving.
  2. A humpback whale head is covered with tubercles (knobs). Each knob contains at least one piece of stiff hair. The purpose of the hair is not known, though some believe it's used to detect motion.
  3. Humpback whales have two blowholes, one for each lung. Their lungs are roughly the size of a Toyota Prius. Unlike humans, the whales need to think about breathing. This is why they sleep with one eye open and only rest half of their brain at a time.
  4. Humpbacks have live births. Their pregnancy cycle lasts for about year. Once born, calves drink about 50 gallons of milk per day.
  5. Like fingerprints, each whale has distinct markings on the underside of their tails. Scientists use these markings to identify and track individual whales.
  6. The whales do not feed in Hawaii. However, when they hunt during the summer months in the northwest, they use a technique called bubble net fishing whereby they will circle and blow bubbles at their prey until the prey is contained in a tight ball.
  7. Humpback whales don't have teeth. Rather they have what's called baleen plates. These plates act like a filter, separating the tiny krill shrimp they eat from the water.
  8. The north pacific humpbacks are the fifth largest whale species on the planet and can grow to 60-feet long and weigh between 25 – 40 tons. Like most whales, females are longer than males. The whales have huge tails, measuring up to 18 feet wide.
  9. Humpback whale "songs" were first recorded in the early 1950s right here in Hawaii. Recent research has found that the songs last roughly between 7-to-30 minutes, though they often repeat songs for hours on end. The songs can be heard up to 20 miles away.
  10. Only the male humpbacks sing. The ability to sing is not something they are born with, rather they are taught at a young age.

Want to experience the whales up close? Save 10% by booking a whale watch tour with us here.

Maui Whale Watch Guides:

Ways You Can Save the Ocean

Along with the unique lifestyle and the majestic landscapes, what typically brings people to the Hawaii island chain is the sparkling Pacific Ocean that surrounds it. We are sure that you have dreamed about lounging on a white-sand beach with clear waves gently crashing the shoreline. Keeping this picturesque scene a reality for you is something that we at Hawaii Ocean Project deeply care about. In order to do so, we need your help! Keeping the ocean healthy is something that we have mentioned before, but we wanted to expand on a few more lifestyle changes that can keep the ocean we know and love from becoming just a memory.

  1. Pull the Plug
    Climate change has been linked to the rise in sea levels as well as ocean acidification and our everyday energy use has a trickle effect. A majority of household electronics continue to draw power even after they are switched off. So your stereos, computers, and televisions are still using energy and ultimately affecting the big ocean blue. While you are preparing to explore the Valley Isle, be sure to pull the plug on any electronics to help eliminate the extra energy use while you are away.
  2. Bring Your Own
    As we all know, the trash that we “dispose of” does not disappear. Plastic bags, snack wrappers, and even those fun straws you find in tropical drinks make their way into local waterways and pose a major hazard for sea life. When plastic is found swaying in the waves, it can be mistaken for food by marine animals like the honu or Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle and can lead to their unfortunate passing. So whether you are enjoying a mai tai in the Hawaiian sun or shopping for groceries at your local store, pick up a reusable bag. Maui’s favorite finned friends will thank you.
  3. Clean Up
    Even if you aren’t kicking back in Hawaii, anything that goes down the drain can eventually end up the ocean. Utilizing non-toxic ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice to keep your house clean can also keep the ocean as well as other waterways healthy!

And if you are looking to keep those white-sandy beaches as pristine as the postcards, you can always get involved during your time here on Maui. There are a number of organized beach clean ups that welcome volunteers, resident or visitor, and you might just make some new friends! Or simply malama (take care) while you are basking on the beach and pick up any trash that you come across during your outing.

To grab a glimpse of the incredible beauty that lies underneath the surface, be sure to book online and hop on one of our tours!

Best Beaches for Young Children on Maui

For your little mermaids and mermen, Maui's coastlines provide ample child-friendly beaches. No matter what part of the island you're on, you will find a wonderful beach for your family. Here are the six beaches we think are best for families with children of all ages, though we focused on beaches for toddlers and younger children.

Baby Beach at Baldwin Beach (Paia)
The only downside to Baby Beach at Baldwin is the trek from the parking lot (and bathrooms). On the plus side, the walk is along a gorgeous sandy beach. Once you arrive at Baby Beach, as marked by a large off-shore reef that blocks the shore from large waves, you'll find yourself in a beautiful lagoon with the best tide pools on Maui. The waters here are flat, so they're perfect for young children. Pro tip: If you Google map "baby beach paia" you'll find backroads that will take you directly to the beach, thus skipping the long walk down the beach we mentioned above. You'll still need to make the walk, however, for bathrooms and showers.

Baby Beach in Lahaina
This one is strictly for the toddlers. Blocked by a large reef, Lahaina's Baby Beach is the perfect place for youngsters to play in the ocean with little fears of being caught by rogue waves. You'll still need to keep an eye on your kids, as you would in any water situation, but you can rest easy knowing Mother Nature won't do anything wicked. Older kids, say 5 and up, though, may find this beach a little boring.

Kamaole Beaches (Kihei)
We'll lump all three of the Kamaole beaches, which run along the south shores of Kihei, together. They all have ample parking, large restrooms, showers and lifeguards. They also have nice sand and just enough wave action to engage older children, without being too rough for the little ones, though this can vary by the day. Occasionally, you'll see red flags warning of dangerous conditions. If you see these, obviously, proceed with caution. The other nice thing about these beaches are the food and snack options across the street.

Kuau Cove (Paia)
Also called Mama's Fish House Beach because it's directly below the famed Paia restaurant. The beach, protected by a large reef, has smooth waters and excellent tide pools. For locals, this is often the first place we take our children snorkeling as the conditions are perfect for learning. Though there are no beach amenities like showers or restrooms, it's still a wonderful beach for small children.

Napili Bay
Though parking can be hard to come by, if you can get to Napili Beach (go early!) you will be rewarded with one of the great beaches in all of Maui. The water here is mostly glassy, though there are days when the surf picks up. Again, use your best judgment. But overall, due to the sheer beauty of the ocean and the sands, this is a beachgoers nirvana. Turtles often frequent the bay and the snorkeling, in calm conditions, is lively enough to keep older kids (and parents) engaged.

Sugar Beach (North Kihei)
Its formal name is Kealia Beach, but this 2.5 mile stretch of beach in North Kihei is more commonly called Sugar Beach or even (yet another) Baby Beach. We like this one because there is ample shade close to the shoreline. Shade at beaches is a bit of rare thing on Maui. The water here is generally calm. With 2.5 miles to play with, you will always have plenty of room to spread out and build giant sand castles!

Where are you favorite family beaches? Let us know in the comments below.

Get to Know Lanai on Our Snorkeling & Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

The best adventures are the ones that start early, so join us at the main booth on the north end of the Lahaina harbor at 6:30 am and board our 70 foot double-deck catamaran. At 7:00 am we will set sail to the neighboring island of Lanai. Be sure to keep an eye out for your favorite finned friends, Spinner Dolphins and possibly even Humpback Whales that frequently greet us on our journey (in season)!

If you happened to miss breakfast due to the early check-in time, we got you covered. Our on-board continental breakfast comprises of muffins, fruit juice, and coffee to keep you fueled for the day’s festivities. Once we anchor off the coast of Lanai, grab your gear and hop into one of the best snorkeling spots in all of Hawaii.

Worked up an appetite after all that swimming? Well on our way to our second location we will be serving a barbecue lunch featuring hamburgers, veggie burgers, chicken breasts, and more to refuel you for even more fun in the warm island waters! Once at our captain’s choice destination, you can hop back in and get yet another chance to glimpse the marine world or you can dry off while basking in the Hawaiian sun.

Sadly, your Maui adventure with us does have to draw to an end. So while we head back to the Lahaina Harbor, we invite you to sit back and take in the majestic sights one last time. As you step off the Kaulana around 1:30 pm, we would love to give you a few suggestions on how you can spend the rest of your day here on the west side.

So what is included?

Wetsuits are available for rent at $15 while underwater cameras are also available for purchase.

A Lanai Snorkeling Tour with Hawaii Ocean Project is sure to be a tropical ocean activity to remember. Set sail with us all year long; we are sure that your time here in Hawaii will have a spot for this memorable island adventure. Book online today and save 10%!

Kid Friendly Beaches in West Maui

Surrounded by the big ocean blue, we here at Hawaii Ocean Project strive to show you the best of Maui as well as help you avoid any hiccups while on your island adventure. For those families with keiki (children) in tow, we have listed some kid-friendly beaches on the west side to keep in mind as you venture out of your home away from home.

Laniupoko Beach
Just off Honoapiilani Highway, lies a weekend favorite of locals and visitors alike. With the shallow sandbar and a small cove sheltered from incoming waves, Laniupoko is the perfect beach for all ages. From learning how to surf to simply splashing in the water, we are sure that the entire family will easily find some fun here in the Hawaiian sun.

Olowalu Beach
If Laniupoko happens to be a little too populated for your liking, there is another child-friendly West Maui beach just south of the Olowalu General Store. Also off the Honoapiilani Highway, this spot offers no surf and plenty of shade throughout the day. Grab some snacks from the Olowalu store and enjoy a beach picnic with your family.

Baby Beaches
Living up to their names, both of these beaches feature a sandy playground for your little ones. With one in Lahaina and the other on the North Shore of Paia, no matter where you stay there is a baby-proof shoreline for you to lay out.

Protected by a large straight line of reef, the Baby Beach of Paia boasts warm, still waters while the Lahaina Baby Beach offers a low tide with little to no waves.

And if you are staying in South Maui, the Kamaole Beaches feature calm waters and makes a great place to spend the day! We take safety very seriously here at Hawaii Ocean Project and whether you are out on an ocean adventure or relaxing with the palms, we have some safety tips we would like you to keep in mind for you and your keiki.

A Brief History of the Luau

In its broadest sense, a luau is a traditional Hawaiian party mixing local food and lots of entertainment. Luaus are used to celebrate the many of stages of life. People often don't remember their first luau. No, it's not because they drank too many mai tais. People don't remember because their first luau is often a celebration of their own first birthday! Traditional luaus are often common for Sweet 16 birthdays, graduations and weddings.

For visitors, a luau is often less personal, but maybe even more culturally important. Often, a visitor's first luau is their introduction to native food and dance. Attendees are able to sample local foods like kalua pig buried and roasted overnight in the beach, freshly pounded poi (taro root), purple Hawaiian sweet potatoes, poke and haupia (a coconut-based dessert). Most modern luaus combine Polynesian dances and traditions into their shows. The traditional Hawaiian hula is a beautiful, slow dance. But for the modern luaus catering to visitors and locals looking for a lively celebration, we've come to expect dancing with quick hip undulations and fire. These forms of dance come from outside of Hawaii, but are still relevant to the Polynesian culture.

To learn about the history of the modern luau, we need to go back nearly 200 years. Prior to 1819, for large feasts (not yet called a luau), men sat separately from the women and children, and some celebratory dishes, like pork, moi (a reef fish) and bananas were only eaten by the chiefs. The common dishes for all to enjoy included other types of fish, sweet potatoes and poi. However, in 1819 King Kamehameha II started openly eating with women, thus breaking century's old taboo of separate meal celebrations. It was during the king's large gatherings with men, women and children that the term "luau" was first used for special meal events.

King Kamehameha's luaus soon became legendary. The saying "enough to feed a king" is definitely apropos to his 1847 luau that featured 271 hogs, 1,820 fish and 2,245 coconuts! Years later, another king, King Kalakaua, for his 50th birthday, invited more that 1,500 people for a luau so large, the attendees were fed in three shifts.

Today, modern luaus are still about the food, dance and celebration. One can find public luaus all over the state of Hawaii. We've put together a list of our five favorite luaus on Maui if you need help deciding on which one attend. Luaus are still a great way to celebrate and learn about Hawaiian and Polynesian culture.

Best Luaus on Maui - HOP to it

When booking a trip to Maui, one thing people often consider is a luau. But which luau is best for you? Luaus on Maui are often ginormous parties with hundreds of people. For those looking for a large party, these luaus are perfect. Others prefer something more romantic or intimate. Thankfully, Maui has this type of luau, as well. Here is our list of favorite luaus on Maui.

  1. Old Lahaina Luau (Lahaina)
    Generally considered the best luau in all of Hawaii, the Old Lahaina Luau, located behind the Cannery Mall in Lahaina, is pretty much sold out seven days a week. Not only serving great food, but the show is also authentic and fun. The downside of this luau, if there is one, is the sheer enormity of it. You'll be sharing your evening with nearly 500 other people (it holds 496, to be exact). That said, if you choose one luau to attend while on Maui, and you had the foresight to book it in advance, you will be greatly rewarded at the Old Lahaina Luau. (Old Lahaina Luau)
  2. Feast at Lele (Lahaina)
    More of a fine dining experience with entertainment than a traditional luau, go to Feast at Lele if the quality of food is your first priority. Rather than serving a buffet-style meal, this is a sit-down a five-course meal at your own table, featuring cuisine inspired by Tahiti, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Samoa, and Hawaii. The meal is prepared by the same folks that operate three of the most popular restaurants on Maui - Star Noodle, Leoda's Kitchen, and Aloha Mixed Plate. After each course, you'll see eye-popping dancing and entertainment from each locale. (Feast at Lele)
  3. Feast at Mokapu (Wailea)
    One of the newest additions to your Maui luau options, The Andaz Wailea decided to put together one of the highest-end luaus available.  They spared no expense in making it phenomenal with the best dancers and music, each dish is created by master chefs, the drinks are top-shelf, and the grounds perfectly aligned to watch the sunset into the water behind the dancers. (Feast at Mokapu)
  4. Royal Lahaina Luau (Lahaina)
    Maui's longest-running luau, the Royal Lahaina Luau is located right on Ka'anapali Beach at the Royal Lahaina Resort. Unlike other luaus, all seating is reserved, so you don't need to worry about lining up an hour before the event to secure seating. This luau is the least expensive of the "big" shows and gives you the most bang for the buck. It doesn't have the best food or show, but it's very satisfying. For families on a budget, this is our top choice. (Myths of Maui Luau)
  5. Drums of the Pacific Luau (Lahaina) Located in the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa on Ka'anapali Beach, the Drums of the Pacific Luau has many things going for it. The food for a large luau is good. Considering it's a large buffet, they also keep things quite orderly. You never feel rushed or like they're going to run out of food. The show is fun, taking you on a "tour" of the Pacific islands, with stops in Fiji, Samoa, New Zealand, Tahiti, Tonga, and of course, Hawaii. It finishes with a lively fire-knife dance. The one downside to this luau is that it doesn't take place on the beach, instead, it's indoors in a large hall. (Drums of the Pacific Luau)
  6. BONUS: Migrations: Luau Show Kihei
    This luau may have been canceled since we published this, hence it being a bonus.  We'll keep you updated if it starts up again.
    Unlike the massive luau's in the more touristy areas of Maui, this one is limited to just 50 guests (reservations are required). It's billed as Maui's only interactive luau. During the evening, you'll work with a master lei maker to create your own head lei, choosing from a variety of flowers, shells, and other traditional elements. You'll also have the opportunity to perform the 'awa drinking ceremony, where you'll share a drink of coconut water and 'awa root. The dancers don't perform on a stage, rather they are table-side. The food is all locally sourced with table service, not a buffet. The night concludes around a fire pit where the performers and guests share thoughts and gratitudes. If you're looking for an intimate, romantic luau, this is a great option. The event takes place on the last Wednesday of every month.

 

RELATED: A Brief History of the Luau

Have you been to a luau on Maui? Tell us your favorite in the comments below, on Twitter @HIOceanProject and Facebook @hawaiioceanproject, or send us a picture on Instagram @hawaiioceanproject.

Best Freshly Baked Cookies on Maui - HOP to it

Earlier this year, we published a piece on the best packaged cookies on Maui. Packaged cookies are popular on Maui and all of Hawaii because they travel well and keep for longer than a day. But sometimes we just want one, fresh-baked cookie. Well, lucky for us, and you, Maui has plenty of bakeries that sell fresh cookies. Here is our list of favorite bakery cookies on Maui.

  1. Hula Cookies and Ice Cream (Ma'alea)
    Located in the shops at Ma'alea, next to the Maui Ocean Center, Hula Cookies and Ice Cream doubles up on the good eats with fresh baked cookies and ice cream. Why just eat a cookie or an ice cream cone when you custom make an ice cream sandwich, choosing your favorite cookies and ice cream flavors? (Hula Cookies and Ice Cream)
  2. Sugar Beach Bake Shop (Kihei)
    Known for the fresh malasadas, Sugar Beach Bake Shop also offers up fresh cookies and delicious macarons in an assortment flavors. We think these are, hands down, the best macarons on Maui. The texture is perfect. The first time we tried them we were immediately sent back to Paris. Their classic chocolate chip cookies are also excellent. (Sugar Beach Bake Shop)
  3. BanyanTreats (Lahaina)
    If you're stepping off one of our Whale Watchor Snorkel tours, across the street from the wharf you'll find BanyanTreats. BanyanTreats features eight different types of fresh baked cookies, locally made Roselani ice cream and over 30 different shave ice flavors. Our favorite for the keiki (kids) is the cute combo of smiling ice cream with a cookie "hat." You'll get that reference if you check out the website link below. Conveniently located on Front Street in Lahaina, BanyanTreats is a wonderful place to relax and take a break from strolling in that wonderful Maui sun. (BanyanTreats)
  4. Maui Bread Company (Kihei)
    New to the bakery scene, Maui Bread Company opened its Dolphin Plaza Kihei doors in 2017. It serves fresh baked bread (duh), brownies, pastries, cookies and more, including a large selection of gluten-free products. As for the cookies, we can never resist the peanut butter and bacon cookies. They are large, fat cookies with just the right blend of sweet and savory. (Maui Bread Company)
  5. Zippy's (Kahului)
    Inside of Zippy's resides Napoleon's, a counter bakery that offers a full menu of sugary baked goods. From cakes to donuts to fantastic turnovers and everything in between, Zippy's is a great place to pick up sweets on your way to your hotel or condo from the airport. As for the cookies, we highly recommend the Melting Moments shortbread cookies, a Hawaiian take on Russian Tea cookies. (Zippy's)

Do you have a favorite place for freshly baked cookies on Maui? Leave a comment below or tell us on Twitter @HIOceanProject and Facebook @hawaiioceanproject or send us a picture on Instagram @hawaiioceanproject.