Snorkeling in the Molokini Crater off Maui

The heavens above were kind enough to bless me with a rainbow upon my wakening on our second day in Maui.  Rainbows, snorkeling and Maui - what more could a girl ask for on her birthday?

Snorkeling trips have always been one of my favorite types of excursions.  I love everything about them.  The feel of the vibration of the boat's motors beneath my feet, the sun beaming down on me, the gentle sway of the waves and the ocean breeze blowing wisps of hair every which way.  To top it all off, I'm surrounded by blue beneath and above - the simmering blue of the ocean dotted by bubbling white caps and the serene blue of the sky with its powdery white clouds echoing the waves below.  As we sail onward, the Maui mountains jut out to be sandwiched between this blue oasis to make an impressive backdrop.

Our snorkeling adventure begins.  We're off to explore the Molokini crater, a dormant volcano set amidst the vastness of the Pacific.  This tour is conducted by the Pacific Whale Foundation and all our guides are college-educated marine activists.  As we're traveling to our snorkel site, our guides give classes on fish and the environment out on deck.  Raised by a Marine Biologist myself, I think this is cool!

After a short trip, the crater looms ahead.  "Yes!  I'll pay the 10 bucks for the wet suit top."  With water temps of just 71 degrees, I'm wondering how I'm going to survive this even with a wet suit.  This native Floridian prefers her water temperature at a toasty 88 degrees.

Chasing tropical fish with the underwater camera has my ears popping.  But after the swim, all I can think is....Wow!  Was that worth it!  Crystal clear waters and the most live coral we've ever seen.  Before you know it we're off to the next site where turtles are said to abound.  Time to suck it up and plunge into the chilly waters again.  Two sea turtles join us in our swim.  The swim back to the boat was a little challenging, because the winds and surf kicked up.  We raise ourselves onto the platform exhausted and exhilarated!  Blue lips when I emerge from below are a testament to just how cold the water is here.

Maui is the 3rd windiest place in the world according to one of the biologists onboard, making for a bumpy ride back to the harbor.  Chilled to the bone, I was quite impressed with myself for being prepared:  long-sleeved shirt and quick dry pants.  But to no avail.  One big wave splashes through the rails and I'm soaked to the bone.  That was one cold ride back!

When we reach our cabin, Norwegian Cruise Lines has another surprise waiting for us, chocolate-covered strawberries!  We took them out on the balcony with some decaf coffee.  Rowers are everywhere in Hawaii, and we watch them practice in the waters below as we pull out to sea again.

Tonight's dinner is in Lazy J's Steak House, one of NCL's specialty restaurants.  Time to celebrate my birthday.  It also happens to be formal night or as NCL calls it, "Dress up or not Night".  They believe in freestyling, so everyone pretty much does as they like.  We decide to dress up a bit for the occasion.  The food was great and we were stuffed to the gills.  As we were about to drag our full bellies away from the table, the waiters brought me a cake and sang Happy Birthday.  We  packed that cake to go!