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My next snorkel site was Turtle Town, located 45 minutes from the Lahaina Harbor. The site was named Turtle Town because of the large number of Green Sea Turtles witnessed swimming in the area. The Sea Turtles would swim to the bottom, close to the reef, in order to participate in a cleaning ritual by the local algae eaters. Once the cleaning was complete, the Sea Turtles would swim to the top to take a breath of fresh air. The process was remarkable. The area also consisted of a large number (100 or more) of Black-Finned Triggerfish waiting for food from the local snorkeling and diving boats. A crew member of the Lahaina Princess informed me that I would be able to feed the fish by hand.

Rhinechantus rectangulus
the Lagoon Huma huma (on the left)

I was extremely excited, but a slight bit concerned because I knew the biting power of the Black-Finned Triggerfish. I decided to take a chance and "just do it!" I jumped into the water with my snorkeling gear and fish food and was ready for action. The Triggerfish quickly realized that I had food in my hand and wasted no time in eating it. Approximately, fifty Triggerfish swam towards me with vengeance, and I was in the middle of a fish frenzy. I immediately decided to throw the food and observe the fish frenzy from a distance. The Triggerfish, with lightening speed, devoured the food in seconds and were ready for more. After taking a photograph of the incident, I snorkeled away to view a different group of fish; however, the Triggers began to follow me. I was able to get rid of most of them, but ten Triggers would not give up. I attempted to ignore them and moved to a new location. Eventually, the Triggers got the idea that I had no more food and departed to a new location. I snorkeled the area for an hour and was ready to return back to the boat. As I moved toward to the boat, I witnessed the Sea Turtle cleaning process below me (25ft). The Turtle slowly moved into position and waited 10 minutes for the cleaning to take place and then returned to the surface for air.

I returned to the boat exhausted from both the excitement and the act of snorkeling. The boat's staff provided a barbecue chicken buffet, and I was ready to "frenzy" on the food. Our return to the Lahaina Harbor took 45 minutes, but the trip was not over by any means! One of the crew members informed the passengers that dolphins are located in the area and enjoy chasing boats that happen to cruise through their territory. Once the announcement was made, everyone began looking for the nearest dolphin. All of a sudden a group of dolphins spotted us and began to swim towards the boat. The dolphins quickly swam towards the front of the boat and began to race. After traveling 200 yards, the dolphins gave up and returned to their territory.

The staff of the Lahaina Princess did a great job, and I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank them for all their effort and hard work. The trip provided over 100 photographs and a lot of great memories. The boat trip had ended, but my next and last port of call was Black Rock. The trip to Black Rock was scheduled at the end of the week so I could focus my energy on relaxing and tanning.

the Spotted Hawaiian Dolphin

Black Rock is located off the beach of Ka'anapali near the Sheraton Hotel. This site is rated one of America's most favorite dive sites. Depths range between 10 to 40 feet. Visibility averages 75 to 150 feet year round and the water temperature is 73 to 82 degrees. The ocean was a bit rough when I woke the morning of my last snorkel trip, but I was determined to get more photos. When I entered the water I realized that this was my last opportunity to snorkel this year, and I was going to make the best of it! The first fish identified was a Lagoon Huma Huma, approx. 8 inches in length, swimming towards the reef. I began to follow it, and when I reached the reef I saw hundreds of tropical fish (Yellow and Convict Tangs, Parrotfish, Light Blue and Yellow Eyed Surgeons, and four Huma Humas). The conditions were tough, but I still was able to get some photographs. After a half hour of snorkeling, I decided to try the other side of Black Rock (the Sheraton Hotel side). The fish were the same, but numbers grew bigger. The conditions got worse, and it was time for me to end my journey in the giant marine aquarium.

After viewing the many species of marine fish in their natural habitat, I will always be reminded of their place of origination every time I see them in my home aquarium and local pet stores. The fish were very healthy and extremely large. I wished I could have taken them home for free, but I only have a 55 gallon tank, oh well. I recommend Maui to all marine fish hobbyists because nothing can compare to viewing them in their natural environment.

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