A Magical Snorkel Tour

Take out a map of Maui. Locate Molokini Island, then Kihei and head around the bend until you see the Kanaio Coast. Notice the gaps between location markers as your eye turns toward Hana. Miles of wilderness. That's about all you'll see.

Now squint at the map and see yourself aboard a 54-foot power catamaran moving past the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve, rounding Cape Hanamanoia and drifting toward the Kanaio Natural Area Reserve. You're holding a snorkel mask. A warm sun, Hawaiian music and the soft slush of surf clears your mind. This is a good day, you're thinking. The best.

Maui Classic Charters can take you there on a catamaran they have christened Maui Magic. Part of the magic is that only the weather gods know where the big cat will stop to snorkel. But there's another kind of magic you can count on and that's a healthy dose of Hawaiian culture and history throughout the five-hour trip, which departs at 7 a.m. daily from Ma'alaea Harbor, Slip 55.

Expect an adventure. Expect to be served breakfast and lunch. Expect snorkel gear and flotation devices to be provided. Expect magic.