Friday, May 13, 2011

Alii Nui: Highest of Royalty!



On our first full day on Maui we had the distinct pleasure of sailing on the Alii Nui. On recommendation we had chosen their snorkel sail to Turtle Point. We were excited to start off our honeymoon in such a fun way!

You start your adventure when you are picked-up by your complimentary transportation (by arrangement), a comfortable van, driven by one of the friendly crew members. Our driver Sarah was both personable and knowledgeable; it was great to learn more about the area and what was in store for us. As we pulled up to Slip 56 at the Maalaea Harbor we knew immediately that we are in for a treat!

The Alii Nui is impressive. Custom built, the luxury catamaran has an 78’ mast, and measures 65’ from stem to stern and 36’ port to starboard. As you step onto the boat and slip off your shoes, you are invited to join the crew in the spacious cabin below for a fantastic breakfast including assorted muffins and pastries, fresh island fruit, yogurt, juice and coffee. The fresh pineapple was a great complement to the croissants smothered in jelly.

After motoring out of the harbor, guests are treated to the remarkable sight of the captain and crew all working together to raise the sails. It was an extremely impressive site to see!

Sails Up!

As you sail away from the harbor, towards Turtle Point, you can continue to enjoy breakfast below, or, stroll up onto the deck. On deck guests are invited to lounge in the hammock-like trampolines, or relax and enjoy the view of the coastline going by while sitting on one of the long benches that line the outside of the cabin. We picked out a spot on the benches and relaxed into each other, enjoying the sea breeze and the gorgeous sights.

Just before reaching your destination, the captain and crew will go over all of the options passengers have while visiting Turtle Point. For beginners there are life vests and kickboards with viewing masks. For the casual snorkeler there are foam tubes to assist with floating, and for the advance SCUBA is available. The Alii Nui team truly has thought of everything! We were fitted for flippers, handed our snorkel gear and we slipped into the water.

As we began our snorkel, we were immediately amazed at the underwater world beneath us. You are truly immersed in the amazing experience of being surrounded by turtles and fish that are swimming all around.

Sea Turtle

Don’t forget to document your experience on the Alii Nui! The crew offers underwater camera rentals, and both a photography package and a video of your tour are available. It was tons of fun to be able to capture the reef life; we were able to get some great shots. What a great way to remember our time on Maui (if only we could find the disk!).

After you have had your fill of crystal clear water, sea life, and floating away your cares, climb back onto the Alii Nui, and wash off with one of the four heated, fresh water showers. On the way back to the harbor enjoy a delicious lunch including teriyaki chicken, pulled pork (best we had on our trip!), classic Caesar salad, pasta and potato salad, fresh fruit, and much more! Enjoy your lunch with a glass of red or white wine, champagne, beer, soda, juice or filtered water. What a great way to end our sail: red wine in hand, wind in our hair, treated like royalty!

Simply put, the snorkel sail to Turtle Point is a must, and in this bride’s opinion, the best, and only way to visit is on the Alii Nui!

To book reservations:
Visit: Alii Nui
Toll Free: 800-542-3483
Local: 1-808-875-0333

1 comment:

  1. Another Wow. I get a bit scared of the thought of boats, but once I'm on I'm OK LOL. Again the food sounds lovely, but you've lost your disc of the sealife, what a shame, I love turtles.

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