'k a quick search nets me these two threads about Chin's experieces with bringing fish back from Hawaii:

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/sho...d.php?t=37196&
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/sho...d.php?t=37164&

I'm not planning to catch my own livestock. I didn't think it was actually an option. What I would consider is to buy one there. I am just doing the research ahead of time if the opportunity was there and I saw something that I wanted to buy.

Wow, what a horrifying experience for your wife Tony. And I remember reading another thread about avoiding the locals. I guess this might be one of the reasons.

Ah ok. Yeah I understand. I don't know - your experience might end up being different on this one but I didn't really find any fish stores that really knocked my socks off.

To be fair, I never had any unpleasant experiences with any Maui locals when face to face. It's always been pleasant dealings and experiences when face to face. The truck driver was some faceless nameless person we'll never get to know who it was. So don't let this story turn you off by any means - just - if you DO go on the Hana highway, watch out for the trucks and give them LLLLLLOTS of room.

In Lahina there are some nice gallerys
an artist named christian reese lassan has some nice work

don't get sucked into those adventure centers that offer cheap rate on side trip ( snokeling etc.)
AKA timeshare

I don't have much time to write but there is only one store on the island of Maui that carry's saltwater fishes "The Pet Store" in a strip mall near the airport. The selection there is pitiful so don't waste your time and just enjoy the beautiful weather and oceans there.

Don't know where you decided to stay, but if you want to relax on the beach for a day without frisbees, footballs and such whizzing around or at you, walk over to the Royal Lahaina beach. Its night and day once you go on the other side of the big rock. Snorkling is way better there also. Stick near the rock and you'll see some turtles or go north a couple of hotels and thats a great fish/eel spot. There's a couple of bars only a few steps away for refreshments :mrgreen: I agree with Tony and the others don't wast you time looking for fish stores, nothing to be had or worth while, go diving........

Thanks everyone. I'll be staying in Lahaina. Sounds like I'll be snorkelling just steps from the hotel.

Haha. I just saw one of those 2-1 discount tours online. Then in small small print, it talks about how the prices are based on a TimeShare presentation attendance.

The power hang gliders look fun.

So this is the one you are talking about http://www.petshopmaui.com/

Ok, so I won't waste my time. But out of curiousity, how much cheaper are the Hawaiian fish in Hawaii? Let's use a Flame Angel as a reference point. Are they like $10-$15?

so are you back yet? what didda do? got any pics?

Yes, I'm now back to this cold wet Vancouver weather. Let's see what I can remember about my trip. I took a lot of the suggestions here.

Crossed the lava field in Ahihi Kinau Natural Reserve
Polo Beach
Lahaina
Kamaole Beach
Drove all along the North West coast and up to Honokohau Bay
Drove to Hana and stopped at the sites along the way (Waikamoi Ridge Forest Trail, Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside Park, Waianapanapa)
Thanksgiving dinner at Mama's Fish House. super expensive.
Visited the Ritz Carlton
Snorkelled at Molokini with the Pacific Whale Foundation (saw turtles, dolphins, and Humpbacks)
Made it half way up to the Haleakala Crater before I had to turnaround with only 1/8 gas tank left


Other beaches that I stopped by:
Napili Bay
Honolua Bay
La Perouse Bay
Makena State Park

I got a few underwater pics but my camera died after some saltwater leaked into my Aquapac camera bag while snorkelling. I didn't snorkel nearly as much as I had wanted to. That was because the person I was travelling with is not into snorkelling.

I found it fascinating that there is an abundance of reef fishes right in the harbour. Saw Moorish Idols, Racoon butterflies, convict tangs, etc right in the harbour.