Most cities and states have some type of local chain if not a lot more than one. These are businesses that began small as one mom-and-pop type of business, but because they hit a local niche just right, they exploded and expanded locations to serve even more of their community. Boss Frog’s is exactly that.
The original Boss Frog’s set up shop in Anchor Square, Lahaina in 1989. They operated as a basic snorkel rental and sale shop, but their convenient location, wide selection, fair prices, friendly staff, and, at the time, low competition put them on a massive trajectory. Today, you’ll find over a dozen Boss Frog’s locations across the Hawaiian Islands, all still operated under the same Hawaiian family that began it all in 1989. This review is for that Boss Frog’s located at 150 Lahainaluna Road in Lahaina on the island of Maui.
The full name of this location’s store is Boss Frog’s Snorkel, Bike & Beach Rentals and already from that, you can probably tell they’ve expanded well beyond just the snorkeling equipment. Theirs is a one-story building that, when opened, is lined with products and opportunities on the opposite. When you walk up, you’ll typically see a rack of surfboards to the left of the door, and to the right, you’ll see a kiosk where you can book discounted tours and activities like snorkeling the Molokoni Crater when you complete rentals inside. If you haven’t yet figured out where you want to go or what you want to do on the island, this kiosk is a fantastic spot to stop to give you a more robust idea of the possibilities (and at fantastic rates).
When you walk inside, you’ll find a whole host of merchandise available for sale as well as key rental equipment. Typical products for sale here include branded clothing (including shirts, saris, swimsuits, and more), hats, towels, wetsuits, and souvenir-styled items like guidebooks and postcards. In the back and along the walls, you’ll find the more serious snorkel and dive gear that is available to be both rented and purchased.
Truly, while there is a lot you can get at Boss Frog’s (did we mention this location also has bike rentals?), if for nothing else, this is the go-to spot for snorkeling gear rental if you are looking to snorkel outside of a tour. There are two things that make Boss Frog’s the superior rental choice: Selection and prices.
In terms of selection, Boss Frog’s offers three types of snorkel gear that includes the basic panoramic snorkel set that you typically see at any large box store. But they also have a lot more than that basic type of gear. Here you can rent premium EZ Breathe Dry snorkels that really take underwater viewing to the next level, offering a more comfortable experience without the risk of saltwater splashing into the tube and down your mouth. They also offer optical masks of varying prescription so that those with poor vision who can’t wear contacts underwater can likewise enjoy the full experience.
In terms of price, they cannot be beaten. Snorkeling gear can be rented for 24 hours for as little as $5 a day. They also have two-for-one specials on weekly rentals.
Insider Tips:
-When it comes to choosing which snorkel gear to rent at Boss Frog’s, we strongly recommend going for that premium EZ Breathe set. This style of snorkel utilizes a special design to fully prevent ocean water from splashing in and getting into your mouth — a common hazard with the larger waves of coastal Hawaii.
-Make sure to check the wall stacked with maps and brochures. While we do our best outlining premier locations in Kauai and beyond, that local board is great when you’re not sure what to do or where to go next. This local board is also a great place to find smaller outfitters that might be able to offer better rates on adventures like guided kayaking tours.