If you’re planning a trip to the island of Maui in Hawaii, no doubt a dip into the warm turquoise waters is on your mind. What better way to explore the underwater oasis than to know where you can find the best snorkeling in Maui.
Whether these are self-guided spots on the island you can jump in yourself or guided experience, we’re going to show you must-do spots from well-known to secret.
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Best Snorkeling in Maui
Created from volcanic eruptions 20,000 years ago, the surrounding waters of Maui are teeming with aquatic life, colourful reef, and crystalline waters.
In between walking the streets of Lahaina and waking up early in the morning to see the sun rise from Haleakala, snorkeling is right up there when it comes to the top things to do in Maui.
With each location, we’ll jump straight into the need-to-know details including a handy summary.
BEFORE YOU CONTINUE
Find out how you can plan an amazing 5 days in Maui with this detailed itinerary.
Self-Guided Snorkeling in Maui
There are so many good snorkeling spots in Maui but since you won’t be able to go to them all, lets focus on the best snorkeling locations.
Kapalua Bay Beach
As one of the most popular beaches on the island and regularly named “best beach in the world”, this crescent shaped cove is ideal for snorkeling.
Here, you’ll find excellent swimming conditions, sandy beach, and tons of marine life. Chances of seeing sea turtles is good, just make sure you’re on the look out.
Beyond snorkeling, the large beach is also just great for kicking back and relaxing. Depending on the time of day, there can be some shade here but you might be better off bringing a beach umbrella.
The only challenge here is that it gets really busy so most people recommend that you come here early before the rush or late in the day closer to sunset.
Lastly, combine your time here with a bit of hiking along the spectacular Kapalua Coastal Trail.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Location: West Maui
Address: Kapalua Bay Beach, Kapalua, HI 96761
Parking:
- Primary free small lot adjacent to the street, Bay Street Pl..
- Street parking along the main Lower Honoapiilani Rd. but beware of which side you park on.
- Merriman’s Kapalua restaurant has a lot and they charge $10 for valet parking.
- Kapalua Tennis Garden charges $10 for their lot.
Size: Large
Depth: 0-12 feet
What you will see: Mainly fish (Scorpion Fish, Cornet Fish, Jacks, Butterflyfish, Parrotfish, Goat Fish, Moorish Idol, Box Fish, Perch, Triggerfish, Chub) , limited coral, and a good to see turtles.
Entrance: Sandy
Difficulty: Easy
Great for kids?: Yes
Best time to visit: Before 9AM or after 4PM.
Closest hotels: Montage Kapalua Bay, Napili Kai Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
Rental: Beach chairs and umbrellas available for rent.
Facilities: Lifeguards, change rooms, and restrooms.
Nearby activities: Kapalua Coastal Trail
Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve
This area is believed to be one of the youngest eco-reef zones on Maui. With its jagged coastline, lava rock, and coral reef, this is a natural haven for tropical fish.
You won’t need to venture out too far here as most of the fish tend to hang out in the shallow water. There are also plenty of coves (Ahihi Cove) to explore here, making this a top spot for anyone visiting Maui.
As a reserve, not only will you see plenty of fish and turtles, but you might also be lucky enough to spot octopus, eel, and lobster.
One thing to note is that there is no real sandy beach here so this is not the kind of spot where you’ll be able to comfortably lay out your towel and umbrella.
To keep you safe, the reserve has signs featuring a Tang fish that show you where it’s safe to enter.
With its volcanic rock, it’s highly recommended that you wear swim socks or water shoes.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Location: South Maui
Address: 7750 Makena Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Parking: There is a new and free (used to be $5) parking lot for the reserve with lots of spots.
Size: Large
Depth: 0-10 feet
What you will see: Lots of fish (tang, squirrelfish, goatfish, jacks, needlefish, chub, butterflyfish, parrotfish, and sea cucumbers), plenty of coral, and a high chance of encountering turtles.
Entrance: Sandy and volcanic rock
Difficulty: Intermediate (tricky entrance)
Great for kids?: No
Best time to visit: Early in the morning when the water is the clearest.
Closest hotels: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Rental: None
Facilities: Bathrooms at the parking lot.
Nearby activities: Makena State Park and La Perouse Bay (lava fields)
Honolua Bay
There’s something magical about this place. This used to be a hidden spot best known as a killer surfing spot but it’s becoming more and more popular for snorkeling as well.
The experience starts from the access trail where you descend into a tropical enchanted forest. After the short walk (5-10 minutes), you’ll arrive at the rocky bay surrounded by high rocky cliffs.
On the right side of the bay is the renowned surf break but it’s pretty far out that it shouldn’t affect your snorkeling.
In terms of entering into the water, don’t go in near the center. Instead, go either to the right hand side (north) where there’s more coral and fish. Alternatively, the left side (south) is also a hot spot for sightings.
While not necessarily for advanced snorkelers, the current, rocks, and the crashing of waves on both sides of the bay means you need to be careful. When the weather causes rough water conditions, this isn’t a great spot to be.
There’s almost no sand here so this is the kind of place where you come specifically for the snorkeling. Bring your own gear and snacks!
You’ll also commonly find boats moored here for as part of guided snorkel experiences.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Location: West Maui
Address: Lahaina, HI 96761
Parking: There is a small (free) parking lot that fills up quickly. You can also park roadside along Honoapiilani Hwy in a few areas.
Size: Large
Depth: 0-30 feet
What you will see: Lots of fish, decent amount of coral, and a high chance of encountering turtles.
Entrance: Rocky
Difficulty: Intermediate
Great for kids?: No
Best time to visit: Early in the morning when the water is the clearest.
Closest hotels: The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
Rental: None
Facilities: Porta-potties in the parking lot.
Nearby activities: Kapalua Golf
Napili Beach
Nestled between Kahana and Kapalua is this residential community, this is a comfortable and peaceful beach.
Great places to snorkel here are near the edges of the bay where you’ll find some of the reef. Here, you’ll see needlefish, surgeonfish, and Humuhumunukunukuapua’a. If you’re lucky, you’ll also encounter green sea turtles that usually make their appearance near sunrise and sunset.
This beach is great for families because of the sandy shoreline, making it great for lounging, using the boogie board, digging in the sand, and running around.
The sunsets here are absolutely stunning.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Location: West Maui
Address: 53 Hui Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761
Parking: There are a couple of options for parking similar to Kapalua Bay and just as limited:
- Small lot at the end of Napili Pl..
- Park at Snorkel Bob’s lot and walk to the beach.
- Street parking along the main Lower Honoapiilani Rd. but beware of which side you park on.
- Similar paid parking options for Kapalua Bay.
There is a small (free) parking lot that fills up quickly. You can also park roadside along Honoapiilani Hwy in a few areas. You could also use the Kapalua Beach lot.
Size: Medium
Depth: 0-10 feet
What you will see: Lots of fish but without much coral, and some chance of encountering turtles.
Entrance: Sandy
Difficulty: Easy
Great for kids?: Yes
Best time to visit: Early in the morning and on weekdays when it’s less busy. Afternoons for sunsets are great as well.
Closest hotels: Hale Napili, Napili Sunset Beach Front Resort, Napili Surf Beach Resort, and Napili Shores Maui by Outrigger.
Rental: Activity cabana (if not available, you can go to Napili Shores that has full-service rental)
Facilities: Bathrooms, activity rental cabana but no public change rooms or showers. (You can try to use showers at the north end of the beach for Hale Resort guests)
Nearby activities: Kapalua Coastal Trail
Black Rock on Ka’anapali Beach
Ka’anapali Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Maui. With its close proximity to Lahaina, white sandy beach, boardwalk, resorts, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, it’s a great place to stay for awhile.
While the whole of Ka’anapali Beach is somewhere that is great to sunbathe on the sand but a bit of a hidden gem is on the far north side of the beach – Black Rock.
Typically known for “that rock you jump off of”, the secret is that there is quite the cluster of reefs right below. Combine that with crystal clear waters, diverse sightings of fish, and Hawaiian green sea turtles, it’s no wonder that people keep coming back here.
To find the best snorkel spots, swim along the lava rock’s edge.
The beach is perfect for families and kids but I’d say that the snorkeling is better for those that have snorkelled a couple of times before.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Location: West Maui
Address: Lahaina, HI 96761
Parking: There isn’t parking specific for Black Rock Beach but access to Ka’anapali Beach has the following parking options:
- There are 15 spots at the free multi-level public lot shared with the Sheraton.
- There’s free parking for Whaler’s Village but you need to get it validated with purchase (gives you 3 hours and afterwards it’s $2.50/hour). Full day parking here is $20.
- The Westin is said to have free parking for public access to the beach as well but details are a bit sketchy.
- Most other resorts offer resort parking for a fee such as Ka’anapali Beach Hotel where one traveller said if you rent a cabana from Trilogy, they’ll validate your parking at the hotel.
Size: Medium
Depth: 0-30 feet
What you will see: Lots of fish but without much coral, and some chance of encountering turtles.
Entrance: Sandy
Difficulty: Intermediate
Great for kids?: Yes
Best time to visit: Early in the morning for parking reasons and on weekdays when it’s less busy. Afternoons for sunsets are great as well.
Closest hotels: Ka’anapali Beach Hotel, Aston at The Whaler, The Westin Maui, and Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club.
Rental: Activity cabana (if not available, you can go to Napili Shores that has full-service rental)
Facilities: Showers and bathrooms (you can use them as change rooms) are right on the beach.
Nearby activities: Things to do in Lahaina
Five Caves
Now this is the kind of place that you’d never stumble upon because it’s so off the beaten path (it doesn’t even have a TripAdvisor listing). Typically, this is a spot for scuba divers but experienced snorkelers can come here as well.
This spot is ominously also known as Five Graves for the small graveyard that’s located next to the beach. Don’t worry, it has nothing to do with the snorkel site.
North of Turtle Town, there’s a plethora of unique fish, turtles, eagle rays, and even reef sharks to see here.
Again, we should stress that this is for experienced explorers as the variable ocean conditions and long snorkel distances can make this tricky to so make sure you go with a buddy.
You’re probably wondering about the caves. Unfortunately, most of the caves are out of reach for snorkelers.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Location: South Maui
Address: 5090 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753, United States
Parking: There’s a dirt lot on the side of the road across the street from where you’ll find the small blue beach access sign that’s sandwiched between two houses. Alternatively, you could try Makena Landing parking lot that’s 1/4 mile further down.
Size: Medium
Depth: 0-25 feet
What you will see: Great chance to see a bit of everything although not necessarily known for its coral.
Entrance: Rocky
Difficulty: Advanced
Great for kids?: No
Best time to visit: The earlier the better for the best visibility.
Closest hotels: Fairmont Kea Lani, Makena Surf Hyatt Residence, and Direct Oceanfront House (epic luxury home rental).
Rental: None
Facilities: None
Nearby activities: Chang’s Beach, Makena Landing, and Maluaka Beach.
Guided Snorkeling Maui Tours
So far we’ve listed all of the best snorkeling spots on the island of Maui that you can get to from land but I haven’t been able to touch on the most well-known spots like Turtle Town and Molokini and that’s because you can only access those by boat.
Let’s get into the best tours you can book for some incredible snorkeling in Maui.
Molokini and Turtle Town Boat Tours
This is unquestionably the most popular tour to book in Maui. This tour starts with the crescent-shaped crater that’s 2.5 miles off of Maui’s south shore – Molokini Crater.
As a Marine Life Conservation District Seabird Sanctuary, you’ll have an incredible view of the volcanic crater as you make your approach by boat (15 minute ride) but where you’ll be exploring is the submerged volcano islet (one of very few in the world).
Snorkeling here will allow you to see a sample of the 250 species of endemic Hawaiian tropical fish and colorful reef formations in superbly clear waters.
To set expectations, I will say that these are large group boat tours and so when you’re dropped into the water, you’ll want to find your own space to explore but at the same time, keep an eye on your group so you don’t get left behind. You’ll also be around other boat tours dropping in.
The second spot you’ll visit is Turtle Town. As the name aptly describes, this is the place to be if you want to see Hawaiian green sea turtles.
Before jumping in, you’ll learn about why these turtles are protected, why they are endangered, and the importance of things like reef safe sunscreen.
There are typically two options for this tour. One is to go in the morning where continental breakfast and deli lunch is included. The second departs slightly later in the morning and includes a buffet lunch.
This entire experience is family friendly and hands-down the best tour you can do while you’re in Maui.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Location: Ma’alaea Harbor
Address: 192 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793 (Maui Ocean Center)
Parking: Maui Ocean Center has free parking by the harbor. Paid parking available at the harbor.
Total tour time: 5.5 hours (Start time: 6:30AM for breakfast or 7:30AM for buffet lunch tour)
Snorkel time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Great for kids?: Yes
What’s included: Guide, snorkel gear, life jackets, soft drinks, and meals.
Rental: Wetsuit and underwater cameras.
Facilities: Catamaran has bathrooms and showers
Reviews: Molokini Crater
Dolphins and Snorkeling Cruise to Lanai
A lesser known snorkeling cruise is this one that takes you out to the neighbouring small island of Lanai.
After a relaxing 45 minute boat ride to the isolated coast of Lanai, you’ll be able to spend 1.5 to 2 hours snorkeling to see a variety of fish, sea turtles, and if you’re lucky, dolphins that swim circles above the reef.
Some of the sites you’ll be able to snorkel are Shark Fin Rock and Manele Bay.
Included in the journey is breakfast and lunch.
What I like about this experience is that it departs from Lahaina which can be a huge bonus for many if you’re staying in the area.
This tour is also great for kids with the water slide off the boat and the water toys that are included.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Location: Lahaina
Address: 675 Wharf St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Parking: Since this is right in the heart of Lahaina, you’ll have to look for parking in town. You can find free parking at the corner of Prison Street and Front Street but it has a 3 hour limit. The largest lot is the parking lot f or Outlets of Maui where you can stay as long as you like and will be a better option for this tour.
Start time: 7:00AM
Total tour time: 5 hours
Snorkel time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Great for kids?: Yes
What’s included: Guide, snorkel gear, life jackets, soft drinks, and meals.
Rental/extras: Wetsuit, underwater cameras, and SNUBA.
Facilities: Catamaran has bathrooms and showers
Kayak and Snorkel Tour
If you’re looking for the unique combination of kayaking and snorkeling all-in-one, this is it.
With this guided experience, you’ll be able to explore Maui’s West Shore. In either a single or tandem kayak, you’ll paddle with views of Ukumehame Valley while your instructor provides commentary.
For the snorkel portion of the tour, you’ll jump straight into the water from your kayak where you’ll have a chance to see coral, schools of fish, and turtles.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Location: Ukumehame Beach Park
Address: 615 Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, HI 96761, United States
Parking: The beach park has its own free parking lot right off the highway.
Start time: 7:30AM or 11AM
Total tour time: 2.5 hours
Snorkel time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Great for kids?: Yes
What’s included: Guide, kayak, snorkel gear, life jackets, and light refreshments.
Rental/extras: Photography package
Facilities: Ukumehame Beach Park has 6 picnic tables, 4 BBQ pits, and 2 porta-potties for restroom facilities.
SUP and Snorkel Turtle Town
If stand-up paddleboarding is your thing or if you’re looking to learn and try it for the first time, you’ll love this tour that brings you right into Turtle Town.
This experience is made for everyone from 3 years to 83 years old. As a small and private tour, you’ll have the advantage of having a guide teach you how to paddleboard and also take you to the best spots to snorkel.
For many, this is the highlight of their time in Maui with extremely high chances of seeing green sea turtles. You’ll probably lose count of how many you’ll encounter.
If you’re travelling with a small child, they can be your “ocean babysitter” with your child sitting safely in front of the paddleboard with the guide.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Location: Makena Landing Park
Address: 5083 Makena Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Parking: The beach park has its own free parking lot.
Start time: 7:30AM or 11AM
Total tour time: 2.5 hours
Snorkel time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Great for kids?: Yes
What’s included: Guide, stand-up paddleboard, snorkel gear, life jackets, water bottle, and snacks.
Rental/extras: Souvenir photos
Facilities: Bathroom facilities at Makena Ladning Park.
Map of all Snorkeling Spots
See all of the best snorkeling in Maui together with the map below.
TIP: You can make a copy of this map in Google by opening it in a new tab (click on the full screen icon). Once you make a copy, you’ll be able to then access this on the Google Maps app on your phone.
Tips for Snorkeling in Maui
Before your trip, there a few things you need to know to make sure you’re prepared.
Things you need to pack
- Beach towel – Most hotels are pretty specific about not using their towels on the beach. You could use their designated beach towels but it’s always a good idea to have your own. Microfiber towels are versatile and quick to dry.
- Snorkel gear – While many resorts and tours will have free snorkel gear rental, you might as well pack your own if you plan on doing a lot of snorkeling. The full face snorkel is something that’s becoming really popular too.
- Water shoes – Coral and volcanic rock isn’t something you want to mess with.
- Sunglasses – A no-brainer here. The industry’s leading sunglasses in clarity is Maui Jim (I have the Chee Hoo) and they’re highly recommended. They even have an HQ store in Lahaina you can visit (721 Wainee St. Lahaina, HI 96761).
- Croakies – These are sunglass retainer straps that is super helpful to make sure you always have sunglasses on you and won’t fall off.
- Reef safe sunscreen – Sun Bum is the leader here and is critical not only to protect your skin but also the reef and aquatic life. I recommend a minimum of 50 SPF.
- Beach umbrella – If you have space for this in your suitcase, this is a good investment.
- Portable beach chair – I highly recommend the Helinox super lightweight and compact chairs.
- Beach mat – Getting sand all over your beach towel sucks so use these specialized sandproof mats instead.
- Beach bag – Backpacks work but when you’re packing snorkel gear, mats, chairs, and other gear, you need a large beach bag/tote.
- Waterproof case – If you want to carry some valuables and your phone with you as you snorkel, make sure to get one of these waterproof phone cases.
- Dry bag – Another way to keep your valuables from getting wet is by using these large dry bags.
- Flip flops – A good pair of flip flops is always important for Hawaii. I’ve had my pair of Rainbows for a long time and swear by them.
How to protect marine life, beaches, and coral
Over-tourism and years of neglect has resulted in coral dying, sea turtles being injured and diseased, and coastal erosion.
When you go to Maui and the rest of Hawaii for a vacation, remember that you’re a guest of the land and as a visitor you need to respect the fragile ecosystem. Here’s how you can do your part.
- Use reef safe sunscreen – This is something we learned from our Molokini snorkel cruise. Aerosol sunscreen is the worst offender here but essentially when you enter the water, those chemicals mix with the water and they interact with all the aquatic life. Science has proven that this leads to coral bleaching and also tumors on turtles.
- Don’t leave anything behind – Keep the beaches and waters clean from garbage.
- Look but don’t touch – Especially when it comes to turtles, don’t touch them because it is straight up illegal as they are federally and state protected creatures. Beyond that, touch them causes unwanted stress and sets a bad example for others. Keep a respectful distance.
- Tread lightly – When snorkeling, it’s easy to not watch where you fins and hands are. Avoid hitting the coral.
- Don’t feed the fish – Marine life have their own diets. Feeding them bread and other human food is not a good thing.
- Leave what you find – Don’t take or pick coral, sand, or volcanic rock. This destroys the natural ecosystem no matter how small.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time is early in the morning because water is the clearest and you also beat the crowds of people that come in later. This means showing up to your snorkel spot before 9AM.
No, Molokini Crater isn’t a beach and isn’t attach to the island of Maui. As a volcanic caldera, 3 miles off the coast, you’ll need to get there by a boat tour like this one.
Whale season in Maui is typically between mid-January and March.
You can spot sea turtles all year round but the absolute best time is in the summer thanks to calmer waters. In the winter when it gets colder, there are larger waves which is less ideal for turtles.
The most common way of seeing dolphins is out on a boat between Lahaina and the island of Lanai. Spinner dolphins patrol this area which is why you need to do a boat cruise.
Turtle Town is far off the coast of Makena and not easy to swim to because of the distance. This is why you need to get there by boat cruise or water craft like a stand-up paddleboard.
No, it is illegal to touch green sea turtles by law. It is recommended to stay 30 feet from turtles. Fines start at $1,000 USD.
There’s so much snorkeling in Maui you can do. This gives you all of the best places you need to incorporate into your itinerary. If you have a favorite snorkeling spot in Maui and would love to see it added, make sure to drop a comment below!
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Featured social image via Flickr by aftab
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