Best Snorkeling In Maui

Vacationing in a lush, tropical island paradise for your next vacation no doubt means plenty of beach time. Take a much-needed break to a place full of sand, sun, fun, water, and plenty of rest and relaxation.

While spending time on the beach and in the water is a priority, Hawaii and the island of Maui offer some of the best snorkeling in the world.

You’ll no doubt want to spend the day – or multiple days – exploring both above and below the water. Don’t forget an underwater camera to get pics of what you find below the surface while snorkeling in Maui!

Here, we have discussed some of the most popular snorkeling spots you can explore.

What are the Maui Snorkeling Tour Options?

If you are confused about how to get this experience, book Maui snorkeling tours, which offer a variety of options, including exploring hidden coves and famous sites like Molokini Crater. We usually prefer two options that we’ve mentioned:

Charter Tours

If you’ve never been to Hawaii, or snorkeling for that matter, book a tour. There are plenty of charter boats that will take you out to explore the underwater world. Just walking down to the marina docks will offer you several tours, offered by private boats as well as tour companies.

Companies typically provide snorkeling gear, like the mask, snorkel, and flippers needed for the adventure, but you’ll have to bring your own wetsuit.

On Your Own

You can start out exploring on your own, or you can do so after finding the best spots on a guided excursion. Head to the closest beach and wade out into the water.

You’ll be amazed at what you can find close to shore. If you want to explore past the beach near your rental, pack up the rental vehicle and head to just about any other beach on the island.

Places To Have the Best Snorkeling Experience

The Hawaiian islands are known for their beautiful, calm waters and diverse marine life. Maui is best known for its unique beaches, but it’s also well-visited for the various snorkeling options and for witnessing the unique marine life.

Here are some of our favorite locations we’ve shared with you so you, too, can be left in awe—just like we were!

Molokini Crater

Molokini Crater is one of the most visited spots for snorkelers. Molokini Crater, also known as Molokini Cove, is a must-visit spot for snorkelers from all over.

It’s recognized as both a Marine Life Conservation District and Seabird Sanctuary, and it’s notable for being one of the rare volcanic islets found worldwide!

With its amazing marine life and super clear waters, it’s a real gem. Stretching half a mile wide, this crater was formed over 150,000 years ago and is one of just three volcanic calderas on the planet.

It has a ton of fish and marine life, including a wide variety of hard coral and a hundred types of algae. You’ll also see White-Tip Reef Sharks, Manta Rays, Threadfin Butterflyfish, and many more!

One of the things that sets it apart from the rest it that you get to have an encounter with Dolphins, Humpback Whales, as well as Hawaiian Monk Seals.

It’s designated as both a Marine Life Conservation District and Seabird Sanctuary, and it stands out as one of the few volcanic islets found anywhere on the planet!

Coral Gardens

Another popular spot for snorkeling in Maui is Coral Gardens. Well, it stays true to its name as you will witness excellent and unique coral formations under the water.

Coral Gardens is not a very well-known spot, and trust us, we, too, found it accidentally. It is located along the shoreline of West Maui, and apart from the colorful coral reefs, you also get to see a wide variety of marine life.

If you are in search of tropical fish, you’ll find many of those here. We were lucky enough to spot fishes like Parrotfish, Angelfish, and Triggerfish. Be careful as you might also encounter other marine life, such as Moral Eels, Octopus, and the famous Hawaiian green sea turtles

Charley Young Beach

Charley Young Beach is a gorgeous sandy stretch located at the northern tip of Kamaole Beach Park I. It’s easily accessible by foot from Kam I, and nearby, there’s a cool lava peninsula perfect for snorkeling. Alternatively, you can park at the convenient lot on South Kihei Rd.

This beach is the most loved spot among snorkelers because of its soft sand and easy entry. Just off the shore, there’s a lava peninsula that offers fantastic snorkeling opportunities with a variety of wildlife and colorful reefs.

We just want to caution you here—The waves tend to get higher in the evening here. So, if you are planning for a snorkeling session on Charley Young Beach, it is best to do it during the morning time when the water is usually calm. The morning will also be a great time for snorkeling beginners or those who want to learn this activity.

When you go inside the water, you can expect to see tropical fish varieties like Goatfish, Parrotfish, Sea Urchins, and Green Sea Turtles.

Turtle Town

Known as Turtle Town for its wealth of sea turtles, this Maui snorkeling spot is perfect if you want to catch Hawaiian green sea turtles in their natural habitat! Thanks to protections under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), this area boasts a thriving population of these beloved creatures.

The reef is extensive and spreads out in all directions. If you are booking boat tours for Molikini Crater, you’ll mostly be taken second to this location for snorkeling.

Turtle Town is an excellent snorkeling spot, ideal for beginners and experienced visitors alike. Its maze of coral reefs bustles with marine diversity, drawing admiration from locals and tourists alike. The crystal clear water of the beach provides the best way to relax and enjoy the seascape.

Now, what will you see when you go down the water? As predicted, Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles are a must, but there are other colorful fish and creatures you’ll find. Some varieties are Achilles tang, Yellow Tang, Eagle Rays, and the unique Hawaiian state fish, the Moorish Idol.

Honolua Bay

Honolua Bay, nestled on Maui’s northwest shore just a short drive north from Lahaina, stands out as a protected marine sanctuary and one of the island’s most stunning spots for snorkeling. Its unparalleled underwater beauty and scenic coastline make it a must-visit for both locals and tourists seeking a memorable experience.

Honolua Bay is where you can snorkel, surrounded by a lush tropical rainforest, and find all sorts of sea life. A short walk through the awesome forest brings you to a vibrant, established coral reef and nice, warm water. It’s usually calm, but keep an eye out for stronger waves if there’s a swell—check conditions before you go for a rad time at this amazing spot.

Honolua Bay is teeming with diverse marine life. While spotting Sea Turtles is a must, you’ll also see fishes like Peacock Groupers, Butterflyfish, and Yellow Tang. Keep an eye out for Moorish Idols and sometimes even Manta Rays or Octopus during your visit!

Po’olenalena Beach

Po’olenalena Beach is a local favorite known for its stunning vistas of the Puu Olai wilderness and its vibrant underwater world. Lava rocks line both sides of this sandy beach, providing habitats for a diverse array of marine life.

This beach stretches along a scenic stretch of sand, perfect for sunbathing and suitable for intermediate snorkelers, though the water can be a bit challenging. You’ll also enjoy a fantastic view of Pu’u Olai, the volcanic cinder cone nestled between Big and Little Beach.

The upper section of the beach is shaded by Kiawe trees, but watch out for thorns that may have fallen into the sand beneath them!

You’re likely to spot Sea Turtles, Hawaii State Fish, Saddleback Wrasses, Moorish idols, Pencil Urchins, and one of the cleverest fish around, the Brown Surgeonfish.

Kahekili Beach

Kahekili Beach is also known as “Airport Beach.” Now, you must be wondering why it is named Airport Beach. The reason behind this is the Kaanapali Airport that was here before. It closed down in 1986.

Although it’s no longer used for planes, this site remains one of the top spots for snorkeling, thanks to its designation in the Kahekili Herbivore Fisheries Management Area. This status has fostered a vibrant underwater ecosystem, complemented by easily accessible beaches.

The snorkeling experience off the beach here is outstanding! The reef has been partially protected since 2009. This designation prohibits the harvesting of certain algae-eating fish, contributing to the reef’s enhanced health. Exploring this thriving ecosystem underwater is truly delightful!

Airport Beach is home to a variety of marine life, including Bluefin Trevally, Eels, Black Triggerfish, Humuhumunukunukuapua’a, Green Sea Turtles, and many more! It’s absolutely an excellent spot for encountering a wide range of underwater creatures!

Ulua Beach

For beginner snorkelers, this beach is a great place to get your feet wet. The quarter mile of sandy beach boasts great snorkeling, as well as swimming, boogie boarding, and more.

Formerly known as “Kaula’uo Beach,” this hidden gem of a snorkeling spot in South Maui is now better recognized as ‘Ulua Beach, named after a native Hawaiian fish.

The sandy entry makes getting into the water here a breeze. For the best snorkeling experience, aim to go early in the day. The waves are usually calmer, and visibility tends to be at its peak during the morning hours.

Here, you’ll discover Moorish Idols, Surgeonfish, Humuhumunukunukuapua’a, Teardrop Butterflyfish, and schools of Goatfish. Look out for Pencil Urchins and Boxfish! You might also catch sight of a magnificent Hawaiian green sea turtle swimming gracefully past while you snorkel.

For scuba dive experiences, dive instructors choose it due to the good beginner-level dive at the outer reef. There are bathrooms and showers available.

Keawakapu Beach

The cozy beach is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, boogie boarding, and other water activities, including snorkeling.

Keawakapu Beach stretches long with shallow waters just outside a well-liked beachfront restaurant and resort, which is why we really like this beach. We could easily keep an eye on our friends while also enjoying the delicious food.

The soft golden sand provides plenty of room to spread out, but since there’s no natural shade, you need to have an umbrella or wear a cap to protect yourself from all that tan.

Another reason we love Keawakapu Beach is its diverse marine life, including Brown Surgeonfish, Goatfish, Unicornfish, amazing reefs, Sea Urchins, and the unique Humuhumunukunukuapua’a.

You can make a day out snorkeling or rent stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, beach and snorkel gear, and bikes from the nearby Mana Kai hotel at the north end. Hit the available showers before returning to your car.

Ke One o Polo Beach

Two beaches in one! The two beautiful crescents of sand are a popular spot, close to Polo Beach Club and Fairmont Kea Lani. You’ll be sharing the slice of paradise at the north end with hotel guests, but the south end can be fairly uncrowded.

Snorkeling at this site is great! Once you’re in the water, you can expect to spot Christmas Wrasses, Moorish Idols, Brown Surgeonfish, and Sea Urchins. You’ll also swim alongside Maninin and Chubs! Keep an eye out for sea turtles, too—they’re often seen at Polo Beach.

This beach, like other Maui beaches, is beautiful and full of marine life, but you can’t be careless around the waters here. Getting inside the water might be easy, but when you come back to the shore, pay attention to the waves. The waves can get unpredictable and could be dangerous.

FAQs

What are some tips for first-time snorkelers in Maui?

Practice using your snorkel gear in shallow water before heading out to deeper spots. Take it slow, breathe calmly through your snorkel, and enjoy the underwater scenery without rushing.

Is snorkeling safe in Maui?

Yes, snorkeling in Maui is generally safe, but it’s important to respect local guidelines, be aware of ocean conditions, and avoid touching or disturbing marine life.

Do I need to know how to swim for snorkeling?

Yes, knowing how to swim is generally recommended for snorkeling, especially in open water environments like those found in Maui. While you don’t need to be an expert swimmer, basic swimming skills are important for your safety.

Exploring Above and Below Water

While there are many places to explore below the surface of Maui’s waters, the water closest to your vacation rental is a great place to start! Kapalua Bay is an excellent snorkeling location with abundant sea life close to shore, clear waters, and a family-friendly nature.

Choose from a cozy studio for a solo or sweetheart escape full of beach relaxation and fun, or a 2-bedroom for you and even more of your loved ones.

Midway Vacations has a vacation rental that’s just right for your tropical island retreat, which is full of snorkeling fun. Canoe Beach is a specific beach location in Maui known for its amenities, such as lifeguard stations, snorkeling opportunities, and family-friendly facilities.

Open the door of your “home away from home” and feel all your stresses and worries wash away into the nearby Pacific Ocean, being replaced by the spirit of Aloha.

Contact us today to start planning your Maui snorkeling adventure!