Maui Snorkeling Guide

Maui’s extensive coastline and crystal-clear waters ensure there are many snorkeling sites for all experience levels.

Overview

Molokini Cove is a bucket-list destination for snorkelers worldwide, boasting diverse marine life and crystal-clear waters. A half-mile in width, the crater was formed over 150 thousand years ago and is one of only three known volcanic calderas in existence. Rising an impressive 300 feet into the sky, the real magic happens beneath the waves, where it drops down over 300 feet offering refuge to hundreds of marine fish and animals. Since this beautiful crater is a marine sanctuary and contains no dirt along its shores, snorkelers can enjoy unmatched visibility, sometimes stretching an incredible 150 feet!

How To Get There

Due to its offshore location and sanctuary status, the only way to reach Molokini Crater is with an approved boat tour. There are a variety of tours to choose from.

What You May See

Molokini Crater boasts an extensive array of fish and marine life, including thirty-eight hard coral and one-hundred algae species. It is also home to White Tip Reef Sharks, Moray Eels, Green Sea Turtles, Triggerfish, Yellow Tang, Threadfin Butterfly, Bottlenose Dolphins, Manta Rays, Humpback Whales, and Hawaiin Monk Seals.

What To Bring

Depending on your boat tour, you may need to bring your own snorkeling gear. Recommended supplies include coral-safe sunblock, UV-blocking swimwear, hats, and sunglasses.

Amenities

The crater has no amenities; however, most boat tours include food and drinks as part of their snorkeling packages.

Overview

Turtle Town is considered one of Maui’s finest snorkeling locations and is suitable for all experience levels. Created by a series of extensive underwater lava formations, Turtle Town is a network of coral reefs teeming with marine life making it a favorite among locals and tourists. The relatively calm and clear waters are the perfect setting to relax and discover the unmatched beauty of Maui’s waters.

How To Get There

Turtle Town is only accessible by boat, so be sure to book a local tour.

What You May See

Turtle Town is home to many species of marine life but is most popular for its abundant Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle population. Snorkelers may also see Butterflyfish, Triggerfish, Eagle Rays, Eels, Trumpetfish, Octopus, Humpback Whales, and Angelfish.

What To Bring

Many boat tours provide equipment but check to see if you’re required to provide your own snorkeling gear. Recommended supplies include coral-safe sunblock, UV-blocking swimwear, hats, and sunglasses.

Amenities

There are no amenities provided at the location; however, many boat tours provide food and drinks.

Overview

Kapalua Bay is an excellent snorkeling location for beginners, thanks to its abundant sea life that stays close to shore. The waters are clear, and the beach features soft sand, making it family-friendly and ideal for all ages. There are lava rock formations throughout, and it’s a favorite location for sea turtles in search of a tasty breakfast.

How To Get There

Kapalua Bay is located on Maui’s North West side. Take the Honoapiilani Highway (Highway 30), and turn left when you reach Napili onto Napilihau Street. For more detailed directions, click here.

What You May See

Kapalua Bay is home to Green Sea Turtles, Tangs, Moorish Idols, Butterflyfish, Unicornfish, Humuhumunukunukuapua’a, and Hawaiian Monk Seals.

What To Bring

There is no equipment rental available, so be sure to bring your own snorkeling gear. Recommended supplies include coral-safe sunblock, UV-blocking swimwear, hats, and sunglasses.

Amenities

Parking is available, and there are toilets, water fountains, and showers at the beach entrance. However, food options are limited.

Overview

Kahekili Beach is known to locals as Airport Beach as it was the home of the Kaanapali Airport until it closed in 1986. While it no longer houses planes, the site is one of the best for snorkeling due to its inclusion in the Kahekili Herbivore Fisheries Management Area, creating a thriving underwater ecosystem and its easy-access beaches.

How To Get There

Take Highway 30 North and turn left on Puukolii Rd; the entrance is on the left, past Kai Ala Drive. For more detailed directions, click here.

What You May See

Airport Beach contains extensive wildlife, including Bluefin Trevally, Eels, Goatfish, Black Triggerfish, Yellow Tang, Humuhumunukunukuapua’a, Green Sea Turtles, and Unicornfish.

What To Bring

Be sure to bring your own snorkeling gear, as no rentals are provided. Recommended supplies include coral-safe sunblock, UV-blocking swimwear, hats, and sunglasses.

Amenities

Amenities include restrooms, free parking, and showers.

Overview

Hanakaoʻo Park (known locally as Canoe Beach) is an excellent location for those seeking the added comfort of a manned lifeguard station. It has more amenities than many other beaches in the area while still offering excellent snorkeling and relatively calm waters. Beachgoers should wear sandals since the area is lined with Kiawe trees which drop sharp thorns on the ground.

How To Get There

Canoe Beach is on the north side of Wahikuli Wayside Park past Mile marker 23. Turn right after you enter the gates to reach the parking lot. For more detailed directions, click here.

What You May See

Canoe Beach is home to Sea Turtles, Triggerfish, Yellow Tang, Sergeant Majors, Achilles Tang, and Eels.

What To Bring

Bring your own snorkeling gear but enjoy the food and amenities offered at this family-friendly location. Recommended supplies include coral-safe sunblock, UV-blocking swimwear, hats, and sunglasses.

Amenities

Canoe Beach has many amenities, including BBQs, canoe rentals, picnic tables, restrooms, and a lifeguard.

Overview

If you’re looking for a family-friendly snorkeling location, Lauiniupoko Beach Park is the perfect spot! A natural rock enclosure makes the ideal spot for young snorkelers, while the abundant sea life will intrigue the most experienced. It is recommended to wear reef booties as there is an abundant urchin population.

How To Get There

Take Highway 30 south to the Kai Hele Ku intersection and turn right into the parking lot. For more detailed directions, click here.

What You May See

Marine life at Launiupoko Beach Park includes Green Sea Turtles, Sea Urchins, Jelly Fish, Triggerfish, Unicornfish, Eels, Goatfish, Monk Seals, and Yellow Tang.

What To Bring

Bring your own snorkeling gear, as none is provided. Recommended supplies include coral-safe sunblock, UV-blocking swimwear, hats, and sunglasses.

Amenities

Amenities at this family-friendly location include parking, restrooms, Benches, trash cans, picnic tables, and showers.

Overview

For those looking for an immersive snorkeling experience, Honolua Bay offers diverse sea life nestled along a tropical rainforest paradise. Emerging from a short walk through the stunning forest, snorkelers will enjoy the established coral reef and tepid waters. While the water is generally calm, it is important to note the waves can get intense when a swell comes through, so be sure to check the conditions before heading to this stunning location.

How To Get There

Honolua Bay is located 15 minutes north of Ka’anapali. For more detailed directions, click here.

What You May See

Honolua Bay is home to a variety of sea life, including Green Sea Turtles, octopus, Peacock Groupers, Manta Ray, Butterflyfish, Morrish Idols, and Yellow Tang.

What To Bring

There are no rental booths available, so you will have to bring your own snorkeling gear. Recommended supplies include coral-safe sunblock, UV-blocking swimwear, hats, and sunglasses.

Amenities

There are no amenities located at Honolua Bay apart from parking. However, there are restaurants and shopping nearby.

Overview

Charley Young Beach is a favorite among snorkelers thanks to its ease of entry and soft sandy beachfront. Slightly offshore, a lava peninsula makes for excellent snorkeling as it is home to many different species of wildlife, including coral. While the waves can get stronger in the evening, they are generally gentle in the morning, making this an excellent location for beginners or less experienced swimmers.

How To Get There

Take the AlanuiKe Alii Parkway to South Kihei Road. Turn left onto Kaiau Pl. For more detailed directions, click here.

What You May See

Charley Young Beach is home to many exciting species of marine life, including Green Sea Turtles, Coral, Parrotfish, Goatfish, Manini, Trumpetfish, and Sea Urchins.

What To Bring

There are no rental booths available, so you will have to bring your own snorkeling gear. Recommended supplies include coral-safe sunblock, UV-blocking swimwear, hats, and sunglasses.

Amenities

Charley Young Beach has basic amenities available, including parking, restrooms, and showers.

Overview

Located steps away from one of Maui’s most popular beachfront resorts, Keawakapu Beach offers unforgettable snorkeling for all experience levels. Lava fingers along the beach’s right side are prime grounds for fish and other marine life and make an excellent spot to explore. Snorkelers should be mindful of water conditions as the area is prone to rougher seas, which can reduce visibility and may pose a danger to beginners or less experienced swimmers.

How To Get There

Take South Kihei Road south past the 5 Palms Restaurant and Mana Kai Maui Resort. Turn right at the next road and turn left into the parking lot. For more detailed directions, click here.

What You May See

Keawakapu Beach is a favorite among snorkelers thanks to its abundant sea life, which include Saddleback Wrasses, Brown Surgeonfish, Green Sea Turtles, Goatfish, Trumpetfish, Butterflyfish, Unicornfish, Humuhumunukunukuapua’a, Coral, and Sea Urchin.

What To Bring

There are no rental booths on the beach itself, so remember to bring your own snorkeling gear. Recommended supplies include coral-safe sunblock, UV-blocking swimwear, hats, and sunglasses.

Amenities

While there are basic amenities available, including parking and restrooms, it is only a short walk to nearby resorts and restaurants.

Overview

Po’olenalena Beach, also known as Chang’s Beach, is a favorite among locals thanks to its stunning views of Pu’uOlai and exciting underwater landscape. Both sides of this soft, sandy beach are lined with lava rock, which provides many nooks and crannies that many species of marine life call home. Since the waves can get rough, this site is recommended for intermediate and experienced snorkelers.

How to Get There

Po’olenalena Beach is located on Makena Road, south of Polo Beach. For more detailed directions, click here.

What You May See

There are so many species of marine life at Po’olenalena Beach you’ll want to come back again and again. Some examples include Cornetfish, Saddleback Wrasses, Pencil Urchins, Brown Surgeonfish, Morish Idol, Green Sea Turtles, Humu, and Eels.

What To Bring

Since there are only limited amenities available, you should bring your own snorkeling gear. Recommended supplies include coral-safe sunblock, UV-blocking swimwear, hats, and sunglasses.

Amenities

Limited amenities are available, including parking and portable restrooms.