Snorkel Maui
Maui is an underwater paradise with an abundance of ocean life. Turtles, eels, fish – you will see it all.
One of our favorite things to go is throw our beach gear in the car and drive up and the coast exploring different snorkel spots. We like to snorkel through out the entire trip, so we keep our gear in the car. The best way to do this is buy a facemask and snorkel at any store on the island, then rent some quality fins at Boss Frog’s for your stay. The rental places are also great for suggesting locations that are particularly good during the season you are there, and giving important warnings on places that might be unsafe or unsuitable.
You’re ready to go!
Here are a couple spots you should explore. They are all accessible from the shoreline and you don’t have to go very far.
Get an underwater camera to get photos like this. Yellow Tangs everywhere.
Ahihi Bay
There are some great snorkeling spots in south Maui. We like to drive along the cost and we usually stop when we see a group of snorkelers – that means there must be some good stuff to see in the water!
Ahihi Bay in located near Makena and is a small cove off the side of the road with limited street parking. It’s a bit rocky and there’s not much of a beach. The water is very clear and we’ve seen so many types of fish and sea life. If don’t see any snorkelers in the water, it might be because the water is a little rough, stirring up the bottom and obscuring your view. Drive along to another spot.
Black Rock
This is one of the most gorgeous spots in Maui. The beach is wonderful and the snorkeling is easy and awesome. You only need to step in a few feet before you see fish swimming around you. We always see multiple turtles here! If you can hold your breathe long enough and can dive down a few feet, you can sometimes here the song of the humpback whale during whale season. This is one of the best snorkeling spots for beginners. It is a very busy spot.
You’ll find this magical place along Ka’anapali beach out in front of the Sheraton hotel.
Airport Beach
The reef is only a few feet from shore and you’ll find a big variety of fish, turtles, eels and we have even spotted an octopus or two here. The visibility is usually great, and the water is calm. The beach is beautiful.
If you’re staying anywhere in Ka’anapali, you can easily walk here. It’s located out in front of the Westin Ka’anapai Ocean Resort Villas. It’s about a 10-minute walk north of Black Rock. It’s worth driving here to enjoy, perhaps in conjunction with Black Rock.
Honolua Bay
A breathtaking five-minute hike through the rainforest will get you to this snorkeling spot. The trail and the water’s edge is inhabited by resident chickens, who will investigate and peck at any bags that you leave on shore. The entry point is rocky and slippery – as there is no beach, water shoes are a good idea. Plenty of colorful fish and turtles in these waters. As with many other snorkeling locations, it’s best to stop at this spot early in the morning when conditions are best. If you’re here during primetime hours, and don’t see any snorkelers in the water, it might be because the water is a little rough, stirring up the bottom and obscuring your view. Depending on the time of year, there is also a small creek that feeds into the bay. The more water flowing from the creek, the poorer the visibility will be, and the conditions can be potentially unsafe.
A breathtaking hike gets you to Honolua Bay.