What’s one of the best ways to spend a sunny Maui day? Snorkeling, of course!
Maui is a hub for snorkeling, with temperate waters year-round and more beaches than you can count. But before you dive in, there are some things you should know.
Below, we’ll break down need-to-know information about Maui’s most popular snorkeling spots – plus insider tips to set you up for success. Here is everything you should know about the best places to snorkel on Maui.
• WEST MAUI •
Honolua Bay
Located just past Kapalua, Honolua Bay has some of the best snorkeling on Maui. Honolua is a protected marine area, and rightfully so. Here, you can see vibrant corals, sea turtles, schools of colorful fish, and sometimes rays and reef sharks.
Tip #1: Getting here requires a short hike through a beautiful forest. You’ll be a ways from your rental car, so be sure to bring everything you need with you (like water, sun protection, and snacks), and don’t leave any valuables in your car.
Tip #2: The beach at Honolua Bay is mostly rocky. Access can be difficult for those with mobility issues. The best snorkeling is found along the northeastern side of the bay. You can enter the water near the old boat ramp and swim to the reef, but we recommend walking along the rocks and entering the water closer to the reef – so long as you feel comfortable doing the “rock dance.”
Tip #3: The best time to snorkel Honolua is in the summer when the waves are calm, and the rains are few and far between. The winter season brings large waves to this area, making snorkeling conditions dangerous. Plus, a stream empties into Honolua Bay, and winter rains can create murky and brown-water conditions.
Kapalua Bay
Kapalua Bay is one of the prettiest beaches on Maui. And as luck would have it, there’s some pretty good snorkeling here too! This sandy beach is great for little ones, with nearby amenities like showers, restrooms, and even restaurants.
Tip #1: Like Honolua Bay, Kapalua Bay is very sensitive to winter swells. This is not a good spot to snorkel when the waves are up. Fortunately, big swells only hit a few weeks out of the year. The rest of the time, Kapalua Bay is a picture-perfect protected cove. Check the Snorkel Report, surf report, or observe conditions before attempting to snorkel here.
Tip #2: Get to Kapalua Bay early. Not only are snorkeling conditions best in the morning, but parking can be a challenge later in the day.
Tip #3: The northeastern side of the bay usually offers the best snorkeling. The wind can churn up the sand in the center of the bay, making the water slightly cloudy. The northern corner of the bay is less sandy and more protected from the wind, so visibility is usually better in this area.
Olowalu
Olowalu is ultra-convenient to access. And the snorkeling is excellent here, too! Olowalu is located just off Honoapiilani Highway, near mile marker 13. This area is known as Maui’s “mother reef,” as it is home to Maui’s oldest and largest reef system. Some coral heads here are said to be over 800 years old. Check out this area on Google Maps; you can see the huge coral heads!
Tip #1: The best part of the reef at Olowalu is a few hundred feet offshore. If you’re a beginner, consider taking a boat tour or kayak tour of the area rather than swimming from the beach. This way, you won’t have to swim too far, you’ll be under the supervision of a professional, and you’ll still be able to enjoy this magnificent snorkeling spot.
Tip #2: High surf can impact Olowalu in the summer, but it is rare. Instead, pay attention to the wind and tide. Both can create less-than-ideal snorkeling conditions. Olowalu is subject to high winds, which can push unsuspecting snorkelers out to sea. At low tide, parts of the reef can become very shallow – sometimes even exposed. You’ll be forced to navigate through the shallow areas, which can be challenging.
Tip #3: Do not park in the sand here unless you have 4×4! You will get stuck. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen unsuspecting visitors getting their rental car towed out of the sand at Olowalu.
• SOUTH MAUI •
Ulua Beach
Ulua Beach is a sandy cove located between the Andaz and Wailea Beach Resort. A lava finger forms a point on the northern side of the beach. This is where you’ll find the best snorkeling. We love Ulua because it is easy to access, great for beginners, and has lots of amenities like showers and restrooms.
Tip #1: Get there early – but not too early. As we mentioned above, snorkeling conditions on Maui are best in the morning. However, Wailea is in the shadow of Haleakala early in the morning. It’s best to wait until the sun peeks over the mountain and lights up the water. You’ll notice an incredible difference between snorkeling in the shadows and snorkeling on a bright, sunny day. The colors become more pronounced, and visibility is better. Usually, 8 am is the perfect time, regardless of the season.
Tip #2: Come here if you’re a beginner. The reef at Ulua starts in just a few feet of water. You can see coral heads and schools of fish while you’re still comfortably standing on the sand – seriously! More experienced snorkelers will enjoy swimming further out around the point.
Tip #3: If the parking lot fills up, you can take a stroll along the beach from the southernmost Keawakapu Beach parking lot. It’s only about a 10-minute walk.
Ahihi Kinau
Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve is located just past Makena. This wild and rugged landscape was the site of Maui’s most recent lava flow – believed to have occurred between 200 and 500 years ago. And the snorkeling here is epic!
Tip #1: There are snorkel spots in this area for all levels. Beginners will enjoy the protected shallow waters at Ahihi Cove, while experienced snorkelers can explore the deeper waters at Kanahena Beach (more commonly called Dumps). Both sites offer excellent snorkeling.
Tip #2: Use caution when entering and exiting the water. The coastline in this area is primarily composed of lava rock, which can make getting in and out of the water tricky. Water shoes can be helpful, but they also make it easy to step on the reef without realizing it – which we don’t want! Just be careful and go at your own pace.
Tip #3: Only park in the designated parking lot – and bring your credit card. It costs $5 to park in the Ahihi Kinau parking lot. Do not be tempted to park closer to Ahihi Cove (which is a short drive from the parking lot). You will be ticketed or towed if you do so.
Some Additional Maui Snorkeling Tips
#1 – Safety First! Always snorkel with a buddy, never drink alcohol before snorkeling, and always make sure conditions are safe before snorkeling. The Snorkel Report is a great tool for checking snorkeling conditions across Maui.
#2 – Reef safe sunscreen, please. As of 2022, mineral-based sunscreen is the only sunscreen allowed for sale and use on Maui. Better yet, use a rashguard to cover up!
#3 – Do not walk on or touch the reef. Corals are alive; touching or stepping on them could cause irreversible damage.
#4 – Give marine life space, whether in the water or on the beach. Please don’t pursue, touch, feed, or in any way harass marine life. This goes for turtles, dolphins, fish, monk seals, manta rays, or any other animals you may encounter.
#5 – Consider taking a snorkel tour. There are many options for boat tours or guided off-the-beach snorkeling tours on Maui. Snorkel tours are great for beginners or those looking for an adventurous experience. Plus, you’ll also be supporting the local economy!
We hope these tips help on your next visit to Maui. We hope to see you here soon.
Happy travels!
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Aloha! Tiffany here. I've been blessed to call Maui home since 2011. With a background in the island's finest restaurants and hotels, guiding visitors to create unforgettable Maui memories is more than a skill I've mastered—it's a profound source of joy for me.
