Clinging to the lava rock and coral formations that lead around to Kam II are lots of slate pencil urchins. Lana'i snorkel with Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel: one of the best snorkeling spots on Maui. If you feel confident snorkeling around the rocks, in the direction of the more northerly Kamaole Beach II, go for it! ADDRESS: 2800 South Kihei Road, Kihei, Maui, HI 96753 With crystal clear water and rich in marine life, Mauis beaches are indeed one of the best places in the world for snorkeling. These are just a few of the many sea life that you will get to see when snorkeling in Mala Wharf. Youll find an abundance of marine life here and fewer crowds: its not as popular as some of the spots north of Lahaina. The resorts were forced to setback their properties around 150 yards from the shore line which helped in preserving the natural beauty of North Kaanapali. With more than 5 locations in West Maui alone, Boss Frogs offers the best option for inexpensive snorkeling gear rentals on Maui. The waves are gentle, and the ocean bottom at entry is made of soft coral sand, so getting in the water is easy. Youll often find snorkeling boats moored here because the quality of snorkeling is just that good. Yellow Tangs (LauIpala), Convict Tangs (Manini) and Moorish Idols (Kihi Kihi) are just some of the fish that are abundant here. During whale season, snorkeling on Maui is unlike snorkeling on any other Hawaiian island, because Maui always hosts the most humpbacks. Stay to the right of the bay and work your way up the rocky edge. ADDRESS: Intermediate to advanced Follow the wall to see plenty of coral, fish and turtles. And some of these beaches that offer a perfect spot for snorkeling are found in Lahaina. compare Lanai to Molokini to decide whats the better spot for a snorkeling tour. Maui has more swimmable beaches than any other Hawaiian island. Wahikuli Beach Park is another excellent snorkeling spot found in the intersection of Honoapiilani Highway across the Lahaina Civic Center and Post Office. Its always good to be safe. Their knowledgeable guides took us to some great spots and we were able to kayak out to the reef, rather than swim the entire distance. Be careful not get too close because a sudden swell can wash you up on the jagged rocks. Imagine the shallow end of a swimming pool quickly becoming the deep end. SAFTEY TIP: Swimming in Mauis warm, clear waters is a beautiful experience but dont forget to check the conditions before you go out.

Located in an easy-to-find spot on South Kihei Road, Kamaole Beach Park III is a fantastic snorkeling spot for the whole family. Download the Maui Beaches Guidein PDF form so you can explore Maui fromthe airplane or from wherever you are! TIP: When snorkeling, go to the right side of the shore along the rocks as most of the corals and sea life are concentrated there. Wind is usually not a factor, so if there arent any waves you can usually expect an excellent day of snorkeling. During the winter, the sand all but disappears due to the massive swells and surf. Find the best spots to snorkel in and around Maui, Hawaii. For the stronger and more experienced swimmers and snorkelers, work your way up and around the rocky point and snorkel into Honolua Bay. If driving, there is a carpark off the highway, but youll want to get there early for a park. As always stay safe and ask locals what they recommend when snorkeling these five spots. For snorkeling, we suggest sticking to the right side of the crescent, as the left rocky side can get quite churned up. Keep your eyes peeled for turtlesyou just never know when you may spot one!

This place is mostly covered with green lawn where you can lounge at when youre not in the water. favorite easy hikes on Maui, the Kapalua Coastal Trail. Keep an eye out for octopus, crustaceans (crabs, etc) and trumpet fish. We suggest you dont go out beyond the point of the rocks, as currents are often quite strong out there. We have had a great experience snorkeling here with. If youre looking for a great snorkeling experience then definitely head here. Plus, check out all of our highly recommended snorkeling tours, videos of our experiences, and full reviews by visiting our. TIP: Beat the trade winds and head to this beach earlythe water will be at its clearest and calmest in the morning. This horseshoe, or crescent-shaped bay, is a great snorkeling spot in the morning and early afternoon. Oh, and it has great snorkeling. Site Credit, Here we cover the best snorkeling spots near Lahaina and along the west Maui coast, from Kapalua down to Olowalu. Youll want to take care around the point, as the swells can become rough at times. Kapalua Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in Maui. You do not have to be an expert-level snorkeler to do this, it is suitable for beginners as long as they feel confident and are aware of their surroundings and the days weather conditions. Another must-visit snorkeling spot just north of Lahaina town is the famous Napili Bay. where to park, what to do, and our favorite tips. So save the touching to the stuffed toys in the tourist shops! To the left, parallel parking spaces hug the rock wall and go up and over the hill. Why? Even when lounging, you can still get a glimpse of the sea turtles as they are usually swimming close to shore. During the summer, you can enjoy relaxing on the sandy beach in the morning shade, but by the afternoon, the sun is in full force so make sure to wear sunscreen. Because of the abundance of rocky beach, Honolua Bay might not be the top choice for families with young children. Have a great time, and enjoy yourself! Access to the beach itself is very easythere are several marked paths, with handrails, that lead down from the leafy green park to the golden sands below. Rinse your snorkel gear and bathing costume with fresh water when you are done for the day, and you will extend the life of your items. Kamaole Beach Park III normally has a gentle shore break, but this can change when there is a big south swell. You'll know this area when you see shark sighting signs posted around every couple hundred yards. Mokuleia Bay is also known by the name of Slaughterhouse. Located north of Napili on Hwy 30 (Honoapiilani Hwy) at mile marker 32, youll see a chain link fence with roadside parking. Sitemap | Blog | Terms | Newsletter | Contact 2006-2021 Hawaii Web Group. It was rated the Best Beach of 2018 by Dr. Beach, it is a fairly protected bay so currents are often not as strong inside the bay, and it is stunning. The sea turtles at Makena Landing are quite used to people, so if you give them space (its illegal to touch a sea turtle, anyhow), you will have the opportunity to admire them for long periods as they go about their business. Being out here in Maui there are rip currents that can make it challenging to get back to shore. And if you want to stay near this snorkeling spot, If seeing turtles is high on your list, check out the, In Olowalu, just south of Lahaina, youll find one of the oldest coral reefs on the Hawaiian islands. In the last ten years there has been a lot of development in the area, with both the Westin Ocean Resort Villas and the Honua Kai Resort being built. If you take very small children into the water at Kam III or non-swimmers, be aware that the sand can quickly slope off underwater. While taking care not to get too close to the rocks, you will see that they host a wide variety of fish. There is also good snorkeling to the left, but if and when the trade winds start to kick up in the early afternoon, or if there is a big south swell, the current and choppiness could increase and push you towards the rocks at this end of the beach. Makena Landing is a popular spot for snorkelers, spear fishermen, stand up paddlers, kayakers, and SCUBA divers on Maui. . Part of a trio of adjacent beaches, referred to by locals as Kam I, Kam II and Kam III, this beach is the furthest south of the three. The left side of the bay offers some great rock and coral formations. Honolua Bay is a gorgeous Marine Preserve located on the lush northwest tip of Maui. We recommend bringing a beach chair if you have one. And dont forget to call and use our code. It is a crescent-shaped bay located in the lower road on Kapalua. Lahaina, HI 96761

If the cave entrance is too deep for you to comfortably reach, you are tired, or you are unsure of your breath holding ability, skip this part and stay safe. Maui Beach Bundle, Text Us! Once you swim about twenty yards offshore, submerge your ears and hold your breath for a moment or two to silence your breath sounds. Pull off the highway (Hwy 30) at Mile Marker 14 and park the car: you dont want to miss this solid snorkel area! Most of these sharks are not a threat to humans, but people tend to freak out a bit when they see one. Be careful of people jumping off the rocks. There is a lifeguard tower, wheelchair paths, bathrooms and showers for washing off the sand and rinsing your snorkeling equipment and boogie boards after a days fun in the water. If you cannot hear the whale song yet, swim down about ten feet deep and listen again. Damsels, Parrots, Moorish Idols, Tangs, Wrasse, Puffers and the likes are there, not necessarily in droves, but plentiful enough. Hours: 10 am - 5 pm daily, Maui Snorkel Report This land is private property, so you need to get permission. Most people choose to snorkel here with a snorkeling tour. But if youre in search of the best possible snorkeling, be sure to spend some time choosing spots from our list of the, Map of the Best Snorkeling Spots Near Lahaina, Maui is the best Hawaiian island for snorkeling year round, Details for the 9 Best Snorkeling Spots near Lahaina, A marine life conservation district, this is a popular snorkeling spot in the summer months when the waves are generally calmer. The place is very accessible with a carpark off the highway. There is also good boogie boarding at this beach and there are plenty of tide pools to explore. Photos and information on the diverse species of shark found in Hawaiian waters. Makena Landing on the South side is one of the great places to snorkel on Maui. On the right hand side of the bay, the tumbling coral reef extends quite far, and it houses fabulous and varied marine life. Or, take the bus from Whalers Village, the Napili Islander, Route 30, which will drop you off at Napili Village. Remember that honus (turtles) are a protected marine animals. There is a beautiful reef and ample parking at the entrance to the park. Enter the water at the left side of the sandy shoreline of Honolua Bay. Being an outlet is good and bad. Begin snorkeling from the left, but dont forget to explore the right side of the bay as well. This is a bay only accessible by car, as no buses run here. There is plenty to hold your interest outside the cave. This is paid parking but if you buy some snacks at the ABC Store or choose to have some beverages at one of the restaurants, you can get 4 hour validated parking. 808-669-1077 GPS Coordinates: 20.656796, -156.442071 As you move around the point, the water depth is consistently thirty to forty feet. One nice thing about the area is the new setback laws that Maui County created. Honekeana Bay is known for being a place where there is a very good chance you will encounter Green Sea Turtles. West Maui has a ton of amazing snorkeling spots, so be sure to ask the Boss Frogs staff for their recommendations about the best places to use your gear! Swim up to the left and out. In the summer, the south side of Maui can get some swells, but all year round the west side can get swell too. 2-For-1 Coupon and a snorkel cruise along the west Maui coastline. To take the longer way, go in the entrance and swim straight forward until the light shows up ahead. SNORKELING LEVEL: There is a sandy bottom with great visibility along the rock outcroppings that separate South Kaanapali beach from North Kaanapali beach.

Rentals are by the day or week, so save yourself the hassle and enjoy an easy rental to see some of the most breathtaking underwater scenery and marine life in the Aloha State! Expect sea turtles to be resting on the bottom of the caves dark recesses. As you go out, do keep in mind the trade winds, as you dont want to be swept further along that desired. A boat trip to Honolua is our preferred way of snorkeling because they take you directly to the safest and best spots. You will likely hear these incredible tones as you continue exploring to the right along the reef. If you arrive after 9:30 AM, plan for parking to be a challenge. As opposed to buying costly equipment once you arrive, or attempting to fit a pair of fins in your baggage, we highly recommend reserving a Deluxe Snorkel Rental online for free and picking it up in-store when you get in. SHARE YOUR MAUI PICS @THESNORKELSTORE, #SNORKLIFE OR #TURTLEREADY AND WE WILL REPOST OUR FAVES! This will be to your right, where the rocks jut out into the ocean. Waves can be a lot of fun but no so much when snorkeling. The underwater ecosystem at Makena Landing has been in development for over a million years, so you can be assured that the hours spent exploring it will be time well spent. Honokeana is ideal in the summer months as well as in between winter swells. You'll probably see turtles and a lot of tropical fish. PARKING: As soon as you look underwater, you will start to see a variety of reef fish. There is a small parking lot to the right of the beach park. 2580 Kekaa Drive Stick to the sides here and youre bound to find colorful fish and a turtle or two. Once the airport moved to Kahana (interestingly now called Kapalua Airport), the land was used to grow sugarcane. We usually don't recommend people to snorkel in this area because it's known to be sharky. The best snorkeling is on the right side of the bay, the North side. There are some great shade opportunities to set up camp for the day under the Kiawe trees that grow along this section of the Kaanapali coastline. Always snorkel with a buddy or a group for fun and safety, and snorkel between 8 and 10 AM to enjoy great visibility and have the most alone time with the fishes. The best snorkeling spot is the far right of the beach, as it tends to be more sheltered here. With that said, time and time again, The Snorkel Store guests tell us they see tons of turtles at Honekeana Bay. Just before the Napili Kai Beach Club, you'll find a parking lot and a tunnel. Honolua Bay is a beautiful Marine Preserve located in the northwest part of Maui and is 5-15 minutes away from the major hotels and resorts. You will be rewarded with excellent underwater views and lots of marine life, as the northern end of this beach is where the most fish and green sea turtles hang out. . Like Napili Bay, the beach tends to get crowded with visitors quickly, so you need to head there earlier to get a good spot on the beach.

Call: 808-669-1077 If taking a bus from Whalers Village, it will be the Napili Islander, Route 30, and you can get off at the stop where the great little hotel, Napili Village is located. The bay is surrounded by high rocky cliffs, sheltering it on both sides from the wind which keeps the water peaceful and calm. Brightly colored sea urchins are plentiful, as are numerous varieties of healthy looking coral. Near 5079 Makena Road Schools of silver fish, zebra moray eels, plenty of turtles, massive parrot fish, (both the blue and red variety) triggerfish, pencil urchins, wrasse, schools of tang, goatfish, Ulua (cravalle) and white tip reef shark. Learn about the many species of sea turtle found in Hawaii. The area is quite busy with whitewater, as waves bounce off several landforms here. The magnificent, intelligent mammals migrate here from Alaska to make babies and have babies, and at Makena Landing you can hear them singing underwater! Lanai or Molokini: What Has Better Snorkeling? To avoid this hassle altogether, let The Snorkel Store drive you there. Use caution if the trade winds pick-up. While much of the bottom of the beach is sand, the west side of Wahikuli Beach Park is the best spot for snorkeling. BATHROOMS: There is limited beach access parking in Kaanapali, but there are a few spots under the Sheraton Hotel parking structure, in between Whalers Village and the Westin Hotel, and between the Kaanaplai Alii and the Marriott. Accessing the water isnt super easy here (theres no sandy beach to walk in from) and the beach access can be difficult to find, but its worth the effort. Call Boss Frogs at (808) 856-4264 for more information. Depending on the direction youre traveling, turn into the entrance at Kai Ala Drive and drive towards the ocean to find the parking lot. Black Rock in Ka'anapali is famous for it's cliff diving and torch lighting ceremony. The long way is about 1.75 times longer than the short way. You will find a wide array of fishes and corals in the spot. PARKING: There is plenty of free parking at this beach park, try to get there early on holidays and at weekends as it can be a popular spot! Because to get to the best snorkeling, youll need to venture very far from shore. The best snorkeling is out in front of the Westin Ocean Resort Villas north towers. Kapalua Bay is an awesome spot if youre looking for a good place to snorkel toward upper Lahaina. Youll need to park on the street and then walk down the beach access path to the north of the bay (youll see an ornamental turtle at the start of the path). The place offers excellent snorkeling for both beginners expert snorkelers. The 15 BEST Farm Tours on Maui You Dont Want to Miss, Dinner on the Beach in Maui: Private Dining and Beachfront Restaurants. Public restrooms, picnic tables, grills and fresh water showers make this snorkel spot a place you can enjoy all day. Keep in mind when snorkeling on the west side that there's more surf potential on this side.

Amenities include an outdoor shower and indoor bathrooms. It makes our list for, Whats not to love about Kapalua Bay?

Follow the reef and rock line north. If large swells are present, don't snorkel here. In between you will find the Marriott, Kaanapali Alii, Westin, Whalers Village, The Whaler Condos and the Kaanapli Beach Hotel. For the adventuresome and proficient swimmers, the left side of the bay has some good little rocky alcoves and reefs with reef fish, but because it tends to be quite choppy, visibility is cloudy and not worth risking a lashing on the rocks. Walk straight down from the road, to the public access path in between the condos, past a freshwater shower, straight to the beach. Youll find there are some deep drop offs and caves and tunnels to free dive through. FACILITIES: There are indoor bathrooms and outside showers at the beach park. >> Directions to Honolua Bay on Google Maps. Lahaina, HI 96761

Youll be tickled to find a nice gathering of the shimmery silver needle fish, and a small array of the common place Maui reef fish. Learn about each unique location inside and around the crater to dive. Swim down fifteen feet to the caves entrance on the ocean side, go into the cave, and swim out as it slopes upward. Especially if you get to spot some cool reef fish! 1-877-669-1077, SIGN-UP NOW to get the report in your EMAIL each m. Happy #AlohaFriday from humuhumu eleele. Wailea-Makena, HI 96753 Look for two pieces of basketball sized rock jutting through the surface about ten yards away from the reef. Hours: 8 am-5 pm daily, The Fairway Shops 2580 Kekaa Drive If youre staying anywhere on the west side of Maui, Honolua Bay is brief 5 15-minute drive from your hotel or resort. When you do find yourself snorkeling above a SCUBA group, feel free to swim through the divers bubbles for a beautiful and novel experience. It attracts fish, but after heavy rain, it turns the water to a thick muddy brown. The snorkel site is just south from the Olowalu fruit stands, general store and Leodas Pie Shop. Mala Wharf is one of the best snorkeling spots in the actual town of Lahaina. Makulei'a Bay is located just South of Honolua Bay. You can snorkel out a good little way from shore and not have much variation in depth, just be careful wading out, as the shoreline tends to be a rocky reef. Being located in a area a little more exposed to the afternoon trade winds, you most definitely want to get here in the morning. between the Westin Villas and the Honolua Kai. . Get the Maui Snorkel Report in your emails inbox each morning by signing up here. Honokeana Cove is one of our favorite places to stay near Lahaina. There is an underwater cave that advanced snorkelers can choose to swim through. Once in the cave, you have two possible exits: for the shortest distance, go in the entrance and swim forward, watching for the surface light streaming in from the left. The beach at Mile Marker 14 is super easy to get to. The 8 Best Beaches for Kids on Maui (from a Maui family), This is How Much Your Trip to Maui Will Cost (And Ways to Save). A rocky bay makes a perfect spot to view turtles as they snack on the vegetation. Dont stand on the reef remember it is a living organism. Maui vs Big Island: Beach Vacation or Adventure (you decide). The path will walk you down to the end of the bay and you can get in there and swim in closer to the condos to find turtles. The Green Sea Turtles love to eat the algae growing along the rocks in the shallow waters. You might even get lucky and see an Octopus (Hee) here. The child-friendly stretch of beach is capped at either end by rocky outcrops, which provide excellent opportunities for snorkeling. One of the most prized West Maui beaches is the world famous Napili Bay. You can expect to see lots of sea turtles, some white tip reef sharks, goatfish, black surgeons, and parrotfishes. It is about 10 minutes away from Lahaina Harbor and could go up to 30 meters deep, making it also great for scuba diving. The further out you swim along the north side of the bay, the more fish and coral you will see, so dont stay in the shallows too long. Make certain that it hasn't rained recently because this is also an outlet. You wont find a great beach but you will find more turtles than you can count here. South of Kaanapali Beach and Black Rock area you'll find plenty of other snorkeling spots over shallow reef. If you would like extra flotation, lots of people like to use noodles or boogie boards to help them navigate their way around the rocks in this spot. The best snorkeling is out in front of the Sheraton at Black Rock. Both exits have you pop up safely in the surface whitewater between the reef proper and the hardened lava sculptures that make up the cave. World famous Kaanapali Beach is known for the long stretch of white sand beach that runs continuously from the Hyatt Hotel on the south end all the way north to Sheraton Hotel. Make sure to use some reef safe sunscreen to protect the ocean reefs and most importantly have fun! The best snorkeling is on the right towards the North side of the bay. The snorkeling around the rock wall is good too. Also, keep an eye out for Hawaiis state fish, the Humu Humu Nuku Nuku Apuaa (Rectangular Triggerfish), as there are plenty to be found here, swimming alongside White-spotted Puffers (Oopu Hue), Trumpetfish (Nunu) and much more. As you face the ocean, with your back to the lifeguard stand, it is a good idea to head to the northern end of the beach. Walk straight down from the road, to the public access path in between the condos, past a freshwater shower, and straight onto the beach. Check out our fish and reef identification guide for more information about Mauis underwater residents: thesnorkelstore.com/maui-reef-fish-guide. Like Napili Bay, the middle section tends to be mostly sand, but a good place to practice free diving skills. While the water might not be too deep (it stays shallow for a long time off shore) the distance you need to travel to access the reef can be exhausting. Wahikuli Park has showers, restrooms, parking, and is really easy access right on Highway 30. Look out for any signs that lifeguards post on the beach and if in doubt, ask the lifeguards about the days conditions. Whats the Best Hawaiian Island to Visit for Your First Time? Here are the some of the beaches we like best for snorkeling. If you can't get permission, you'll have to take a boat. If you drive to Napili Bay, there is a carpark off the highway, but youll want to get there early for a spot. We recommend either parking a little down the road off of a side street and walking to the beach access path, or taking the bus ( look for the Napili Islander sign). But you gotta know where to go. Wanna know where to snorkel each day? Once parked, follow the asphalt steps down to the beach. You'll most likely run into sea turtles here any day of the week. Located off of the lower road in Kapalua, there is a small parking lot, and being a popular beach, the spots tend to fill up quickly. This protected bay offers a spectacular reef and plenty of large fish and other sea life. At about 9-12 ft deep, there are some bigger rocks that have pockets under them for the inquisitive snorkeler. Honolua Bay has great snorkeling that you can access from the shore. The swells here can pick-up in no time! This is a good spot to snorkel and is really close to Lahaina. The sand is very soft underfoot, which allows you a straightforward and smooth entry into the water. This is a snorkel only spot because it has no beach to speak of and consists of a rocky shoreline. This is especially a concern for those who are scuba diving and are not seen by the cliff divers. All of Hawaiis beaches and ocean locations have the potential to be dangerous. We've made custom maps and listed the best spots to scuba dive with descriptions. Though it usually doesn't break inside, the water will be mixed up and difficult to see through. We've listed some of the best vessels in Maui waters. Boat tours to Honolua Bay are finished by mid-day, so youll have the place to yourself in the afternoons. Weve done the hard work for you by vetting the best tour operators. The Kiawe tree is known for the thorns that grow along its branches so watch your step. Rent your tank and gear at these locations, or get certified to dive. Look just below the surface of the water to see the long, silvery Needle Fish (Aha), they like to swim just under the waterline where they blend in perfectly. Families with children can have a blast doing these various activities. There are lifeguards, BBQs and picnic tables. A beach umbrella is always a good idea if you want to be closer to the surf or in area where there is no natural shade. The right side of the beach is rocky, which isnt ideal for bare feet. Kam III has a large park area, with plenty of shade, BBQs, picnic tables and a childrens playground, which are all popular at weekends and on public holidays. Trilogy leaves from Lahaina Harbor, which is our favorite west side snorkeling vessel. Boasting a series of half-moon bays and soft sand beaches, Mauis beaches offer an underwater universe or green sea turtles and tropical fish. And some of these beaches that offer a perfect spot for snorkeling are found in, Top Maui Events Happening In February 2020, 8 Points of Interest & Landmarks in Lahaina, 5 Fun Things To Do With Kids In Maui Hawaii. The entire destination is a treasure of underwater sea life. Please use caution if youre planning on snorkeling in the winter months on the upper west side of Maui as Honokeana Bay is fairly well exposed to the large north west swells that make Hawaii a mecca for wintertime surfing. The best time to go snorkeling in Honolua Bay is usually around 7 AM to 11 AM. While snorkeling looks easy, its the leading cause of visitor deaths. Since the Marine Preserve prohibits fishing of any kind, Honolua Bay boasts a density and diversity of sea life that is second to none on Maui. When snorkeling most people snorkel the whole bay but remember to reserve energy for the swim back. Once through the short trail to the shore, you can snorkel anywhere around. Waves and snorkeling don't mix. Since it is a Marine Preserve, no fishing of any kind is allowed in the area. The snorkeling is good on each side of the bay with coral formations. our favorite snorkeling spot on all of Maui. Obviously, turtles are wild animals, so there is no guarantee you will encounter them. There arent any facilities here however, its definitely worth a stop. With such a wide body of water, this bay offers two main snorkel spots: the left side (Lahaina) and the right (Kapalua). However, you need to head there earlier to get a spot as the place can sometimes be crowded with visitors. Sign-up for the Maui Snorkel Report today and get to the rightbeach every day of your Maui trip. The easiest way to get down to the water is walking through the jungle at the apex of the bay. When youre ready to snorkel, go to the far right of the beach where there is better shelter.