Into the Blue: Best Snorkel Sites on Maui

Swim from shore or go by boat to discover colorful reefs and abundant fish life

 

Most people who come to Maui want to get wet. And most are also curios as to what lies below those clear waters. Scuba might not be your thing, but all it takes is a mask and snorkel to gain a window into the underwater realm. There are dozens of sites around the island where you can swim with colorful tropical fish, share a reef with a sea turtle or perhaps frolic with a pod of wild dolphins. Here are four of our favorites.

Honolua Bay

The waters of this Marine Conservation Zone are rich in fish life. Honolua is a quiet, undeveloped cove on the northwest corner of the island that is protected from prevailing ocean swells. Facilities are basic, with a dirt path leading from a roadside pull-off to the rock beach. Nearshore waters may be clouded by a slowing stream, but once out among the corals, the water clears and the fish appear. An easier option is to book a day trip by boat. Spring to fall is best for turtles and calm water, but unless there’s a big swell running past the eastern point, the site can also be visited in winter.

Molokini

A day trip to the uninhabited island of Molokini ranks high on many vacationers’ to-do list. The sheltered waters within the protective crescent of this former volcano create an ideal environment for swimming and snorkeling, and the island’s protected status ensures ample fish life. Each day a diverse flotilla of sail and power craft from points along Maui’s western shore converge on the site. Transit times can range from a 15-minute dash in an open speedboat to a leisurely two-hour sail on a luxury catamaran. Once there, the in-water experience is the same for all. For an added bonus, choose a tour that makes a secondary stop along Maui’s southwest coast to swim with green sea turtles.

Kapalua Bay

Set against a postcard-perfect swatch of beach, complete with waving palms, Kapalua Bay combines topside charm with ease of water access and excellent underwater scenery. A groomed path leads from a parking lot past public restrooms and showers to the beach. There are a few rocks to contend with as you first enter the water, but you are soon immersed in coral gardens where colorful tangs, parrotfish and wrasse dart about, and chances of an encounter with sea turtles are good, especially in the morning. Locals say the best snorkeling is among the rocks to the north of the bay. This is a popular site, but you can usually find parking, and there’s always room to spread out a beach towel under the shading palms.

Black Rock

If beach time is equally as important as water time, the best place on Maui to enjoy both is the site known as Black Rock, which is located on the northern end of magnificent Kaanapali Beach. This long stretch of sand is home to some of the island’s best resorts, with a beach walk running the length of the strand to provide access to all. There are showers for rinsing at points along the beach, and public bathrooms at the Whaler’s Village complex. The peninsula known as Black Rock sits at the northern end of the beach, just beyond the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. From a water entry onto a sandy bottom, snorkelers can follow rock piles and lava ledges toward the point. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of tropical fish to keep you company, along with turtles that lurk in the crevices.