Top 10 Snorkeling Spots in Maui

Ecologically, Molokini is the perfect environment for marine life feeding and breeding, and the islet hosts over 250 species of endemic Hawaiian tropical fish. Within the volcanic walls, you will find a host of tropical marine life and colorful reef formations including manta rays, black triggerfish, yellow tang, raccoon butterflyfish, parrotfish, Moorish idol, moray eels, and even the occasional small white tip reef shark. The Pacific waters surrounding Molokini Crater have over 100 species of algae and approximately 35 hard coral species.

The crystal-clear water (average of 150 feet of visibility) at Molokini Crater is what makes this one of the best Maui snorkeling locations on Maui.

Molokini is a popular location for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike, and most popular for morning snorkel tours in Maui. The waters surrounding Molokini Crater are also one of the most popular locations for SCUBA diving in all the Hawaiian Islands.

Thanks to current government protection and the Endangered Species Act (ESA), this stretch is home to a particularly dense population of the Hawaiian green sea turtles. There have been some questions as to precisely where Turtle Town is located, but the general knowledge is that Turtle Town is located on the southern coastline of the island, between Nahuna Point and Black Sand Beach. Best visited on a Maui boat tour, Turtle Town is well-known for providing some of the best snorkeling in Maui, particularly if these large lumbering sea creatures are your sightseeing target. When enjoying a Maui snorkel tour at Turtle Town, guests can expect to see turtles gently approaching swimmers with curiosity, as well as an abundance of colorful marine life.

Turtle Town is a top place to snorkel on Maui for many reasons including a chance to view the Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles in their natural habitat. There’s always calm wind conditions, clear waters, and all will be inspired when they see the gentle slope which allows all snorkelers to find an ocean depth that they’re comfortable with. In addition, snorkelers can also see the Wrasse fish cleaning the Hawaiian green sea turtle’s shells, and find Butterflyfish, Perch, Chub, Triggerfish, Snapper, Goatfish, Big Eye Scad, Needlefish, Moray Eels, Crustaceans, Trumpet Fish, and a common appearance by the former Hawaii State Fish, the Humuhumunukunukuapua’a.

At this secret Maui snorkeling gem, guests will have an opportunity to see a plethora of Hawaiian tropical fish and marine life like Angel Fish, Butterfly Fish, Parrot Fish, Triggerfish, Octopus, Crabs, Moray Eels and more. During the Winter months, this location has also been noted to provide an underwater glimpse of the North Pacific humpback whales during their annual migration to Maui waters (roughly between December and April).

The Coral Gardens underwater reef formation stretches underwater from the South end of Papalaua Beach towards the cliffs. This is a genuinely incredible Hawaiian reef to visit if you’d like to see a dreamy underwater world with clear waters, dramatic black lava fingers extending from the shoreline to the visible ocean floor, secret coral sea caves and passageways, and a host of colorful marine life flourishing in every nook and cranny. Coral Gardens is best reached by ocean vessel with Maui snorkel tours that leave from the Lahaina or Maalaea Harbors. This is an excellent location for beginning and advanced snorkelers with calm ocean conditions, clear water, an ocean depth that slopes from shallow to medium. On your next trip to Maui, make sure to visit this West Maui gem.

The Bay offers a small, sandy beach where you can access the water directly, otherwise, it can be reached by a short downhill hike or by boat. Honolua Bay is a marine reserve that Maui residents have fought for years to protect from development. It’s undoubtedly a snorkelers paradise for spectacular coral reef formations, Hawaiian green sea turtles and large schools of tropical fish.

The best time of the year to snorkel and scuba dive at Honolua Bay on Maui is mid-Summer when ocean conditions are calm and flat. Any other time of the year, especially when there’s a North swell, Honolua Bay is dominated by Maui’s elite surf scene. Not only is this an excellent snorkel spot in Hawaii, but it is also one of the most famous surf locations in the world. There is no place like Honolua Bay, and if you ever lay your eyes on its majesty, you will instantly know why it is almost made the list for the Wonders of the World. When snorkeling at Honolua Bay, guests will find themselves in a Hawaiian wonderland! Honolua is a part of the Mokuleia Marine Life Conservation District and offers a cornucopia of tropical fish and coral reef formations to explore. Whether you find Honolua by car or boat, you will not be disappointed. Honolua Bay is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places to go while in Hawaii.

Located just North of Turtle Town, Five Caves provides a myriad of Hawaiian marine life, Hawaiian green sea turtles and harmless reef sharks. It’s best to reach Five Caves on Maui by boat, but the beach can also be accessed by Makena Road in South Kihei. Visitors without a guide should take caution due to variable ocean conditions at this Maui snorkeling locale. Even if the surf is small, Five Caves can be a tricky area for a variety of reasons. Make sure to always swim with a buddy and take proper safety precautions.

Five Caves isn’t just an amazing location for snorkeling on Maui, it is almost mystical with common sights of the Hawaiian green sea turtle, tons of tropical fish varieties, Eagle Rays, and a truly diverse underwater landscape. It has been noted that sleeping White Tip sharks have been spotted in the caves, so use your discretion and be careful to tread lightly out of respect for Hawaiian marine life.

The beach itself is one of the most widely visited locations on Maui, but Black Rock is still somewhat of a hidden gem to most non-residents.

Black Rock is most popularly known as “the rock you jump off” on West Maui, but “the rock” also happens to be surrounded by a fabulous underwater reef formation. The clear blue water is surely mesmerizing, the soft sandy bottom is inviting, the weather is always divine, and the ocean is calm. It’s perfect. The water at Black Rock starts at about 8-feet in depth and gradually extends to approximately 30 feet as you swim around the point. To find the best snorkeling, follow the lava rock edge. Here, you can see the ultra-fab Hawaiian green sea turtle, Moorish Idol, Surgeon Fish, Snapper, Hawk Fish, Porcupine Fish, Needle Fish, Jacks, Invertebrates, Box Fish, Damsel Fish, Parrot Fish, Humuhumunukunukuapua’a and more. To access Black Rock, travel to the Northwest end of Ka’anapali Beach near a black lava rock peninsula next to the Sheraton Hotel. This is a great place for confident beginner snorkelers.

Napili is frequented by visitors, but mostly by those who are seeking solace with their families, even in a sometimes densely populated beach environment. This is definitely a beach where you can find peace and comfort in West Maui. For those looking to snorkel at Napili Bay, there is an activity rental cabana, and it’s not necessarily a location where beginners will need much instruction.

Can you imagine transporting yourself to a beautiful sandy beach in Hawaii with calm swimming pool-like water, and a gentle shore break perfect for a relaxing dip in the ocean? I know that’s a hard request. Then imagine, beautiful underwater coral reef formations, ideal for snorkeling on Maui, with an everyday presence of the Hawaiian green sea turtle. That is Napili Bay. It is home to the West Maui Hawaiian green sea turtle and the always perfect magical Maui sunsets. We suggest that you arrive in the afternoon and stay for the evening; it is truly stunning. Napili Kai Beach Resort fronts the bay so it can become congested during high season on Maui. The best time to visit Napili Bay is during the early mornings on weekdays, or later in the afternoon for sunset celebrations with champagne in hand, of course.

Time and time again, Kapalua Bay has been named “Best Beach in the World” by numerous publications, including Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. The Travel Channel has even called it the “Best Beach in America.” Without a doubt, it is one of the best beaches for snorkeling and just chillin’ out in America. The quiet and peaceful community surrounding Kapalua Bay is divine, and the beach in itself is out of this world with a protected, crescent-shaped cove ideal for Hawaii marine life to gather. Kapalua Bay most definitely provides a calm environment for snorkeling in West Maui with vibrant colors, excellent swimming conditions, and the most ideal location for kicking back with your family and friends under the warm Maui sunshine. When snorkeling at Kapalua Bay, guests can expect to see Scorpion Fish, Cornet Fish, Jacks, Butterflyfish, Parrotfish, Goat Fish, Moorish Idol, Box Fish, Perch, Triggerfish, Chub, various invertebrates and more.

This sweet little Maui beach cove is accessed down a somewhat hidden Wailea beach road that may be marked by a sign that says, “Parking for the Marriott.” ‘Ulua Beach is definitely popular for residents and experienced scuba divers, but more frequented by resort guests.

If you are staying in West Maui and trying to get away from the regular tourist hustle and bustle on the Southside, or are looking for a place that is less frequented by tour guides, then ‘Ulua Beach is perfect for you. It’s great for snorkeling because it is private and has calm waters, and is also a wonderful place to go if you’re looking for a more intimate and quiet place to decompress with your loved ones. Pending water clarity, guests can expect to view Moorish Idol, Surgeon Fish, Snapper, Hawk Fish, Porcupine Fish, Needle Fish, Jacks, Invertebrates, Box Fish, Damsel Fish, Parrot Fish, and possibly the Humuhumunukunukuapua’a. Parking and restroom facilities are an added bonus.

Just nearby, Fishbowl aka “The Aquarium” is currently closed due to overuse by charter companies, and those who unfortunately did not visit with respect in the forefront of their minds. It is essential that if you visit the Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve that you are extremely conscious of the ‘aina (land), and makai (ocean), as you should be wherever you visit in Hawaii. These lands are precious, and conservation is vital for a sustainable and healthy future on Maui.

Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve is found by traveling down the Southern coast of Wailea, past Makena towards La Perouse Bay. The coastline is jagged and mostly consists of intermixed coral reef formations and lava rock. Tropical fish are quite close to the shoreline here, primarily prevalent in the shallowest waters. We suggest that you snorkel closest to the road in the protected bay. Make sure to be careful not to step on the coral, it is a living and breathing marine animal in itself! This is a great place to spot the Hawaiian green sea turtles, and they are definitely visible from the shore if you are focused. Guests commonly see tang, squirrelfish, goatfish, jacks, needlefish, chub, butterflyfish, parrotfish, and sea cucumbers at this location.

No fishing of any kind is allowed at Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve.