[2023 GUIDE] 10 of the Best Snorkeling Spots in Maui | TrotterHop

The best snorkeling spots in Maui offer a diverse range of experiences for all levels of snorkelers. From the shallow and calm waters of Molokini Crater to the colorful and vibrant fish at Honolua Bay, Maui has something for everyone. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned snorkeler, you can find a spot that suits your needs and interests. Snorkeling in Maui is truly a magical experience, and we highly encourage readers to try it for themselves. The crystal clear waters, diverse marine life, and breathtaking views make it a must-do activity during any visit to the island.

The 10 Best Maui Snorkeling Spots

1. Makena Beach

Makena Beach, also known as “Big Beach,” is a beautiful stretch of golden sand on the southern coast of Maui. The beach is famous for its vast expanse of soft sand and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is also home to a vibrant coral reef teeming with colorful fish and other marine life. Snorkeling at Makena Beach is a popular activity, as the calm waters and diverse marine life make it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. In addition to its natural beauty, Makena Beach is also an excellent spot for picnics, with plenty of shady trees and grassy areas to relax in.

Snorkeling at Makena Beach is popular due to the crystal clear waters and diverse marine life. The beach is on the southern coast of Maui and is popular for its vast expanse of soft sand and calm waters, making it an ideal spot for beginner snorkelers. The coral reefs here are home to a wide variety of colorful fish and other marine life, including parrotfish, butterflyfish, and perhaps even a sea turtle. Snorkelers can expect to see diverse creatures while exploring the reefs, so keep your eyes peeled for everything from playful dolphins to graceful manta rays. It is recommended to bring your own snorkeling equipment or rent it from a local shop, as the beach does not have any equipment rentals on site. Snorkelers should also be aware of the safety guidelines and regulations for the beach, such as staying within designated areas and respecting marine life.

2. Molokini Crater

Molokini Crater is a crescent-shaped volcanic islet is off the coast of Maui, Hawaii. It is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving destination due to its clear waters and diverse marine life. The islet is a partially submerged volcanic crater, with the visible portion forming a crescent shape and the rest of the crater submerged underwater.

The waters around Molokini Crater are famous for their visibility, reaching up to 150 feet on a clear day. The crater is home to a wide variety of marine life, including over 250 species of tropical fish, green sea turtles, and even the occasional shark. Snorkeling and diving at Molokini Crater is an unforgettable experience, offering the opportunity to explore the unique geological formation and observe the abundant marine life in its natural habitat.

3. Ulua Beach

Ulua Beach is a famous beach and snorkeling destination on the south shore of Maui. The beach is famous for its golden sand and clear, turquoise waters, which make it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is surrounded by a coral reef, which is home to a diverse array of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional dolphin or whale.

The marine life at Ulua Beach is diverse and abundant, making it a popular spot for snorkeling. The coral reef surrounding the beach is home to a wide variety of colorful fish, including parrotfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish. In addition to these smaller fish, snorkelers may also have the opportunity to spot more significant marine life, such as sea turtles, dolphins, and even whales. The waters around Ulua Beach are also home to various coral species, including brain coral, staghorn coral, and elkhorn coral. These corals provide a habitat for various marine life, making them an essential part of the ecosystem. Snorkelers should be sure to respect marine life and follow the guidelines for responsible snorkeling, such as staying within designated areas and not touching or disturbing the coral or other marine life.

4. Honolua Bay

One of the main reasons why Honolua Bay is a popular snorkeling spot is its crystal clear waters. The visibility in the bay is often excellent, with some days reaching up to 150 feet of visibility. This clear visibility allows snorkelers to see the marine life in great detail, making for a truly unforgettable experience. In addition to the visibility, the waters around Honolua Bay are also famous for their beautiful blue color, which adds to the overall beauty of the spot. Snorkelers can expect to see a wide variety of marine life while exploring the coral reefs, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional dolphin or whale. The clear waters and diverse marine life make Honolua Bay a must-visit destination for snorkelers visiting Maui.

5. Ka’anapali Beach

Ka’anapali Beach is a popular snorkeling spot is due to its stunning natural beauty. The beach is on the west coast of Maui and is famous for its wide expanse of golden sand and crystal-clear waters. The beach is bordered by palm trees and surrounded by a lush green landscape, making it a visually stunning spot for snorkeling. In addition to the beautiful scenery above water, the coral reefs and marine life below the surface add to the overall beauty of the spot. Snorkelers can expect to see a wide variety of colorful fish and other marine life while exploring the reefs, making for a truly unforgettable experience.

The visibility in the waters around Ka’anapali Beach is generally good, allowing snorkelers to see the marine life in detail. The crystal clear waters and good visibility make Ka’anapali Beach an ideal spot for snorkeling, as it allows snorkelers to fully appreciate the beauty and diversity of marine life. In addition to the excellent visibility, the waters around Ka’anapali Beach are also famous for their beautiful blue color, which adds to the overall beauty of the spot. Snorkelers can expect to see a wide variety of marine life while exploring the coral reefs, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional dolphin or whale. The excellent visibility and diverse marine life make Ka’anapali Beach a must-visit destination for snorkelers visiting Maui.

6. Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve

The waters around Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve are home to a diverse array of marine life, including many species that are found nowhere else in the world. The reserve is home to a wide variety of coral reefs, including both shallow and deep reefs, which provide habitat for a range of marine life. Snorkelers can expect to see a wide variety of colorful fish and other marine life while exploring the reefs, making for a truly unforgettable experience. In addition to the colorful fish, snorkelers may also have the opportunity to spot larger marine life such as sea turtles, dolphins, and even the occasional whale. The unique marine life and diverse coral reefs make Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve a must-visit destination for snorkelers visiting Maui.

The coastline around Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve is rugged and dramatic, with steep cliffs and rocky shores. This unique landscape adds to the overall beauty of the spot and makes for an exciting snorkeling experience. The cliffs and rocky shores provide various marine life habitats, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional dolphin or whale. Snorkelers can explore the shallow tide pools and rocky coves while looking for interesting marine life, making for a truly unique snorkeling experience.

Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve is on the south coast of Maui and is relatively secluded, making it a peaceful and uncrowded spot for snorkeling. The reserve is not as well famous as some of the other snorkeling spots on the island, so it is often less crowded than other popular destinations. This secluded location makes Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve an excellent spot for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful snorkeling experience.

7. Olowalu Reef

Olowalu Reef is on the west coast of Maui and is easily accessible by car or tour. The reef is just off the main road, with plenty of parking and amenities nearby. It is also a popular tourist destination, so many tour operators offer snorkeling excursions to the reef. The easy accessibility of Olowalu Reef makes it a convenient spot for snorkeling, whether you are staying in the area or just passing through.

In addition to snorkeling, Olowalu Reef is also a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities, making it a great destination for a full day of fun. The beach at Olowalu Reef is wide and sandy, with plenty of shady trees and grassy areas to relax in. The reef is also close to several popular tourist destinations, such as Lahaina and Ka’anapali, making it a convenient spot to visit while exploring the island. Whether you want to spend the day snorkeling or relaxing on the beach, Olowalu Reef has something for everyone.

8. Ahihi Cove

Ahihi Cove is in the heart of the south coast of Maui and is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including a lush jungle backdrop and a sandy beach. The cove is a visually stunning spot for snorkeling, with crystal clear waters and a coral reef home to a wide variety of colorful fish and other marine life. The beautiful natural surroundings of Ahihi Cove make it a must-visit destination for snorkelers visiting Maui.

Ahihi Cove is easily accessible, with plenty of parking and amenities nearby. The cove is just off the main road, making it easy to reach by car or tour. It is also a popular tourist destination, so many tour operators offer snorkeling excursions to the cove. The easy accessibility of Ahihi Cove makes it a convenient spot for snorkeling, whether you are staying in the area or just passing through. Overall, the beautiful natural surroundings and accessibility of Ahihi Cove make it a popular snorkeling spot for visitors to Maui.

9. Maluaka Beach

The visibility in the waters around Maluaka Beach is generally good, allowing snorkelers to see the marine life in detail. The crystal clear waters and good visibility make Maluaka Beach an ideal spot for snorkeling, as it allows snorkelers to fully appreciate the beauty and diversity of marine life. The excellent visibility also makes it easier for snorkelers to navigate the coral reefs and spot interesting marine life.

In addition to snorkeling, Maluaka Beach is also a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities, making it an excellent destination for a full day of fun. The beach is wide and sandy, with plenty of shady trees and grassy areas to relax in. The beach is also close to several popular tourist destinations, such as Wailea and Kihei, making it a convenient spot to visit while exploring the island. Whether you want to spend the day snorkeling or relaxing on the beach, Maluaka Beach has something for everyone.

10. La Perouse Bay

La Perouse Bay is on the south coast of Maui and is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including a lush jungle backdrop and a rocky coastline. The bay is a visually stunning spot for snorkeling, with crystal clear waters and a coral reef that is home to a wide variety of colorful fish and other marine life. The beautiful natural surroundings of La Perouse Bay make it a must-visit destination for snorkelers visiting Maui.

The visibility in the waters around La Perouse Bay is generally good, allowing snorkelers to see the marine life in detail. The crystal clear waters and good visibility make La Perouse Bay an ideal spot for snorkeling, as it allows snorkelers to fully appreciate the beauty and diversity of marine life. The excellent visibility also makes it easier for snorkelers to navigate the coral reefs and spot interesting marine life. Overall, the beautiful natural surroundings and good visibility of La Perouse Bay make it a popular snorkeling spot for visitors to Maui.

The Top 10 Maui Snorkeling Spots Roundup

From serene coral reefs to vibrant schools of tropical fish, snorkeling in Maui offers endless opportunities for adventure and discovery. Maui is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and diverse snorkeling spots. From the crystal clear waters of Makena Beach to the colorful marine life at Molokini Crater, there is a snorkeling destination to suit every interest and skill level.