Snorkeling is the easiest way for most of us to explore and enjoy the wonders found beneath Hawaii's tropical ocean waters. Exotic Estates Maui vacation rentals are situated near many famous snorkeling spots. The island is renowned for its clear waters and fantastic beaches.
On Maui, families and friends can easily explore beautiful underwater reefs, which are teeming with life. From Hawaiian green sea turtles to Hawaii's famous and colorful Humuhumunukunukuapuaa fish, you are sure to meet up with some gorgeous creatures when you snorkel around the island!
Ahihi Kinau Reserve
Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve is located on the southern coast of Maui, just past Makena. This area is believed to be Maui's most delicate and youngest eco-reef zone. The small cove is a great area for snorkeling with a small group or with young children who don't feel comfortable with open water.
Coral Gardens
Coral Gardens in Hawaii is located near the center of West Maui, on the south end of Papalaua Beach, and towards the cliffs. This awesome snorkel location is home to many brightly colored fish, beautiful coral, and occasionally the Hawaiian green sea turtle.
Honolua Bay
Honolua Bay is located on Maui's Northwest Shore. It's one of the most incredible locations on Maui, providing plenty of remarkable underwater and out-of-water scenery. Honolua Bay is surrounded by high rocky cliffs on both sides, which shelter it from the wind and keep the water calm. If you are sitting on the beach facing the ocean, you will be looking out across the Pailolo Channel towards the Eastern shores of the neighboring island of Molokai.
Ka'anapali Beach, a.k.a. Black Rock
Black Rock is located on Ka'anapali Beach in West Maui and has won many awards for being one of the best places to visit on Maui. Black Rock is the prominent rocky peninsula and snorkeling spot at the North end of the beach. Ka'anapali has won spots on the list of the world's best beaches. Its clear blue water, well-mannered surf, and warm white sandy beach will keep you mesmerized!
Kahekili Beach Park, a.k.a. Airport Beach
Airport Beach is the Northernmost beach in Ka'anapali Beach Resort but is less crowded and commercialized than its sister to the South, Ka'anapali Beach. This beautiful beach is great for families traveling with kids, those who aren't strong swimmers, or first-time snorkelers. The reef comes up to the shore, and the surf is typically mild. Snorkeling is easy here, as snorkelers don't have to swim into deeper waters or get close to shallow/partially exposed rocks- dive in, and marvel at the scenery below!
Kapalua Bay
Kapalua Bay is a sheltered white sandy beach located on the Northwest side of Maui. This bay is protected by two reefs that extend out on both ends, forming a C-shaped cove, making it ideal for snorkeling. Kapalua Bay's calm water makes it one of the best places for beginner snorkelers and is a perfect spot to take the kids! Somehow, Kapalua Bay retains an un-crowded look and feel.
Tip: The center of the bay is sandy, so the water will be slightly cloudy, especially if it is windy. Walk to the North end of the beach and snorkel along the rocky edge. There will be less sand, better water visibility, and more fish!
Maluaka Beach a.k.a. Turtle Town
Turtle Town is a stretch of coastline between Nahuna Point and Black Sand Beach in South Maui. Turtle Town is known to be Maui's best snorkeling location on Maui, due to its awesome turtle sightings.
Molokini Crater
Molokini Crater is an underwater volcano islet located approximately 2.5 miles off Maui's south shore. There are many different tour companies offering snorkeling excursions to Molokini Crater. You can go by sailboat, catamaran, and redline rafting. This area is home to many beautiful and exotic sea creatures, as well as the Hawaiian green sea turtle!
Napili Bay
Napili Bay is located between Kahana and Kapalua on the Northwestern Shore of Maui. This legendary beach is surrounded by a quiet community of local residents and vacation rentals and is considered one of the most peaceful areas on Maui.
During the winter, when the surf is up, this beach attracts many bodyboarders and surfers due to its powerful shorebreak. During the summer months, this area is perfect for relaxing, snorkeling, and swimming.
Ulua Beach, a.k.a. Kaula'ou Beach
Ulua Beach is one of the beaches in the Wailea Resort along Maui's South Shore. When the surf is up, this beach becomes very popular, attracting many bodyboarders who enjoy the waves. During calm days, the snorkeling and diving around Ulua Beach are excellent. You will find many colorful corals and fish!
