SamMaui is known for some of the best snorkeling throughout the Hawaiian Islands. But with so many snorkeling sites to choose from, and with everyone having differing abilities, it can be hard to know what is worth while.
This snorkel guide is designed to give you all of the information you need to feel confident before you step foot in the waters of Maui. Whether you are a first time snorkeler wanting to experience the underwater world, or an advanced diver wanting more information on Maui’s renowned dive sites, this guide has everything you need.
Condition Reports
Before you head out to any of the sites, I suggest checking the Maui Snorkel Report. Posted every morning, this report will inform you of the water and weather conditions in different areas of the island. The ratings are targeted towards beginner snorkelers, so for the more advanced swimmers, use your own judgment on the conditions.
Gear Purchase/Rental
If you are planning on snorkeling more than a couple times, then I highly suggest that you purchase your own gear. Or at the very least, your own mask and snorkel. You will be grateful when it comes time to use it, as it will be fit to you and pristinely clean!
When shopping for snorkel gear there are a few key features you will want to be looking for. The first being a dry snorkel. The mechanism prevents water from entering the snorkel when submerged underwater. No more accidentally breathing in water! The second thing to note is to never use a full face snorkel mask. Despite how these masks may appear easier to use, they are actually incredibly dangerous. The mask does not allow for a proper transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide, often leading to oxygen deprivation to the user. Many users have lost consciousness while snorkeling, and ultimately drowned. Take my advice, and please never use these masks for your own safety!
When shopping for snorkel gear, I recommend Cressi. With a wide range of quality gear, there are many options for both beginners and advanced divers.
If you do not want to bring your own gear, you have the option to rent snorkel gear on island. There are many shops throughout Maui, all offering various deals and locations. Here are the leading companies to check out for rentals:
- Snorkel Bob’s
- Boss Frog’s
- The Snorkel Store
- Auntie Snorkel
Snorkel Sites
Honolua Bay
Honolua Bay is a marine reserve, making it one of the most renowned diving sites on Maui. The huge reefs and bounty of marine life is truly incredible. However, I would say this site is not for absolute beginners.
I recommend you have a decent comfort with snorkeling and navigating water before taking on Honolua Bay. The reefs here are bountiful due to their protection as a marine reserve, but this means they can be challenging to navigate. It is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times and to mentally map out your route. You do not want to get trapped amidst large coral reefs.
The shoreline of the bay is incredibly rocky. As a result, there is no easy way to get in and out of the water. Take advantage of the rocks and use them as a “chair.” Put on your gear and hop on in, and do the reverse on your way out.
While this site is a bit more complex, the reefs are absolutely magical. So healthy and abundant.
Wildlife Spotted:
- reef sharks
- sea turtles
- parrot fish
- moray eel
- sea urchin
Olowalu
Olowalu. The Mother Reef.
This grand reef is a perfect location for beginner snorkelers. Due to the location, the water is fairly shallow and typically very calm. This makes for a great experience for divers of all levels.
Olowalu is a magical place on Maui. As a mother reef, it is essential to the health of the ocean ecosystems and reefs all over Maui and the Hawaiian islands. Holding so much history and importance to the islands, Olowalu is a site worth exploring.
Due to the shallow nature of the reef, you can’t enter the water just anywhere. At mile marker 14 you will find a clear “path” that will allow you to swim into deeper waters while staying clear of sharp coral and urchins. Staying on this path is also important to insure the health of the reef, as larval coral are delicate and stepping on them can cause them to die.
Wildlife Spotted:
- sea turtles
- reef sharks
- humpback whales (off shore in deeper water)
Napili Bay
Napili Bay is a beautiful snorkel spot, however it is important to monitor the water conditions. In the winter the waters can be on the rough side. But in the summer the waters are calm and pleasant.
On calm days, Napili Bay is a good place for beginner snorkelers. There is a bounty of reefs to explore that are easy to navigate, with plenty of wildlife to enjoy.
Even if the water conditions are not optimal, the snorkeling here is still beautiful. You simply have to be more aware of your surroundings and a confident swimmer. The strong waves can easily push you into the reefs when the water is rough, so awareness is key. Never go beyond your abilities.
Wildlife Spotted:
- spotted eagle ray
- moray eel
- sea turtles
- urchins
- lots of reef fish!
Black Rock
While this is a popular Maui snorkeling site, it is actually one of my least recommended snorkel spots. The one thing this site is great for is developing a comfort in the water. For first time snorkelers, it can be uncomfortable and disorienting to breathe underwater. Black Rock has crystal clear waters that gradually get deeper, allowing for a lot of room to explore your own comfort zone.
This area is incredibly popular, so expect large crowds. This can be great for beginners. Many people are nervous and fearful in the ocean, and the presence of other people creates a feeling of safety in the water.
The water is incredibly clear, and with lots of fish to see close to shore, this site is a great introduction to snorkeling. But if you are a more experienced diver, I would recommend spending your time elsewhere.
Kam I, II, III
These beaches in Kihei have great opportunities for snorkeling. The typically calm water conditions and beautiful reefs make for a great snorkeling experience. In between each of these beaches is a rocky reef against the shoreline, a perfect place for exploring. These points are easily accessible from the beaches, and given the water conditions, usually quite safe to explore. Just be careful not to swim too close to the shore, as the waves can often be decieving in their power.
This is one of my favorite sites on Maui. It is so easy to pop in and out of, and there is so much wildlife resting through the day.
Wildlife Spotted:
- green sea turtles
- spotted eagle ray
- giant pufferfish
- sea urchins
Molokini Crater
One of the most coveted dive sites in Maui, Molokini Crater is a beautiful site to explore.
This crescent crater off the south coast boasts lively reefs and crystal clear waters for divers to enjoy. Molokini is a great site for divers of all levels. To snorkel at this site you will have to take a guided tour out to the crater. Guided snorkel tours are great for beginners, as they are the most safe environment to learn in.
While Molokini is great for beginners, it is also a fantastic site for experienced divers. The rich reefs offer endless opportunity for exploration. This is also a great site to give scuba a try if you are interested in taking the next step in your diving journey!
Molokini is one of the most popular sites on Maui, so you will want to plan your tour accordingly to avoid crowds. I suggest finding a tour that will get you out to the crater as early as possible, before the bay fills up with tour boats and snorkelers. While the diving is magical, a crowded dive site can put a damper on the experience.
Wildlife Spotted:
- octopus
- moray eel
- so many fish!
- large coral formations
Mala Wharf
My favorite spot on Maui: the abandoned Mala Wharf.
While this spot is magical, it is not for beginners. I suggest you be an intermediate snorkeler to explore this site, or at least a strong swimmer.
This abandoned and collapsed pier has become a lively underwater reef throughout the years. It is one of the most popular scuba sites on the island, but you can have an equally incredible experience simply snorkeling.
The best parts of this site are a tad difficult to access, as they are about 100 yards offshore and the currents can be quite strong. But once you make your way out, you will be greeted with a bounty of reefs and wildlife! This spot is actually a turtle cleaning station, which is why there is almost always large congregations of sea turtles in this area. It is absolutely incredible to see.
Entry into this site can be a bit difficult, as the shoreline is shallow and lined with sharp coral and urchins. I suggest walking along the rock jetti and jumping in from that point. Just make sure to wear shoes to walk on the jetti, as the lava rock is quite sharp.
Wildlife Spotted:
- TONS of sea turtles
- reef sharks
While these are the top highlights of the snorkeling on Maui, every inch of the coast is beautiful! If you have your own favorite spots, or check out any of these sites on your travels, please share in the comments below! I love to hear from all of you.
