Maui is home to the world’s best snorkeling spots but even Maui has a top ten. Here are the ten most amazing Maui snorkel spots we know.
Molokini Crater sits firmly at the top of the list as the best snorkeling spot in Maui. No other Maui snorkel spot can compare to this underwater volcano, one of only three on the planet. The water surrounding the island is filled with schools of vibrantly-colored fish and is crystal clear down to 200 feet. Molokini is a once in a lifetime experience for both the beginner and the expert.
Five Caves is bit far from the beach so it is suggested only for expert snorkelers or scuba divers. However, it is one of the most unique snorkeling spots in Maui. The reward for the long swim is an amazing selection of sea life and mysterious swim-through caves that can be experienced with little interruption from tourists.
Turtle Town is home to one of the largest populations of sea turtles in Hawaii. This is a family- friendly oasis with tons of other sea life and a once in a lifetime chance to swim with these much loved creatures of Hawaii.
Coral Gardens, another far swim for more advanced snorkelers, is loaded with colorful fish in thousands of feet of coral reef. Located on the Western coast of Maui, this spot is occasionally visited by Hawaii’s remarkable humpback whales.
Olowalu is one of the more accessible Maui snorkeling spots for less experienced snorkelers. The calm waters are shallow, making it a great place to teach or practice snorkeling. However, Olowalu’s several acres of beautiful reef have much to offer even to experts, within its several acres of beautiful reef.
Polo Beach is an ideal spot for families because it is right in front of the Kea Lani Hotel and is good for snorkeling or simply relaxing in the sand. Waters are clear and there are plenty of facilities and accommodations nearby.
Ahihi Keanau Reserve has a great bay for first time snorkelers, although it has no facilities so it isn’t recommended for families. If you are looking for a romantic hangout under the water this is a great choice. There are several opportunities to practice right along the beaches, but be careful because the beaches are rocky.
Black Rock offers great facilities and plenty of parking. It has a smooth sandy beach, great for relaxing after enjoying the beautiful patches of coral under this lava outcrop. One word of caution: the waters are sometimes murky, so you’ll need to go on a day when seas are calm. Black Rock is a great place for both the beginner and intermediate snorkeler to gain some experience in the water without sacrificing the comfort of beach facilities.
Airport Beach, also known as Kahekili Beach Park, is visited frequently by families and is a hot spot for scuba instructors to train their pupils. The water is calm enough for beginners and young kids to learn and there are plenty of facilities. This local favorite might be one of the calmest and safest dive spots, but it’s by no means boring.
Honolu’a Bay is another one of those spots that you have to catch when the sea is calm but it’s worth the wait. Long favored as one of Maui’s best snorkeling spots, it has no facilities and it is only good for scuba diving or snorkeling due to the rocky beaches and lack of sand.
Many of these spots can be safely experienced by beginners, but if you would like a guide or some instruction or you would just enjoy going with a group, then Pride of Maui would be love to show you the best Maui snorkeling experience you’ll ever have.
