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Maui, Hawaii's second-largest island, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With its stunning coastline, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life, Maui is one of our top destinations to snorkel in Hawaii. From the iconic Black Rock to the colorful Coral Gardens, the island boasts a wide range of snorkeling spots that offer unforgettable experiences for all skill levels. In this article, we will take you on a journey through some of Maui's best snorkeling locations, including our reviews of Kapalua Bay, Turtle Town, Five Caves, and Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve. Whether you are a seasoned snorkeler or a beginner, Maui's waters are sure to amaze you with their beauty and diversity. So grab your gear, and let's dive in! You can also jump directly to the best tours to snorkel at Maui.
The best time to snorkel in Maui is during the summer months when the water is calmest and the visibility is at its best. However, snorkeling is still enjoyable year-round, and the particular spot and time of day can also affect your experience. Here's what you need to know:
Firstly, the water temperature in Maui typically ranges from 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 27°C), making it comfortable for snorkeling throughout the year. However, the water temperature can be cooler in the winter months (December to February) due to the North Pacific's colder currents.
Secondly, visibility is a crucial factor in snorkeling, and it can vary depending on the season. The best visibility can typically be found during the summer months (June to September) when the water is calmest, and there is less rainfall. During the winter months, the water can be choppier, and there may be more rainfall, reducing visibility.
Thirdly, the time of day can also impact your snorkeling experience. Mornings tend to be the best time for snorkeling when the water is calmest and the marine life is most active. Moreover, the sunlight is optimal for viewing underwater colors and patterns.
Finally, it's important to consider the particular snorkeling spot you plan to visit. Some spots, such as Turtle Town which has better visibility and marine life sightings during summer.
Also Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve is closed annually from August 1st to the Saturday nearest to September 1st to allow for the spawning of fish and to give the ecosystem time to recover.
Image source: Maui Ocean Center
Here are some examples of the marine life that snorkelers can expect to see while exploring Maui's underwater world, starting from the more likely to the rarest:
Black Rock is a popular snorkeling spot located on the western coast of Maui, in the Kaanapali area. The spot gets its name from a large, dark lava rock that juts out into the ocean and forms a natural boundary between Kaanapali Beach and a more secluded beach to the north.
Black Rock is known for its clear, calm waters and abundant marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and occasionally, eagle rays. It's a popular spot for both snorkeling and diving, with depths ranging from shallow (8 feet) to deeper (30 feet) areas. Snorkelers can easily access the reef by swimming out from the beach, and the rock itself provides an interesting feature to explore.
Additionally, Black Rock is known for its daily cliff diving ceremony, where a diver dressed in traditional Hawaiian garb lights torches along the cliff before diving off into the water at sunset. This adds an extra cultural element to the snorkeling experience and is a popular attraction for visitors to Maui.
Kapalua Bay is a picturesque crescent-shaped beach located on the northwest coast of Maui, making it ideal for both marine life and swimmers to gather. The beach is known for its soft, golden sand, crystal-clear water, and vibrant coral reef that is home to a diverse array of marine life.
The beach also offers plenty of amenities, including restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. It's a great spot for families, with calm waters and a lifeguard on duty during daylight hours.
Kapalua Bay is also a popular spot for other water activities, such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming. The beach is surrounded by a lush, green landscape, providing a beautiful backdrop for any water activity.
One of the best snorkeling places in Kapalua Bay is located on the north end of the beach, where there is a coral reef teeming with colorful tropical fish, including butterflyfish and tangs. Another popular spot is located on the south end of the beach, where there are several small rocky outcroppings that provide shelter for a variety of marine life, including sea urchins, crabs, and octopuses.
Turtle Town is a popular snorkeling place located on the southern coast of Maui, near the town of Kihei. The area gets its name from the abundance of green sea turtles that can be found swimming in the clear, shallow waters. Snorkelers can swim alongside these gentle giants and observe them as they feed on the seaweed growing on the reef.
Turtle Town is easily accessible from shore, with snorkelers able to enter the water directly from the beach. However, it is important to note that the area is protected, and snorkelers should avoid touching or disturbing the marine life or the coral reef.
The best time to visit Turtle Town is during the summer months when the water is calmest and the visibility is at its best. It is also recommended to visit the area early in the morning to avoid the crowds that can sometimes gather in the afternoon.
One of the best spots in Turtle Town is located at the southern end of the area, near Makena Beach. This area is home to a large coral reef formation that is teeming with marine life, including colorful fish, eels, and sea turtles. Another popular spot is located near the small islet of Makena Landing, where there is a vibrant reef system that is home to an array of tropical fish, sea urchins, and other creatures.
Image source: Maui Snorkeling
Coral Gardens is easily accessible from shore, with snorkelers able to enter the water directly from the beach. The area boasts a variety of coral reef formations, including brain coral, staghorn coral, and cauliflower coral, which are home to an array of marine life, including colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and occasionally eagle rays.
The waters surrounding Coral Gardens are generally calm, making it a great spot for both beginner and experienced snorkelers. However, it is important to note that the area is protected, and snorkelers should avoid touching or disturbing the marine life or the coral reef.
The best time to visit Coral Gardens is during the summer months when the water is calmest and the visibility is at its best. It is also recommended to visit the area early in the morning to avoid the crowds that can sometimes gather in the afternoon.
Image Source: Pride Of Maui
Five Caves is a popular snorkeling spot located on the southern coast of Maui, near the town of Wailea. The area gets its name from a series of underwater caves that are home to a variety of marine life.
Five Caves is known for its clear, calm waters and abundant marine life, including colorful tropical fish and sea turtles. The underwater caves provide an interesting feature to explore, and snorkelers can swim through the caves to observe the creatures that live within.
The area is easily accessible from shore, with snorkelers able to enter the water directly from the beach. However, it is important to note that the area is protected, and snorkelers should avoid touching or disturbing the marine life or the coral reef.
The best time to visit Five Caves is during the summer months when the water is calmest and the visibility is at its best. It is also recommended to visit the area early in the morning to avoid the crowds that can sometimes gather in the afternoon.
Whitetip Reef Sharks have regularly been spotted in these caves, they are a shy species of shark that sleeps in the day and hunts at night.
Image source: Division of Forestry and Wildlife Hawaii
Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve is one of the most delicate and youngest eco-reef zones on Maui, this small cove is a great snorkeling spot for small groups with young children or those who don’t feel comfortable in open water.
The coastline is jagged, consisting of intermixed coral reef formations and lava rock. Tropical fish are abundant in the shallow watts close to the shoreline, making this an excellent destination for beginners.
Destination |
Tour |
Duration |
Services Included |
Price |
| West of Maui - 2 spots | Sea Maui | 4.5h | Snorkeling equipment, complimentary juices | $149 |
| Lanai's South Coast - 2 spots | Ultimate Whale Watch and Snorkel | 4h | Snorkeling equipment, breakfast and snack | $145 |
| West of Maui - 2 spots | The Magic Merman | 4.5h | Snorkeling equipment, breakfast and lunch | $159 |
| Honolua Bay - 2 spots | PacWhale Eco adventure | 5h | Snorkeling equipment, breakfast, lunch and refreshments | $150 |
Sea Maui offers a range of snorkeling tours that provide a unique and memorable experience for those looking to explore the marine life of Maui. One of their most popular tours is the West Maui Half Day Snorkel Adventure, which lasts for 4.5 hours and costs $149. This tour is available year-round, and guests will have the opportunity to visit various locations such as Honolua Bay, Cliff House, Oluwalu, Mala Wharf, and other spots, depending on the captain's selection for the day. The tour is known for its breathtaking marine life, including bottlenose and Hawaiian spinner dolphins, humpback whales (in winter), Hawaiian green sea turtles, vivid reefs, and Hawaiian Monk Seal.
Their snorkel tours take you to Lanai's South Coast, where you can experience some of the most stunning underwater marine life that Hawaii has to offer. With a duration of 4 hours and a price of $145, this snorkeling tour is available year-round, providing visitors with a chance to explore the clear blue waters of Hawaii whenever they choose to visit.
While the specific marine life that you will see on your snorkeling tour may vary, Ultimate Whale Watch and Snorkel guarantees that you will have an unforgettable experience. Dolphins are seen on 9 out of 10 trips, so it's likely that you will get to see these playful creatures in their natural habitat. During the migration season (December-April), whale watching is included in the snorkel tours, giving visitors a chance to see the majestic humpback whales up close.
Magic Merman is a tour company that specializes in providing snorkeling adventures along the beautiful west coast of Maui. Their tours typically last for 4.5 hours and cost $159 per person. During the tour, guests have the opportunity to visit various locations along the west coast where they can see an abundance of marine life, including sea turtles, beautiful reef fish, colorful coral, and sometimes even rays and dolphins.
Pac Whale and Eco Adventure offers an exciting 5-hour snorkeling excursion to Honolua Bay, where you can experience some of Maui's most vibrant marine life. The tour provides an opportunity to see sea turtles, colorful fish, and vibrant coral in their natural habitat. Guests can also expect to spot wild dolphins, which are frequently seen in the area. From December to April, you may also have the chance to witness the majestic humpback whales during their annual migration. The tour is reasonably priced at $150 and offers an excellent way to explore the beauty of Maui's underwater world.
