Trip Ideas Adventure Travel Best Snorkeling Spots on Maui By Kyle Ellison Kyle Ellison Not only was I raised on Maui, but in a way I was also raised by it. The tropical surroundings fostered a sense of adventure—waves and waterfalls will do that—and the 2,500 miles of surrounding ocean forged a wanderlust that remains unbroken. Having traveled to 65 countries, in addition to 49 U.S. states, I still consider Upcountry, Maui to be the most beautiful place in the world. My love for the island has been featured in publications such as Journey, Maui No Ka ‘Oi, and Escape, and I also authored the Moon guidebook to Maui, Moloka‘i, and Lana‘i. When not writing I can usually be found stand up paddling off of Ka‘anapali—or surfing, diving, snorkeling, or bodysurfing somewhere on my island playground. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 13, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: David Olsen / Alamy Turtles, Eagle Rays, Goatfish, Clownfish, Unicornfish, Parrotfish, and Damselfish — all of these creatures are flitting about Maui's reefs at the moment you read these words. With such a varied and diverse array of marine life — and warm ocean temperatures year round — Maui is an underwater paradise for exploring with mask, fins, and a snorkel (plus, it's a great activity to do as a couple or with a family). Ocean conditions can vary, however, and not every location will be pristine and beautiful during every day of the year. North shore snorkeling spots are best in the summer and south shores are best in the winter, and it's wise to avoid snorkeling entirely after a heavy period of rain. On days when the weather is beautiful, however — which is most of the time in Maui — these are the spots where the marine environment can blow you away with its beauty. Honolua Bay Three miles north of Kapalua, this expansive bay is best in summer when the wintertime waves go flat. Schools of reef fish nibble algae off the shells of resting sea turtles, and large schools of akule and ta'ape can be found swarming the shallow reef. Even the walk to the bay is an adventure, as the shoreline is accessed by a thin hiking trail through a valley that's dripping in green. Molokini Crater Molokini Crater has the ability to amaze you before even jumping in water. Thanks to the clearest ocean water in Hawaii, you can make out fish swimming 70 feet below while just standing on the deck of a boat. Over 200 different species of fish make their home in this volcanic caldera, and the visibility is over 100 feet on almost every day of the year. Pu‘u Keka‘a (“Black Rock”) The entry is easy, the shoreline is sandy, and the shallow depth and proliferation of fish make this Ka'anapali's best snorkeling spot. The rock is located in front of the Sheraton, and it's best to snorkel early in the morning before the afternoon tradewinds pick up. At high tide it's common to find sea turtles nibbling seaweed off the rocks, and just remember to watch out for cliff jumpers as they leap from the rock overhead! Ulua Beach The rocky headland between Ulua and Mokapu Beach is Wailea's best spot for snorkeling. The area is popular with scuba dive lessons since it's shallow and has a sandy entry, and the haunting moans of humpback whales can be heard when snorkeling in winter. Kapalua Bay This is a bay where you can bring your children and snorkel together as a family. The cove is mostly protected from the wind, and the sandy entry and shallow depth make it easy for beginning snorkelers. Showers and restrooms make it easy to change clothes, and during the summer months when the bay is calm, expert snorkelers can round the point into neighboring Namalu Bay. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit