Marine Life in Maui: Complete Guide for Snorkeling

Planning is key to a good snorkeling adventure in Maui. While jumping in the water with some gear might be tempting, you’ll get more out of your adventure with a little planning.

You can snorkel Maui’s spots year-round but some seasons are better than others. Peak season, May to September, has calm waters, good visibility, and warm temperatures. But it’s busier with more crowds.

April and October, the shoulder season, have good weather and fewer crowds. The water might be a little less clear and rough seas are possible but you might find the trade-off worth it.

November to March is off-season in Maui. This time of year the water is cooler. You might need to wear a rashguard or even a wetsuit. The surf can get rougher during this time. But off-season also means fewer people snorkeling and you can go whale watching in Maui.

Where to snorkel depends on your skill level and what you want to see. Maui has snorkeling for everyone, from beginner spots to places for advanced snorkelers.

Beginner Snorkeling

If you’re a first-timer or looking for calm and shallow waters for the whole family, these are some great snorkeling spots in Maui to consider:

• Pu’unoa Beach (Baby Beach): Located in West Maui and protected by a reef, Pu’unoa Beach, often called “Baby Beach,” has calm and shallow water. You won’t see big coral formations but it’s perfect for kids. You might see a few fish species or even a turtle.
• Kahekili Beach (Airport Beach): Close to the Kahului Airport (hence the name.), Kahekili Beach is good for beginners. The water is usually calm. Look for colorful fish, octopus, and the occasional eel in the coral reefs.
• Kapalua Bay: Located on the Northwest shore, Kapalua Bay’s crescent shape creates a calm snorkeling environment perfect for beginners and families, for those trying snorkeling for the first time.

Maui has plenty for more experienced snorkelers. Some of the best spots are:

• Molokini Crater: This submerged volcanic crater a few miles off Maui’s south coast has excellent visibility. Explore coral reefs and tropical fish and keep an eye out for sea turtles. The access to Molokini Crater is by boat only, so you’ll have to join a tour.
• Honolua Bay: A surfer’s paradise in the winter, Honolua Bay becomes a snorkeling paradise in the summer. This bay on the northwest coast has great visibility and lots of marine life but requires careful navigation due to lava rock formations.
• Slaughterhouse Beach: Don’t let the name scare you. This spot north of Kapalua has great visibility, vibrant coral reefs and lots of fish. But the location means changing conditions and strong currents. Be careful especially if you’re new to the area.

Beyond beginner and advanced options, these spots offer snorkeling for various levels and interests, no matter the time you snorkel in Maui.

• Nāpili Bay: On Maui’s Northwest shore you’ll find Nāpili Bay with soft sand and vibrant underwater life. Nāpili Bay is a mid-level snorkeling experience. You’ll see diverse marine life with easy access.
• Kāʻanapali Beach: Famous for its cliff diving ceremony at Black Rock, Kāʻanapali Beach also has a great snorkeling scene. Explore fish, colorful coral reefs, and underwater rock formations. If you’re lucky, you might even see or snorkel with turtles!
• Kama’ole Beach: Kama’ole, three beaches in Kihei, has several options for snorkelers. Swim through a rainbow of tropical fish near the rocky outcroppings or watch sea turtles glide by.
• Keawakapu Beach: Between Wailea and Kīhei in South Maui Keawakapu is great for those who want to combine their underwater adventure with time on the beach.
• Wailea Beach: Known for its resorts, Wailea Beach also has great snorkeling. Although calmer in the mornings, the crescent shape does protect swimmers and snorkelers from big waves.
• Malu’aka Beach: Escape the crowds at Malu’aka Beach in Wailea. A reef break makes the water calmer and the rocky outcroppings at either end a great habitat for all types of sea life.

A little planning goes a long way, no matter your experience, especially if this is your first time in Maui.

Before you snorkel in Maui check the current conditions, as this will help you decide what to wear, when to snorkel, and where to go.

Remember the ocean is powerful, so pay attention to your surroundings, don’t touch or stand on coral, and never turn your back to the ocean even in shallow water.

We recommend snorkeling with a buddy, especially in new or less crowded areas for added safety. Of course, as for everywhere in Hawaii, protect yourself and the environment by using mineral-based sunscreens, as opposed to sunscreen with chemicals.

These sunscreens will protect you from the harmful UV rays and the coral reefs from damaging chemicals. Follow these tips and you’ll have a safe and enjoyable snorkeling experience and preserve the beauty of the marine environment.

The marine life in Maui is just the beginning, and here are some great spots to explore after your snorkeling session.

Discover Kihei

Kihei is the perfect place to start your adventure especially if you’re staying at the Maui Beach or the Maui Banyan resorts. Here are some great things to do here:

• Get outside. Walk the boardwalks or find your zen in the peacefulness of Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge.
• Hang ten. Experienced and beginner surfers can enjoy Kihei’s great surf. Beginners can take a lesson.
• Learn Hawaiian Culture. Go to a luau for the ultimate treat. You can also sign up for one of the many snorkeling tours Maui has to offer. Explore more of that underwater world with experienced guides and explore Molokini, a crescent-shaped volcanic crater known for its reef, tropical fish, and crystal clear water.

While Maui’s underwater scenes are incredible, there’s plenty of above-water adventure too. Start your day atop Haleakalā with a sunrise tour. Watching the sunrise from the summit is unforgettable, but remember, it requires a reservation, so book ahead.

For more adventure, drive the Road to Hana. You can rent a car or join a tour of the Road to Hana, which is a more convenient and comfortable. The road winds through rainforests with waterfalls at every turn and offers stunning ocean views.

Be sure to stop and soak in the natural beauty along the way. Whether it’s the sunrise at Haleakalā or the scenic drive to Hana, Maui offers unforgettable experiences above the waves.

More to your Maui Itinerary

After snorkeling in Kihei, add more adventure to your Maui itinerary. Start with Paia Town on Maui’s north shore. It’s got charming boutiques, eclectic art galleries, and plenty of local dining options in Maui – perfect after a day of underwater exploration.

For a dose of nature hike to Twin Falls where you’ll hike through the rainforest to two waterfalls. Make sure to wear your hiking boots and check with a guide before you go.

To add a touch of adventure to your trip, make sure to consider the Complete Island Tour of Maui, where you’ll enjoy the best views over Maui from above!

Finish up with a visit to Ho’okipa Lookout the world’s windsurfing capital. Take in the views and watch the surfers. This will give you more info to plan your trip.

Shopping in Paia, hiking to waterfalls, or soaking up the scenery at Ho’okipa – there’s no shortage of fun to add to your Maui trip.