Top 10 Snorkeling Spots in Maui

Molokini is the perfect environment for marine life to feed and breed, and the islet hosts over 250 species of endemic Hawaiian tropical fish. Within the volcanic walls, you will find colorful reef formations and a host of tropical marine life including manta rays, black triggerfish, yellow tang, raccoon butterflyfish, parrotfish, Moorish idol, moray eels, and even the odd small white tip reef shark. The Pacific waters around Molokini Crater have over 100 species of algae and approximately 35 species of hard coral.

The crystal-clear water (with an average visibility of 150 feet) at Molokini Crater is a huge part of why this is one of the best places for snorkeling on Maui.

Molokini is a popular location for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike, and it is especially great for morning snorkel tours in Maui. The waters surrounding the crater are also one of the most popular locations for SCUBA diving in all of the Hawaiian Islands.

Thanks to current government protection and the ESA, this area is home to a dense population of the Hawaiian green sea turtles. There has been some debate as to precisely where Turtle Town is. The general consensus is that the site is located along the southern coastline of the island, between Nahuna Point and Black Sand Beach. Turtle Town is best visited while on a Maui boat tour, as it is well-known for some of the best snorkeling in Maui, particularly if these large lumbering sea creatures are your sightseeing goal. While enjoying a Maui snorkel tour at Turtle Town, guests can expect to see turtles gently approaching swimmers with curiosity, as well as a bounty of colorful marine life.

Turtle Town is a top place to snorkel on Maui for many reasons. Not the least of which of these is the chance to view the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles in their natural habitat. There are always calm wind conditions and clear waters, so boat tours out to Turtle Town are ideal. Snorkelers will be inspired when they see the gentle slope which allows them to find a depth where they are most comfortable. Snorkelers can watch the Wrasse fish cleaning the shells of the Hawaiian green sea turtles, and they can find Butterflyfish, Perch, Chub, Triggerfish, Snapper, Goatfish, Big Eye Scad, Needlefish, Moray Eels, Crustaceans, Trumpet Fish, and even the Hawaii state fish, the Humuhumunukunukuapua’a.

One of the most captivating aspects of Coral Gardens is its reef formation, which extends from the southern end of Papalaua Beach towards majestic cliffs. The area boasts dramatic black lava fingers reaching from the shore to the ocean floor, creating an enchanting seascape. Snorkelers can discover secret coral sea caves and passageways, each teeming with a vivid array of marine life.

Particularly notable is the opportunity to witness the North Pacific humpback whales during their annual migration to Maui waters, typically between December and April. This spectacle adds an extra layer of excitement to the snorkeling experience.

Coral Gardens offers calm ocean conditions and clear waters, ideal for beginners and advanced snorkelers. The depth varies from shallow to medium, allowing for a comfortable and safe snorkeling adventure. Accessible via ocean vessel on a Maui snorkel tour, this location promises an unforgettable glimpse into a dreamy underwater world. On your next visit to Maui, Coral Gardens should be a top destination to experience the magic of West Maui’s marine ecosystem.

“The Bay” offers a small, sandy beach where you can access the water directly. Otherwise, it can be reached by a short downhill hike or by boat. Honolua Bay is a marine reserve that Maui residents have fought for years to protect from development. It is undoubtedly a snorkeler’s dream due to the spectacular coral reef formations, Hawaiian green sea turtles, and large schools of tropical fish.

The best time of the year to snorkel and scuba dive at Honolua Bay on Maui is mid-summer when ocean conditions are calm and flat. Any other time of the year, and especially when there’s a north swell, Honolua Bay is dominated by Maui’s elite surf scene. This is one of the most famous surf spots in the world, but it is also an excellent place to snorkel in Hawaii. There is no place quite like Honolua Bay, and when you lay your eyes on its majesty, you will see at once why it is such a revered and world-renowned beach. While snorkeling at Honolua Bay, guests will find themselves in a Hawaiian wonderland! Honolua is a part of the Mokuleia Marine Life Conservation District and it offers countless tropical fish to see and coral reef formations to explore. Whether you reach it by car or by boat, you will not be disappointed. Honolua Bay is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places to visit while in Hawaii.

Located just north of Turtle Town, Five Caves provides a bounty of marine life, like Hawaiian green sea turtles and harmless reef sharks. It is best to reach Five Caves on Maui by boat, but the beach can also be accessed by Makena Road in South Kihei. Visitors without a guide should take caution due to the variable ocean conditions at this Maui snorkeling locale. Even if the surf is small, Five Caves can be a tricky area for many reasons. Make sure to always swim with a buddy and take proper safety precautions.

Five Caves isn’t just an amazing location for snorkeling on Maui. It is a mystical place with common sights of the Hawaiian green sea turtle, tons of tropical fish varieties, Eagle Rays, and a diverse underwater landscape. It has been noted that sleeping White Tip sharks have been spotted in the caves, so be careful to tread lightly out of respect for them and the other Hawaiian marine life.

The beach itself is one of the most visited locations by locals on Maui, but Black Rock is still a bit of a hidden gem to most non-residents.

Black Rock is most popularly known as “the rock you jump off” on West Maui, but “the rock” also happens to be surrounded by a fabulous reef formation. The clear blue water is absolutely mesmerizing, the soft sandy bottom is inviting, the weather is divine, and the ocean here is calm. It’s simply perfect. The water at Black Rock starts at about 8 feet in depth and gradually extends to roughly 30 feet deep as you swim around the point.

To find the best snorkeling, follow the lava rock edge. Here, you can see the ultra-fab Hawaiian green sea turtle, Moorish Idol, Surgeon Fish, Snapper, Hawk Fish, Porcupine Fish, Needle Fish, Jacks, invertebrates, Box Fish, Damsel Fish, Parrot Fish, Humuhumunukunukuapua’a and more. To access Black Rock, travel to the northwest end of Ka’anapali Beach near the black lava rock peninsula next to the Sheraton Hotel. This is a great place for confident beginners to snorkel.

Napili is frequented by visitors, but mostly by those who are seeking some solace with their families. Even though it can sometimes be a busy beach environment, this is still a beach where you can find some peace and comfort in West Maui. For those who are looking to snorkel at Napili Bay, there is an activity rental cabana, and it’s not necessarily a spot where beginners will need much instruction.

Can you imagine transporting yourself to a beautiful sandy beach in Hawaii? Just picture the calm swimming-pool-like water, and a gentle shore break perfect for a relaxing dip in the ocean. I know that’s a huge ask but on top of all that, imagine beautiful underwater coral reefs, ideal for snorkeling on Maui, with an everyday presence of the Hawaiian green sea turtle. That is Napili Bay.

Napili Bay is home to the West Maui Hawaiian green sea turtle and the magical Maui sunsets. Napili Kai Beach Resort fronts the bay so keep in mind that it can become congested during the high season on Maui. The best time to visit Napili Bay is in the early morning on a weekday, or late in the afternoon for a sunset celebration, with a flute of champagne in hand of course. We suggest that you arrive in the afternoon for Maui snorkeling and stay for the evening. It is truly stunning.

Time and time again, Kapalua Bay has been named the “Best Beach in the World” by numerous publications, including Conde Nast Traveler magazine. The Travel Channel has also called it the “Best Beach in America.” Without a doubt, it is one of the best beaches in all of Hawaii for snorkeling and just chillin’ out.

The quiet and peaceful community around Kapalua Bay is just divine. The beach itself is out of this world thanks to a protected, crescent-shaped cove that is ideal for Hawaii marine life to gather. Kapalua Bay provides a calm environment with vibrant colors and excellent swimming conditions, making it one of the best spots to snorkel in Maui. It is also an ideal place for kicking back with your family and friends under the warm Maui sun.

While snorkeling at Kapalua Bay, guests can expect to see some Scorpion Fish, Cornet Fish, Jacks, Butterflyfish, Parrotfish, Goat Fish, Moorish Idol, Box Fish, Perch, Triggerfish, Chub, various invertebrates, and much more.

This sweet little Maui beach cove can be reached by a somewhat hidden Wailea beach road that may be marked by a sign that says, “Parking for the Marriott.”

If you are staying in West Maui and trying to get away from the regular tourist hustle and bustle on the Southside, or if you are looking for a place less frequented by tour guides, then ‘Ulua Beach is perfect for you. It’s a great spot to snorkel in Maui because it is private and has calm waters. It’s also a great place to go if you’re looking for a more intimate and quiet place to decompress with your loved ones.

Pending the water clarity and the season, guests will be able to view many reef species. There are the Moorish idol, Surgeonfish, Snapper, Hawkfish, Porcupinefish, Needlefish, Jacks, invertebrates, Boxfish, Damselfish, Parrotfish, and state fish of Hawaii, the Humuhumunukunukuapua’a.

Parking and restroom facilities near the beach are a bonus.

Just nearby, Fishbowl (aka The Aquarium) is currently closed due to overuse by some charter companies, and those who unfortunately did not visit with respect in the forefronts of their minds. If you visit the ‘Āhihi-Kīna‘u Natural Area Reserve, it is essential that you are conscious of the ‘aina (land) and makai (ocean), as you should be wherever you visit in Hawaii. These lands are precious, and conservation is vital for a sustainable and healthy future on Maui.

The ‘Āhihi-Kīna‘u Natural Area Reserve can be found by heading down the southern coast of Wailea, past Makena, towards La Perouse Bay. The coastline is jagged and mostly consists of coral reef intermixed with lava rock. Tropical fish are pretty close to the shoreline here, and are mostly prevalent in shallow waters. We suggest that you snorkel close to the road in the protected bay. Make sure to not step on the coral. It is a living and breathing marine animal itself!

This is also a great place to spot the Hawaiian green sea turtles. They are visible from the shore if you keep your eyes peeled. Guests will normally see Tang, Squirrelfish, Goatfish, Jacks, Needlefish, Chub, Butterflyfish, Parrotfish, and Sea Cucumbers at this location.

No fishing of any kind is allowed at the ‘Āhihi-Kīna‘u Natural Area Reserve. Much like every place on the island, and like every top snorkeling spot in Maui, be pono (respectful) while you’re here. Make sure you take everything you bring to the beach back with you when you leave.