The 12 Best Snorkeling Spots on Maui

With excellent snorkelling areas for both novice and experienced swimmers, Maui is renowned for its stunning surroundings and sea life. The island boasts healthy coral reefs and varied marine ecosystems due to its distinctive underwater characteristics and local conservation efforts. This guide includes 12 great snorkelling sites in Maui, including what's unique about each spot, common sea life you might observe, water entrance points, safety advice, and how easily each place is accessible. This will enable you to appreciate Maui's underwater views and schedule your snorkel visits.

Maui's Top 12 Snorkeling Spots: Quick Reference Guide

The 12 Best Snorkeling Spots on Maui

1. Honolua Bay

Located on the northwest tip of Maui, Honolua Bay is a protected marine area devoid of fishing, thereby fostering a lot of fish and good coral. Particularly in summer, the bay's shielded by cliffs, produces quiet, clean waves. Usually, you will see turtles, vivid tropical fish, and striking coral. Though the right side (beyond the boat ramp) provides cleaner water, the left side of the beach provides the quickest access. Look for restricted parking and slick rocks. From the parking lot, a little forest trail goes to the bay. Here, there are no lifeguards or restrooms.

2. Slaughterhouse Beach (Mokuleia Bay)

Officially known as Mokuleia Bay, this lovely beach has been safeguarded since 1978 to maintain a healthy underwater habitat. Particularly in summer, the water is remarkably clean. Along with perhaps spotting a baby octopus or fish hiding in underwater caverns, you will find several reef species like rudderfish, convict tang, and goatfish. Then enter the sea from either side of the beach with the reefs. Take care with winter swells and strong currents. Access calls for descending 80+ steps, so it is inappropriate for anyone with mobility problems. There are few parking spots and no mobile service or bathrooms.

3. Kapalua Bay

Located on Maui's west coast, this crescent-shaped bay is a fantastic spot for beginners and families, featuring gentle conditions that are excellent for introducing children to snorkeling and using snorkel gear. Two offshore reefs create calm, shallow waters with abundant marine life close to shore. You'll easily see colorful fish like butterfly fish, triggerfish, tangs, and parrotfish just steps from the beach, plus possibly sea turtles and eels on the right side. Entry is easiest from the gently sloped sand on the left. For better visibility, head to the rockier right side. A small parking lot fills quickly, but facilities include restrooms and showers. Most accessible in the morning before the winds pick up.

4. Napili Bay

Calm seas and great snorkelling for all skill levels abound from this family-friendly bay on Maui's northwest coast. Especially at sunrise and sunset, it's one of the best locations to view green sea turtles. Schools of needlefish, as well as typical reef fish such as butterflyfish, parrotfish, and Moorish idols, call the bay home. Though the water gets deep fast, beach access is simple. Snorkelling is better from the sheltered right side of the beach. Watch out for currents outside the bay and muddy water on the left side in windy conditions. Parking consists of street locations only. The bay lacks on-site toilets but features showers.

5. Kahekili Beach Park (Airport Beach)

Kahekili Beach Park, on Maui's northwest coast, boasts a vivid coral reef just a short distance from the shore. The protected area keeps the reef healthy and helps algae-eating fish flourish. Usually tranquil, the waters are perfect for all skill levels. Among the vibrant tropical fish, green sea turtles, and species including triggerfish, yellow tang, and parrotfish are you might even hear whale singing undersea in winter. From the sandy beach, the entrance is simple; look for pale blue sanding marks. Go in the early morning before the winds start. The park provides lots of parking, bathrooms, and outside showers.

6. Kaanapali Beach - Black Rock (Pu'u Keka'a)

Black Rock, a lava outcrop teeming with many tropical fish, situated at the north end of Kaanapali Beach, Families would find it ideal because of the different depths, which provide simple access from the sandy coast. Beginning swimmers would find perfect shallow spots (6–8 feet) close to the rocks; expert swimmers can explore deeper (20–30 feet) areas. You will witness marine turtles, vibrant reef fish, and maybe eels. Steer clear of the rock's tip where rip currents abound and keep an eye out for cliff jumpers above. Parking is free at a modest public garage or charged at Whalers Village. Lifeguard stations and beach showers abound.

7. Molokini Crater

Off Maui's shore, this partially buried volcano crater provides remarkably pure water with visibility up to 150 feet, a stunning clarity you can best appreciate with a high-quality snorkel mask offering an excellent field of view. Among only three volcanic atolls in the world, it has over 250 fish species and 38 different varieties of coral. In winter, you might see triggerfish, yellow tang, sharks, eels, turtles, dolphins, and even whales. Boat trips starting from Maui's harbors allow access to the crater, usually with simple water access and flotation devices. Before trade winds start to blow, morning trips provide peaceful settings. There are no facilities on the crater itself; tour companies handle all conveniences.

8. Ulua Beach

Ulua Beach, in the elegant Wailea district of South Maui, has white sand and lava fingers reaching into the ocean that house a variety of aquatic species. For novices with usually quiet, clean waves, it's great. Near the rocky edges, you will probably find sea turtles; colorful reef fish, schools of Mountain Bass and Goat Fish where Ulua joins Mokapu Beach; and vivid red Pencil Urchins (don't touch!). Enter from either end of the beach; the northern side provides the best snorkeling. Rougher conditions might result from summer south swells and afternoon breezes. Though facilities and showers abound, there is a rapidly filling parking lot and no lifeguard.

9. Turtle Town

Located between Nahuna Point and Black Sand Beach on Maui's south coast, Turtle Town is the best place to see Hawaiian green sea turtles. Ancient lava formations and coral reefs create an ideal environment for these protected creatures. Beyond turtles, you'll find tropical fish, butterflyfish, triggerfish, rays, eels, and octopuses. Most people access Turtle Town via boat tours, though some walk south from Maluaka Beach. Remember, it's illegal to touch, chase, or ride turtles - keep a respectful distance. If accessing from shore, parking is available at Maluaka Beach Park, but there are no facilities at Turtle Town itself.

10. Olowalu Beach (Mile Marker 14)

Known for having Maui's largest continuous reef system, Olowalu (at Mile Marker 14 on Highway 30) spans 450 acres of coral, some estimated to be 500 years old. As one of Hawaii's "Mother Reefs," it sends coral polyps to other islands. The waters typically stay gentle, with diverse coral formations, tropical fish, sea turtles, and seasonal whale sightings. Access is super easy - just park along the highway facing the ocean. Be careful not to park in soft sand, and note the shallow water over the reef. Morning snorkeling is best before afternoon winds pick up. There are trash bins, but no other facilities nearby.

11. Honokeana Bay

Just south of Napili Bay on Maui's west coast, this somewhat hidden spot is known for frequent turtle sightings in a more peaceful setting than busier beaches. The calm, clear waters make it ideal for turtles to feed and rest. Beyond turtles, you'll find coral reefs, tropical fish, and occasionally octopuses. Access requires navigating a rocky shoreline - stay to the right side of the bay. Only strong swimmers should attempt going around the rocky point to the left. The rocky entry, strong currents, and winter swells make this unsuitable for children or people with mobility issues. Parking is limited, and the bay is partially within a gated community.

12. DT Fleming Beach

Located on Maui's northwest coast, DT Fleming Beach offers good snorkeling on calm days in a family-friendly setting. The beach is lined with pine trees, palms, and naupaka plants, creating a beautiful spot for a day out. You'll see various reef fish and maybe the occasional turtle. The sandy shoreline makes for easy water entry. It's one of the few west side beaches with a lifeguard on duty, adding extra safety. Wind and waves can affect visibility, so check conditions before going. Amenities include ample parking, picnic tables, BBQs, and the nearby Burger Shack Kapalua restaurant.

Enjoy Maui's Underwater Wonders!

From calm turtle encounters to energetic coral gardens, Maui's 12 best snorkelling sites provide something for everyone. To truly appreciate the beauty of these underwater wonders, the proper snorkeling gear is essential. The calmest seas and nicest view come from morning trips. Don't forget to use reef-safe sunscreen to guard the fragile underwater habitat as well as yourself. Before leaving, always check local circumstances; choose areas appropriate for your swimming abilities. With Maui's vibrant underwater life, these sites provide incredible underwater experiences regardless of your preferred simple beach access or boat tours to outlying reefs.