Ahhh Snorkeling in Maui, crystal clear waters in a beautiful exotic location, what more can you ask for? Known for some of the best snorkeling spots Hawaii, including Molokini Crater and Maui’s Turtle Town.
First, let’s cover an important frequently asked question, because this will help decide what route you want to go…
Are Snorkeling Tours Worth It?
A snorkeling tour that you can access, no. But some of the best spots, you’ll have to pay for. One prime example is Molokini Crater, one of few volcanic calderas in the world and one of the best spots to snorkel in Maui. It is, however, federally owned and a state seabird sanctuary that requires permission to land there. Thus, you’ll need to find a touring boat to take you there, where they have permission to access.
Coral Gardens Maui – Another that requires boat access, as the nickname applies, Coral Gardens is known for some of Maui’s most beautiful coral heads.
But let’s say you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a snorkeling tour…
What are the best FREE Snorkeling Spots in Maui?
Turtle Town Maui – Maluaka Beach, also known as “Turtle Town” is located just south of Wailea. Aptly named, Turtle Town is known for many Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle sightings making it one of the best snorkeling spots in Maui.
This is my personal favorite, I think I’ve seen a turtle here on almost every visit.
But there are a few things to know about turtles in Maui: The Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle is a threatened species. Please don’t harass the turtles. I cringe at the thought of people grabbing them to swim with them.
Hookipa Beach – Though I don’t recommend it for snorkeling, I had to include this because some people just want to see turtles without going in the water. Then Hookipa Beach is the spot. They sunbathe here and you’ll likely see a dozen or so turtles there.
Pro-tip: Enter from the south end of Maluaka Beach (towards the ocean villas and near the rocks).
Kapalua Bay Snorkeling Maui – A family friendly snorkeling spot overlooked by the Kapalua Bay Hotel. Known for it’s calm waters it’s the perfect snorkeling spot for beginners and kids. An alternative is the neighboring Napili Bay Beach.
Kahekili Beach Park – The closest you’ll get to white sand beaches on Maui, this beach park is home to some of the popular hotels on West Maui including, The Westin Ka’anapali and The Westin Nanea and Aston Kaanapali Shores. Probably the best option for family friendly snorkeling as the waters are typically calm and the reef is just feet from the shore.
Black Rock (Puu Kekaa) in Kaanapali – Walk south from Kahekili Beach Park and you’ll find yourself at Black Rock, the most popular place for cliff jumping in Maui. It also happens to be a great place for snorkeling, and finding Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. Though I’ve heard it’s frequented by sharks, so it was a hard pass for me (sharks are known to frequent areas such as sandbars, and areas with a steep drop-offs.)
I’m a little more irrational than most though, as of the millions and millions of people who frequent Hawaii every year, there’s still just an average of 2 or 3 shark attacks per year… and they usually occur at times when people shouldn’t be swimming. Follow this list of the Top 10 Ways to Avoid a Shark Attack in Hawaii and you should be fine.
Honolua Bay Snorkeling – And the best part is that the Honolua Bay Access Trail is one my favorite hikes (less than a mile), be sure to take the 2nd longer trail (north), you can see it clearly on Google Maps, following your GPS to Honolua Park is probably your best bet.
