Snorkeling
on Maui should not be missed. Maui has incredible
snorkeling areas along several of its coastlines.
Here are descriptions of several areas that you will
enjoy. |
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snorkel
tours maui |
| For
the first time snorkeler or someone who wants the convenience
of just walking off the end of a boat to reach a great
snorkeling spot, a boat trip could be the way to go.
You can go to MOLOKINI
which is one of the most popular snorkeling areas in
Hawaii. Molokini is a marine reserve and a bird sanctuary.
Fish are so tame they will come right up to you and
try to eat out of your hand. You will see a variety
of tropical fish and maybe a reef shark if you are lucky.
During whale season the boat trip out to Molokini will
let you enjoy whale watching as well.
Snorkel trips to LANAI
have become more popular in recent years and is less
crowded than Molokini. If you're looking for one of
the most unique and rewarding snorkeling adventures,
try kayaking to remote snorkel spots not accessible
by motorized boat. You might even have the extra thrill
of having dolphins surround your kayaks, manta rays
fly out of the water next to your kayak, or humpback
whale babies swim by and give you a curious glance.
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coastal
snorkeling maui |
| Caution
should always be exercised when going snorkeling along
the coastal areas. Check with the life guard (if there
is one on duty) to get more information about the ocean
conditions. If the Red Flags are flying that means the
water is unsafe to go into. Watch the ocean for 5 -
10 minutes to see what the waves are doing. It's always
best to snorkel with a friend. Avoid swimming in shore
break areas. Always check water depth. Never dive into
unknown water or shallow breaking surf.
Generally, the winds come up in the
afternoon causing larger waves, wind chop and murky
water. So... plan your beach activities for the morning.
Be sure to wear sunscreen. The sun in Hawaii will
burn you before you know it. In the winter the water
is a bit cooler (about 72 - 74 degrees compared to
over 80 degrees in summer) so don't stay in the water
too long or you might catch a chill. Standing or holding
on to coral will kill it (yes, it is alive). Be careful
about not to step on sea urchins. Their spines have
a poison in them that can make you ill. Apple cider
vinegar or urine (yes, urine) will help take the sting
away. If you start feeling sick, go to a doctor. Please
don't feed the fish.
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snorkeling
tips |
| If
it is your first time snorkeling (or even if you're
an expert) you might want to rent or purchase a dry
purge snorkel. It keeps the water from getting into
your snorkel which gives you peace of mind. Silicone
masks will fit your face better and are less likely
to leak. Be sure you keep the hair off your face when
you put your mask on. Any hair in your mask will also
cause the mask to leak. If you have a mustache, a silicone
mask is a "must" as is a little vaseline jelly
on your mustache! Silicone snorkels are more comfortable
in the mouth if you are planning on spending any time
at all in the water. There are some great deals to be
had on renting snorkeling gear, optical masks, dry snorkel
sets, boogie boards, view boards, surfboards and more.
Visit this snorkel
shop for great prices plus an internet
special.
Now... Let's go snorkeling...
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Ulua
and Mokapu Beach Parks |
| Kihei/Wailea
(5 minute drive from Kamaole Beach Park one) This
is an excellent place to start your snorkeling experience.
The marine life is varied with an occasional turtle.
There is a nice white sand beach and restroom facilities.
It is just south of the Rennaissance Hotel (previously
Stouffers). |
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Polo
Beach |
| Kihei/Wailea
(6 minute drive from Kamaole Beach Park one) Just south
of the Kealani Hotel and Polo Beach Club condominium
complex is some very excellent snorkeling. Because of
the rocky reef outcroppings and coral areas, the fish
are abundant with a very good chance of spotting turtles.
There is a nice white sand beach. No facilities. Park
on the side of the road. |
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Makena
Landing |
| Wailea/Makena
(8-10 minute drive from Kamaole Beach Park one) The
snorkeling here is quite good but the area can get a
little crowded between other snorkelers, kayakers and
dive operations. It has lots of parking, restroom and
shower. This is also a place you are likely to see turtles.
Except for the entry area, there is no white sand beach. |
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Ahihi
Bay |
| Wailea/Makena
(15 minute drive from Kamaole Beach Park one) This is
a marine reserve so no motorized boats are allowed in
the waters. This also means lots of fish! There are
no facilities and no white sand beach. Parking is very
limited. This is one of our highest recommendations
for snorkeling. Enjoy! |
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La
Perouse Bay |
| Makena
(20 + minute drive from Kamaole Beach park one) This
"is" the last stop on your journey down Makena
Road. You will have driven thru a couple miles of lava
fields to get there (on a paved road) and had spectacular
views of Haleakala. The explorer La Perouse landed here
and there is a monument in his honor. The road is a
bit pitted so drive slow but don't let it keep you out.
It is a slippery entry into the water so have aqua socks
on your feet if possible. Although we wouldn't call
this a beginners area for snorkeling, beginners who
take care will appreciate the delightful clarity of
the water here. This coastline is best experienced by
kayak if you really want to find the best places
for snorkeling on maui. |
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Papalaua |
| Maalaea/Lahaina
(20 minute drive from Lahaina) Papalaua Park and coral
gardens is truely one of the best snorkeling spots on
the island. Just North of the tunnel on the "pali",
this spot boasts some nice beach area, acres of hard
coral, some of the clearest water we've ever seen, lots
of fishies and lots of turtles. There are only outhouses
which a just bearable. |
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Olowalu |
| 14
Mile Marker-Lahaina (15 minutes drive south from
Lahaina) This area is protected from waves when the
rest of the snorkel spots might be inaccessible due
to swell conditions. The reef area reaches out to sea
about 250 feet with perfect visibiity due to the shallow
15-20 feet depth. Again, one of the favorites for fish
and turtles. There is beach but it is rather thin, especially
at low tide. You'll just be pulling off the road to
enjoy this snorkel spot. No facilities. |
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Black
Rock |
| Lahaina/Kaanapali
(15 + minutes north of Lahaina) This area is located
behind the Sheraton Maui in the Kaanapali resort. The
area is fairly protected from wind, the water is clear,
the beach is white and there's lots of it and the fish
are fairly abundant. |
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Airport
Beach |
| Lahaina/Kaanapali
(15 + minutes north of Lahaina) This is a beach park
so the facilities are wonderful. The beach seems to
go on forever and snorkeling is really nice at this
spot. As it is fairly exposed to winds there can be
a bit of a current here. Just be careful when you get
in the water and keep your eyes on the shore. |
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Kapalua
Bay |
| Kaanapali/Kapalua
(20 + minutes north of Lahaina) The snorkeling here
is enjoyable (not great) and the beach is especially
beautiful. It has restrooms and showers. |
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Honolua
Bay |
| Kapalua
(25 + minutes north of Lahaina) The best time for snorkeling
here is during the summer (in the winter the north swell
makes it difficult to go in the water except for wave
riding). The snorkeling here is exceptional with a wonderful
variety of fish and some great turtle watching. There
are no facilities and it is a bit of a hike down a steep
hill to get down to the beach. Do not leave valuables
in your car and you might consider leaving your car
unlocked. Unfortunately this area is known for cars
being broken into and items being stolen. |
Call us soon at 877-256-4248 / 808-879-6263 7 days
a week or click here
to fill out an Activity Request form.
Links
you will enjoy: Fiji
Vacations - Hawaii
Honeymoons - Tahiti
Honeymoons - Australia
Honeymoons - Honeymoon
Cruises |
