Top 7 Kid-Friendly Snorkeling Spots in Maui

Maui is a snorkeling paradise, but when you’re bringing little kids along for the adventure, choosing the right spot is key. Calm waters, easy beach access, and plenty of colorful fish make all the difference in creating fun, safe, and memorable snorkeling experiences for the whole family. Lucky for you, there are several kid-friendly snorkeling spots in Maui that are perfect for introducing your little ones to the wonders of the ocean. So, come to Auntie Snorkel to rent your snorkel gear in kids and junior sizes, life vests, wetsuits, boogie boards, and a wagon to roll out for new adventures together!

What Makes a Snorkeling Spot Kid-Friendly?

Not all beaches are created equal, especially when it comes to snorkeling with young children. The best spots have: 

Calm conditions – No big surf or strong currents.
Easy entry – Sandy beaches instead of rocky shorelines.
Shallow waters – Plenty to see without going too deep.
Lots of marine life – The pool doesn’t have turtles!

With that in mind, here are our favorite kid-friendly snorkeling spots in Maui.

---

1. Kamaole Beach Parks 1, 2, and 3

The Kamaole Beach Parks in Kihei—affectionately known as Kam 1, Kam 2, and Kam 3—are some of the best places for families with young snorkelers. Each offers sandy beaches, gentle waves, and plenty of space to explore. The reefs are close to shore, so little ones don’t have to swim far to spot colorful fish and even the occasional sea turtle.

🔹 Why It’s Great for Kids:

• Gently sloping, sandy entry with shallow waters.
• Typically calm mornings with gentle waves, ideal for beginners (summer season tends to have more waves).
• Easy access to restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.

🔹 Pro Tips:

• Kam 1 is best for snorkeling with more reef coverage and marine life.
• Kam 2 and Kam 3 offer more open swimming areas but still have great snorkeling near the rocky edges. Kam 3 even has a playground!
• Check out the live webcams on all of the Kamaole beach guides to monitor ocean conditions before heading out. 
• Check in with the lifeguards stationed at all three of these parks for guidance about current conditions, and the best areas to enter the water.

2. Kapalua Bay

Kapalua Bay is one of Maui’s most beautiful beaches, and it’s also perfect for little ones learning to snorkel. The bay is protected by two lava rock formations, often keeping the water calm and making it easy for kids to float and explore.

🔹 Why It’s Great for Kids:

• Gentle, clear water with lots of colorful fish.
• Soft sandy entry—no painful rocks to step on.
• Great for families with both little kids and older siblings who want to snorkel a bit further out.

🔹 Pro Tips:

• Arrive early—this beach gets crowded quickly.
• Rent float belts or life vests to give kids extra confidence.
• Winter months will bring waves and more hazardous conditions to this spot. 

---

3. Napili Bay

Napili Bay is another sheltered, kid-friendly snorkeling spot that’s great for little ones who aren’t quite ready for deep water but still want to see fish. The sandy bottom and gentle waves make it a fantastic starter spot for tiny snorkelers.

🔹 Why It’s Great for Kids:

• Calm, shallow water with good visibility.
• Turtles often hang out nearby (but remember to give them space!).
• Close to restaurants and amenities in case of snack emergencies.

🔹 Pro Tips:

• Arrive early for the best chance at parking. Check our Napili Bay Beach Guide for helpful parking tips. 
• Summer months are best here. Winter months can bring waves and hazardous conditions.
• Use wetsuits for kids—they provide warmth and sun protection.
• Check out the live webcam on our Napili Bay Beach Guide to monitor ocean conditions before heading out.

---

4. Ulua Beach

Located in Wailea, Ulua Beach is an amazing snorkeling spot for kids. It tends to have super calm mornings, a sandy entry, and a reef close to shore, so kids don’t have to swim far to see fish.

🔹 Why It’s Great for Kids:

• Shallow reef with an assortment of sea life, from butterflyfish, to parrotfish, and turtles.
• Soft sand entry, with a gentle slope.
• Easy access to parking and facilities like showers and restrooms. 
• Winter months tend to bring calm waters here when spots further north and west have hazardous waves. 

🔹 Pro Tips:

• Bring boogie boards and floatation devices for more comfortable exploring.
• Check out the live webcam on our Ulua Beach Guide to monitor ocean conditions before heading out.

---

5. Maluaka Beach

If your kids are excited to see turtles, Maluaka Beach is one of the best spots in Maui. This beach is just adjacent to the Turtle Town area of Makena Landing, so still gets plenty of turtles cruising by and is much easier snorkeling from shore.

🔹 Why It’s Great for Kids:

• Tons of turtles! Just remember to keep a safe distance.
• Calm mornings = Best snorkeling conditions.
• Shallow reefs = Little ones don’t have to go deep to see marine life.

🔹 Pro Tips:

• Arrive before 10 AM for the best conditions.
• Winter months will see the calmest waters here. Summer can bring bigger waves. 
• Rent a beach wagon to easily roll all your kids’ things from the free parking lot to the beach. 
• Rent a paddle board so parents can supervise kids from the water while enjoying the view.

---

6. Olowalu Mile Marker 14

Olowalu Mile Marker 14, located along Honoapiʻilani Highway, is a hidden gem for families with young snorkelers. This spot offers calm, shallow waters and an abundance of colorful fish, making it a fantastic place for kids to practice their snorkeling skills.

🔹 Why It’s Great for Kids:

• Usually calm water conditions due to its location along a protected coastline. Winter months bring calmer waters than summer.
• Easy entry and wading along ribbons of sand, making it simple for little ones to get in and out.
• Usually shallow water makes this a great spot for kids to get accustomed to using their snorkel gear in the ocean. 

🔹 Pro Tips:

• Arrive early, as parking can be limited. Be careful not to pull your car into very loose, soft sand. 
• Bring snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities nearby. It’s a short drive to Olowalu Village for food and restrooms. 
• Rent beach chairs and umbrellas to comfortably set up the whole family on the beach. 
• This is Maui’s oldest and original reef. You’ll see signs of climate impacts on it. This is a good opportunity to educate little ones about taking care of coral reef for their future. 

---

7. Take the Calypso Boat to Molokini & Turtle Town

For families looking for an unforgettable snorkeling experience, taking the Calypso to Molokini Crater and Turtle Town is an excellent option. This partially submerged volcanic crater is home to some of the clearest waters in Maui, making it perfect for kids to spot vibrant marine life.

🔹 Why It’s Great for Kids:

• Crystal-clear visibility with minimal waves inside the crater.
• Comfortable boat ride with amenities like shade, food, and restrooms. The entire back of the boat is broad stairs making for very easy water entry and exit. 
• Plenty of colorful fish and coral to see. You’ll also get to see lots of turtles at your 2nd stop in Turtle Town. In winter months, you’ll probably see whales, too!
• The boat has a glass bottom section that’s perfect for checking out the marine life without getting wet.

🔹 Pro Tips:

• Book in advance, as spots fill up quickly. Auntie Snorkel can get you the lowest prices guaranteed!
• Rent a GoPro to record all of your awesome adventure. Auntie Snorkel’s rates are the best around!
• Use float belts or life vests for added confidence. The boat will have these for you. 
• Bring a light jacket for chilly-feeling wind in the morning, and reef-safe sunscreen.

---

Remember, When Snorkeling with Kids:

• Always Supervise – Never let kids venture out into the ocean unsupervised. Duh.
• Always Use Floatation Devices – Life vests, float belts, and boogie boards make snorkeling safer, easier, and more enjoyable for kids.
• Practice in a Pool First – Let kids get comfortable with their snorkel gear before heading into the ocean.
• Check Conditions First – Always use the live webcams on many of our Maui Beach Guides to ensure the water is calm before heading out.
• Take Breaks & Stay Hydrated – Little snorkelers get tired fast, so bring snacks and plenty of water.
• Stay Close to Shore – Stick to shallow areas where kids can stand if needed.
• Go Slow & Keep It Fun – Let kids explore at their own pace and celebrate small discoveries like spotting their first fish!

Make Your Family Snorkel Trip Easy with Auntie Snorkel!

At Auntie Snorkel, we take pride in offering top-quality snorkeling gear designed specifically for kids. From kid-sized snorkel sets to comfortable life vests and wetsuits, we’ve got everything to ensure your little snorkelers are safe, confident, and having the time of their lives in the water.

Our expert team is here to provide personalized fittings and tips to help your family make the most of your snorkeling adventure. Whether it’s your child’s first time snorkeling or they’re already a pro, we’ll set them up with the best gear for an unforgettable Maui experience!

At Auntie Snorkel, we love helping families have the best snorkeling experiences. Reserve online for pickup in our Kihei or Lahaina stores, and then come see us to let the fun begin!