Home → Maui Guidebook → Your Maui Summer Beach Guide: 16 Top Spots for Snorkeling, Surfing, and Family Fun
Your Maui Summer Beach Guide
16 Top Spots for Snorkeling, Surfing, and Family Fun
Summer on Maui is pure magic. The ocean is warm, the skies are blue, and the island is bursting with opportunities to get your feet sandy and your snorkel gear salty. Whether you’re exploring coral gardens, riding your first wave, taking in a peaceful paddle, or just keeping the keiki happy, Auntie Snorkel’s got your back with this ultimate Maui Summer Beach Guide.
We’re breaking it down by region and activity, with tips on weather, water temps, and top beach picks—so all you have to do is pack the reef-safe sunscreen and dive in.
🌡️ Maui Summer Beach Guide | Weather & Water Temperatures
Summer in Maui (June through August) means sunshine nearly every day, with highs in the low- to mid-80s°F (27–29°C) and steady trade winds from the NE. Ocean temperatures stay around a perfect 78–81°F (25–27°C)—ideal for snorkeling, SUP, and beach lounging. For more, check out our detailed guide on Maui Weather and Water Temperatures throughout the year here.
Regional Snapshot:
South Maui (Kihei, Wailea, Makena): Dry and sunny almost every day. Mornings offer calm, clear waters—perfect for ocean activities.
West Maui (Lahaina, Kaanapali, Napili): Gorgeous and breezy. Morning conditions are typically best before the trades pick up.
North Shore & East Maui (Paia, Haiku, Hana):Much calmer in summer than in winter! While these areas are known for big surf and rough water in colder months, summer often brings periods of calm.
👁 While forecasts can be ever-changing, Auntie’s Weather & Waves pages have live updates to the weather, surf, and tides, plus a live webcam for the region to show you conditions in real-time.
✅ Pro Tip: Always keep a wetsuit top or spring suit on hand for when you want to stay out in the water longer, even in the summer months. Snorkel and surf sessions lasting longer than 30 minutes can tend to make most people feel a little chilly because the water, while warm, is still cooler than your body temperature.
🏄♂️ Maui Summer Beach Guide | Surf Trends
Maui’s summer surf season is all about the south swells. These long-period swells roll in from storms far down in the South Pacific, bringing steady, manageable waves to the island’s south-facing shores—especially areas like Kihei and Lahaina. Unlike the wild, heavy surf that hits the north shore in winter, summer waves tend to be gentler and more consistent, making them perfect for beginner surfers and boogie boarders.
While these summer south swells are a dream for beginner surfers, they can stir up the water along south-facing snorkeling spots, especially in the afternoons or on bigger swell days. That means reduced visibility and increased surge in otherwise calm areas like Ulua Beach, Maluaka Beach, and Olowalu Mile Marker 14.
But don’t worry—there’s still plenty of snorkeling to be had! On swellier days, you can head to protected coves or northern and western beaches like Napili Bay, Honolua Bay, or even Kahekili Beach Park in Kaanapali, which often stay calm in summer. Even beaches farther north in Kihei, like Kamaole I can have much less waves on certain south swells than beaches farther south. And on the very calmest mornings, you might even find rare opportunities to snorkel north shore spots like Ho‘okipa—just be sure to check the ocean conditions and forecasts first.
✅ Pro Tip: Always consult our Maui Beach Guides with live webcams to see what the waves and water look like before heading out!
🤿 Maui Summer Beach Guide | Snorkeling Spots
Summer is prime snorkeling season on Maui, with generally calm mornings and great visibility—especially on west- and south-facing beaches. While south swells can occasionally stir things up, there are still plenty of protected gems for underwater exploration. Be sure to check out our guide to 6 Snorkeling Spots Sheltered from Summer Swells for more details about how south swells impact some of our favorite snorkeling spots.
Top Picks:
Molokini Crater: Book a morning boat tour for incredible clarity and abundant marine life in this volcanic crescent.
Kapalua Bay: Easy entry, sandy shoreline, and thriving reef make this a beginner favorite.
Kahekili Beach Park: Swim alongside sea turtles and colorful fish just off the beach. Early mornings are best.
Honolua Bay: A protected marine area with vibrant reef life and crystal-clear water.
Napili Bay: Calm, clear, and often turtle-filled—great for gentle snorkeling sessions.
👁 Check our Maui Beach Guides for live webcam conditions and updates before heading out.
💡 Bonus Tip: Our Fun Specialists are your best friends when it comes to up-to-date, local knowledge about conditions and the best spots for you. Be sure to stop in our Kihei and Lahaina stores to talk story and get the day’s best info!
🏄 Maui Summer Beach Guide | Surf Spots
Thanks to summer south swells, this is a great season to learn how to surf on Maui! Often gentle, rolling waves hit the island’s south-facing shores, creating ideal conditions for first-timers. However, sometimes the summer swell can get powerful. Be sure to check forecasts and watch the ocean for 10-15 minutes before paddling out so you have a good idea of the full swell pattern present.
Our Favorite Beginner Surf Spots:
The Cove: Soft, friendly waves and mostly sandy bottom make this the place to start. Just steps from our Kihei shop!
Launiupoko Beach Park: Another favorite for lots of room to explore and enjoy a fun beach day in between surf sessions.
Ukumehame Beach Park: South of Lahaina, this spot has lots of peaks to choose from, and can deliver mellow longboard waves during moderate swell.
Early summer mornings on Maui offer glassy waters and a peaceful paddle boarding experience. Glide along the shore, watch for turtles, and take in the views.
Best SUP Launch Points:
Kamaole Beach I or II: Smooth entry, calm conditions, and lots of space to learn.
Makena Landing: Serene and scenic with easy entry and exit, plus lots of turtles. Exercise caution when south swells are in the forecast.
Napili Bay: A favorite for calm water paddling with turtle-spotting potential.
Kahekili Beach Park: When the winds are light, this is a fantastic place with easy entry and exit for a paddle along the spectacular Ka’anapali shoreline.
Napili Bay: The reef near the shoreline teems with colorful marine life, making it a fantastic spot for kids and adults alike to observe fish, turtles, and other sea creatures.
Summer is the perfect season to explore everything Maui’s beaches have to offer—from gentle surf breaks to calm snorkeling coves. Let Auntie Snorkel’s Maui Summer Beach Guide help you make the most of every sandy, splashy, unforgettable day.
About
Auntie Snorkel
Auntie Snorkel shop has been serving Maui’s fun seekers since 1985. We're the original South Maui Snorkel Shop. When I bought the shop 10 years ago from Auntie, we decided to keep the name. The name "Auntie" is a term of respect here in Hawaii. I'm living my dream. I get to meet awesome people from all over the world and share with them my love and knowledge of this magical island that I get to call home. We know all the spots. I have lived here since 2001. We're the true definition of a family owned and operated shop. I answer the phones and work the shop along with my family. When you shop with us you're supporting my ohana and for that I thank you!! Why go anywhere else? We're the friendliest, fastest, cheapest and our location is the most epic! Mahalo and Aloha”. ~Mark Noble (Owner & Maui Fun Expert)
Spent a week on Maui using the snorkel gear that Kyle helped us pick out. It was quality gear. Kyle also gave great recommendations for snorkeling beaches around the island, which were all amazing. We would definitely use Auntie’s Snorkel again!
Samuel G.
The guys at both locations worked great for our family [mark and burton] they allowed us to get a rain check on our surfboards and boogie boards for later in the week. They even seamlessly allowed us to switch store locations since the store in Lahaina was much closer. I highly recommend this company. The first employee I think his name was mark even loaded our surfboards and strapped them to two of our cars! May you remember that Jesus alone saves.
M F.
Very easy process. Staff was super knowledgeable and easy to work with. Burton was great upon returning gear.
Kevin Johnson D.
Dave was awesome! Thank yall for making a great time even greater.
Lisa P.
Cali was awesome helping us get the gear we needed- we will be back again next time! Mahalo!
