Premium Snorkel Gear Rentals in Kihei, Wailea, and Makena
50% Off When You Book Online!
Kihei and Lahaina • Premium Silicone Mask • Dry Snorkel • Fitted Fins • Fish ID Card and Snorkel Site Map
Questions about snorkel rentals or any other Maui rental? Text or call us at (808) 298-3021 daily. We are fun specialists and island experts, and we can help you plan the perfect Maui snorkel day. We are Maui family-owned and operated, and we’re Maui’s highest-rated activity and rental shop!
It’s easy to book your Kihei snorkel rental right here online.
Auntie Snorkel offers the lowest prices guaranteed!
Free cancellation anytime prior to pickup.
Text or Call (808) 298-3021 Daily!
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Why You’ll Love Our Snorkel Gear Rentals
⭐ Snorkel with Turtles Just Two Minutes From Our Shop
Our Kihei shop sits directly across the street from one of the most accessible turtle reefs on Maui. The colorful reef at Kamaole Beach Park I is home to dozens of Hawaiian green sea turtles and a wide variety of tropical fish. Pick up your gear, walk two minutes to the water, and you are snorkeling with sea turtles.
⭐ Premium Gear That Actually Fits and Works
The difference between good snorkel gear and bad snorkel gear is the difference between a magical morning underwater and one spent fighting a leaking mask and kicking awkward fins. We rent only premium silicone masks, dry snorkels, and soft rubber fins, the very gear we use ourselves. Every piece is inspected between rentals. A proper seal, a dry snorkel that closes when submerged, and fins that fit your feet are not luxuries.
⭐ Premium Silicone Mask With Anti-Fog Coating
Our frameless masks use premium silicone skirts that seal reliably to virtually every face shape without leaking. The tempered glass lens is coated in a special anti-fog layer, and every rental includes defog solution for additional clarity.
⭐ Dry Snorkel With Top Valve and Purge Valve
Our dry snorkels close the top valve automatically when submerged, so you will not inhale saltwater when a wave comes over you or when you duck below the surface for a closer look. A one-way purge valve beneath the mouthpiece makes clearing any water that does enter simple with one breath. This is a game-changing upgrade over basic snorkels.
⭐ Fitted Soft Rubber Fins From XS to XXL
We carry fins from children’s sizes through XXL-sized adult feet. Fins that fit correctly make you a significantly stronger swimmer so you cover more distance with less effort, stay in position over a reef without fighting current, and come out of the water with far more energy than you went in with. Fins that do not fit do the opposite. We size you correctly at pickup.
⭐ Rx Correction Mask Upgrades Available
We carry optical prescription correction masks for guests who wear glasses. Mention your prescription (from -2 to -7) at pickup and our staff will fit you with a mask that lets you see the reef clearly without contacts or compromised vision. You should not have to choose between sight and snorkeling.
⭐ Free Snorkel Site Map, Fish ID Card, and Defog
Every rental includes a free map of Maui’s best snorkeling sites showing the highest concentrations of turtles and tropical fish around the island, a fish identification card so you know what you are looking at underwater, and defog solution for your mask. Our staff also give you personalized tips at pickup on where to go based on the current conditions and your skill level, plus a safety briefing. Check out our Snorkel 101 page for all the helpful information you need!
⭐ 50% Off When You Book Online
Booking ahead through auntiesnorkel.com cuts the snorkel rental price in half. This is one of the most significant online discounts available for any rental on Maui. There is no reason not to book in advance.
⭐ Pick Up at Either Our Kihei or Lahaina Shop
Snorkel gear is available for pickup and return at either our Kihei store or our Lahaina store, regardless of which shop you reserved from. You can treat both locations like one big shop!
What’s Included in Your Snorkel Gear Rental
✔ Premium frameless silicone mask with tempered glass and anti-fog coating
✔ Fitted soft rubber fins (sizes XS through XXL – children through adult)
✔ Dry snorkel with automatic top valve and one-way purge valve
✔ Mesh carrying bag with shoulder strap
✔ Defog solution
✔ Map of Maui’s best snorkel sites
✔ Fish identification card
✔ Personalized snorkel spot recommendations and safety briefing from our staff at pickup
✔ 50% off the standard rental rate when you book online
✔ Pickup at Auntie Snorkel’s Kihei shop or Lahaina shop
✔ Easy return to either shop when you’re done
✔ Free cancellation anytime prior to pickup
How Your Snorkel Gear Rental Works
Renting from Auntie Snorkel is fast and simple. Here is what to expect from booking to return.
Step 1 — Book online. Select your rental dates and complete your booking. You’ll receive an order confirmation email to show at pickup.
Step 2 — Pick up at our Kihei shop. Come in during shop hours and our staff will fit your mask, size your fins, set you up with your dry snorkel, and give you personalized tips on where to go based on conditions and your experience level, plus a safety briefing. This takes just a few minutes and makes a real difference in your session.
Step 3 — Walk to the reef. Kamaole Beach Park I is a two-minute walk from our shop. The reef starts directly across the street. Attach your fins at the water’s edge, apply your defog, and you are in.
Step 4 — Snorkel. Follow our staff’s recommendations for where the turtles and best reef conditions are on the day. Kam I, Kam II, and Kam III all have lifeguard stations and are among the safest snorkel beaches in South Maui.
Step 5 — Return when you’re done. Rinse your gear in fresh water and return it to either of our shops by the end of your rental period.
Kihei shop hours: 7:30am – 5pm daily
Kihei shop address: 2439 S Kihei Road, #101A, Kihei, HI 96753
Phone/Text: (808) 298-3021
Looking for the Lahaina shop? Lahaina shop address: 335 Keawe St #220, Lahaina, HI 96761
Getting the Most From Your Snorkel Gear
Good gear is only part of a great snorkel session. A few tips that make a real difference. Check out our Snorkel 101 page for our detailed snorkeling information.
Mask Fit and Anti-Fog
- Before putting your mask on in the water, apply defog solution to the inside of the lens, rub it around, and rinse it lightly with seawater. This primes the anti-fog coating and keeps your view clear for the entire session.
- To check the fit on shore, press the mask to your face without using the strap and inhale gently through your nose. The mask should stay in place on its own. If it falls, try a different size.
- Keep hair, sunscreen, and facial hair away from the mask skirt. Any gap in the seal lets water in. Tuck hair behind your head and apply sunscreen well before putting the mask on.
Fins
- Put your fins on at the water’s edge, not on dry sand. Walking in fins on land is awkward and can damage the foot pocket.
- Use long, slow, relaxed kicks from the hip rather than short rapid kicks from the knee. This moves you efficiently and conserves energy over a longer session.
- Keep your arms at your sides while swimming. Snorkeling is fin-powered. Using your arms burns energy without adding much speed.
The Dry Snorkel
- The top valve closes automatically when the snorkel is submerged. If you want to duck down for a closer look at a turtle, simply dive and the valve closes on its own.
- When you surface, blow out firmly through the mouthpiece to clear any water that entered. The purge valve at the bottom of the snorkel makes this a single easy breath rather than a struggle.
- If water enters while you are at the surface, ensure the snorkel is sitting close to your mask and upright. The top valve works best when the snorkel is vertical.
Where to Snorkel in Kihei
Our staff give personalized recommendations at pickup based on current conditions. You can always check out our Maui Beach Guides for detailed information about South Maui beaches and our Maui Webcams page for live conditions. In general, these South Maui spots are our top recommendations for guests renting from our Kihei shop.
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Kamaole Beach Park I (Kam I)
- Directly across the street from our shop and the first stop for almost every snorkeler who rents from us. The colorful reef at Kam I is home to dozens of Hawaiian green sea turtles and a wide variety of tropical fish. The water is warm and clear, the beach entry is sandy and gradual, and the reef starts at a comfortable depth close to shore. Lifeguards on duty. This is one of the most accessible and rewarding snorkel spots in all of Hawaii.
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Kamaole Beach Park II (Kam II)
- A short walk south of Kam I with its own reef section and calmer conditions on many mornings. The snorkeling at Kam II can be excellent, particularly at the rocky points at either end of the beach where reef fish congregate. A good alternative when Kam I is particularly busy or when conditions are better on this stretch.
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Kamaole Beach Park III (Kam III)
- The largest of the three Kamaole parks, with good snorkeling at the rocky points on each end. The south point at Kam III can be particularly productive for reef fish and turtles. A good option for guests who want more space and a longer session along South Kihei’s coastline.
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Ulua Beach (Wailea)
- A picturesque beach in the Wailea resort area, about a 10-minute drive south from our Kihei shop, known for pristine, clear water and excellent snorkeling. The snorkeling is best at the rocky areas at each end of the beach, with the northern side adjacent to Mokapu Beach generally considered the stronger of the two.
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Maluaka Beach (Makena)
- A long, sandy, family-friendly beach in the Makena area, about 15 to 20 minutes south of our Kihei shop. The beach itself is mostly sand, but the rocky outcrops at either end provide excellent habitat for colorful fish and large sea turtles, with the south end being particularly accessible for snorkeling. The water is typically calm and clear, making it a comfortable choice for families and snorkelers of all levels.
Add-Ons to Complete Your Snorkel Experience
🐢 Wetsuit or Thermal Top Rental
Maui’s water is warm, but most snorkelers stay in longer and more comfortably with a shorty wetsuit or zip-up thermal top. A wetsuit also provides meaningful sun protection on your back and shoulders during long surface sessions and adds buoyancy that keeps you effortlessly at the surface. We rent 3mm shorty wetsuits and thermal tops. Just add one at booking or ask at pickup!
📷 GoPro Underwater Camera Rental
You will want proof of the turtles you saw in Maui! We rent GoPro underwater cameras for just $39.95. They are simple to use, with only two buttons, and take vivid videos and photos underwater. Add one at booking or grab one at the shop when you pick up your gear.
🦺 Life Jacket or Float Belt Rental
We recommend everyone adds flotation to their snorkel session. It lets you relax at the surface, which means you spend more time looking down at the reef and less time thinking about swimming. We rent Coast Guard certified life jackets and yellow waist float belts. Add one in the booking add-on menu above.
Snorkeling During Whale Season
From December 15 through April 15, Maui hosts one of the largest humpback whale migrations in the world. The waters off Kihei sit within the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. During this window, snorkelers at Kamaole Beach and other South Maui spots can hear humpback whales singing beneath the surface while they snorkel. It’s genuinely remarkable experience that most visitors do not expect.
If you are visiting during whale season, plan an early morning snorkel session and listen for the low resonant call that carries clearly through the water.
Who Should Rent Snorkel Gear from Auntie Snorkel?
This rental is a great fit for:
- Anyone who wants to swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles at the reef two minutes from our shop
- Guests staying in Kihei, Wailea, or Makena who want easy access to the Kamaole Beach Parks and South Maui reef
- First-time snorkelers who want properly fitted gear and personalized instruction before hitting the water
- Experienced snorkelers who want premium gear without bringing equipment from home
- Families with children of all sizes – we carry gear from extra-small children through XXL adults
- Guests visiting during whale season who want to hear humpback whales singing underwater while they snorkel
- Anyone heading on a Molokini Crater snorkel tour who wants to know their gear is quality and well-fitting before heading out on the water
Pair your snorkel gear with a GoPro rental to capture everything, a wetsuit rental for warmth and sun protection, and a beach umbrella for a shaded spot to return to between sessions. Browse all Kihei beach rentals available from Auntie Snorkel.
Snorkel Gear Care and Responsibility
⚠️ Renters are responsible for the gear during the rental period. Damage beyond normal wear or loss of gear may result in additional charges.
⚠️ Rinse all gear thoroughly in fresh water after each snorkel session. Salt and sand left in mask skirts and fin foot pockets accelerates wear and degrades the silicone.
⚠️ Do not leave masks or fins in direct sun for extended periods. UV exposure degrades silicone faster than water use.
⚠️ Return gear in the mesh bag provided.
⚠️ Report any damage to the mask, snorkel, or fins at pickup rather than discovering it in the water. Our staff will replace any piece that is not in proper working order before you head out.
Pro Tips from Your Fun Specialists
- Go in the morning. The Kamaole Beach reefs are typically clearest and calmest before the afternoon trade winds arrive and stir up the water. Turtles are also most active in the morning hours.
- Apply defog before every session. Rinse the mask with seawater first, apply a few drops, rub them around, and do a brief seawater rinse.
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen. Hawaii law requires reef-safe sunscreen at all beaches and snorkel sites. Apply it well before entering the water so it absorbs before you go in.
- Do not touch the turtles. Hawaiian green sea turtles are federally protected. Touching, chasing, or blocking their path is illegal. Hang back and let them come check you out if they like. Watching a turtle from two feet away without touching it is a more rewarding experience than grabbing one.
- Use the fish ID card. Knowing what you are looking at makes every snorkel session significantly more interesting. The humuhumunukunukuapuaa (Hawaii’s state fish) is common at the Kamaole reefs and worth looking for specifically.
- Ask our staff exactly where the turtles are when you pick up your gear. We send guests to the right spot for the conditions on the day, not just a general area. That local knowledge makes a real difference.
- Book online before your trip to lock in the 50% discount. Gear is popular and availability is limited. Booking early guarantees your set.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Snorkel Gear Rentals in Kihei
Do I need any snorkeling experience?
No experience is required. Our staff walk every first-time snorkeler through how to use the mask, snorkel, and fins before they head out. Most guests are comfortable in the water within five to ten minutes of their first session. The shallow, calm conditions at Kamaole Beach Park I make it one of the most forgiving first-snorkel spots on Maui.
Will I actually see turtles?
The reef at Kamaole Beach Park I hosts a resident population of Hawaiian green sea turtles that are regularly present in the water directly across from our shop. Our staff know where they tend to congregate on any given day and will tell you exactly where to look. Turtle sightings are genuinely common rather than rare at this spot.
What is a dry snorkel and why does it matter?
A dry snorkel has a valve at the top that closes automatically when the snorkel is submerged, preventing water from entering. The purge valve at the bottom of the mouthpiece makes clearing any remaining water simple with a single exhale. Basic snorkels have neither feature and require you to blow water out manually every time you dip below the surface.
Do you have gear for children?
Yes. We carry fins, masks, and snorkels from extra-small children’s sizes through adult XXL. Our staff size children at pickup the same way they size adults. Properly fitted gear is just as important for kids as it is for grown-ups.
Do you have masks for guests who wear glasses?
Yes. We carry optical Rx correction mask upgrades for guests who wear glasses. Mention your prescription at pickup and our staff will fit you with the right mask.
Can I pick up at one shop and return to the other?
Yes, absolutely. You may pick up and return at either our Kihei or Lahaina shop, regardless of which location you reserved from. Treat both locations like one big shop.
What is the cancellation policy?
Auntie Snorkel offers free cancellation anytime prior to pickup. No deadline, no fees.
Why Rent Your Snorkel Gear from Auntie Snorkel?
⭐ Best-Value Snorkel Rentals on Maui with 50% Off Online
⭐ Premium Silicone Mask, Dry Snorkel, and Fitted Fins – Gear We Use Ourselves
⭐ Snorkel With Turtles Two Minutes From Our Kihei Shop
⭐ Personalized Snorkel Spot Recommendations at Every Pickup
⭐ Free Cancellation Anytime Prior to Pickup
⭐ Trusted by Thousands of Happy Maui Guests
More About Snorkeling in Kihei
Why Kihei Is One of the Best Places to Snorkel on Maui
South Maui’s coastline runs along a stretch of reef that is consistently ranked among the top shoreline snorkel destinations in Hawaii. The Kamaole Beach Parks sit on a reef system that is accessible, beautiful, and remarkably productive for wildlife. And the fact that our shop is a two-minute walk from the reef means you spend your time underwater rather than in transit.
Gear Quality Is the Difference Between Miserable and Magical
The premium gear we rent is genuinely different in every meaningful way: the mask seals, the snorkel stays dry, the fins fit. With the right gear, snorkeling in Kihei’s warm, clear, turtle-filled water is one of the best experiences available anywhere on earth.
The Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle: Maui’s Most Beloved Resident
The Hawaiian green sea turtle, or honu, is one of the most iconic and beloved wildlife encounters available to Maui visitors. Watching a honu glide effortlessly over the reef is an experience that most guests describe as a genuine highlight of their entire Maui trip. Our staff will tell you exactly where to find them on the day you rent.
Pickup Location: Auntie Snorkel Kihei, 2439 S Kihei Road, #101A, Kihei, HI 96753
Learn More About Snorkeling on Maui from Auntie Snorkel’s Fun Specialists
Auntie Snorkel’s Maui Guidebook offers all our Island Expert knowledge at your fingertips to help you plan the perfect Maui snorkel experience. Check out these articles from our local experts.
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