Your Guide To Snorkeling In Maui

Maui is known for its natural beauty. The Hawaiian Island boasts stunning beaches, fabulous hiking trails, and plenty of lagoons begging you to jump in. The Hawaiian Island also boasts some of the world’s best places for snorkeling.

Crystal-clear waters and thousands of species of fish, sea turtles, and even whales are some of the sights you can see in this breathtaking area. However, before you can experience a world-class snorkeling destination it helps to know where to go. Here’s everything you should know about snorkeling in Maui.

Best Places for Snorkeling in Maui

Regardless of which side of the island you’re on, there’s a place to go snorkeling. You can book a charter boat and head out with a group or wander into the water from the beach.

However, some places offer a little more than others. Maybe it’s the chance to snorkel by the green sea turtles or a sheltered cove ideal for beginners.

To help you make the most out of your Maui getaway, here are some of the top snorkeling spots on Maui that are worth checking out.

Poolenalena Beach

If your wish list includes seeing Maui’s green sea turtle population, head to Poolenalena Beach. You have the option of going into the water from three different spots, all conveniently located on the beach.

The green sea turtle cleaning station is located here which means there are almost always turtles nearby. Along with green sea turtles, you should expect to see a variety of colorful fish darting in and out of the coral reefs. You may even get to see a Barracuda at Poolenalena Beach.

Something to keep in mind is Hawaiian laws. Being able to get close to sea turtles is an amazing experience, but don’t touch them! Hawaii has strict conservation laws and disturbing a green sea turtle can carry fines of up to $15,000. If you harm a green sea turtle, the penalties are harsher.

If you’re wondering where the three snorkeling points are, there’s one on the left and right side of the beach. The other point is in the middle. Just look for the rocky areas and you’re at the right spot to jump in.

Honolua Bay

The waters in Honolua Bay are almost always calm and clear. If you’re new to snorkeling or introducing your children to the activity, the bay may be the ideal spot to start getting some experience.

Be prepared for a bit of a drive, the snorkeling spot is on Maui’s west side. If you don’t want to rent a vehicle, you can also book a snorkeling tour. Finding one that goes to Honolua Bay isn’t going to be a problem. The area is a popular snorkeling destination.

The reef is about 600 feet from the beach. Be careful if you’re entering the water from the beach. You’ll cross over some rocks and the algae can make them slick. A good tip is to wear shoes until you pass the rocks, then put your fins on. If you’re on a boat, no worries. The boat stops at the reef.

So, what can you see in the water? Like most of Hawaii’s reefs, you should expect to see plenty of species of fish. You may even spot a sea turtle. They occasionally come in to take advantage of the calm waters. However, the waters get choppy in the winter making the area better suited for surfing than snorkeling.

Molokini

You will need to take a charter boat to Molokini Crater if you want to hit one of Maui’s best snorkeling spots. The sunken volcanic crater is a couple of miles offshore and forms a natural crescent shape. Inside the crater, you’ll find calm waters with a visibility of around 50 feet. Here, plenty of native species of sea turtles and fish call the area home.

Snorkeling Tips On Maui

Even if snorkeling is second nature to you, every location is different. You may spend countless hours snorkeling in the Gulf of Mexico, but the Pacific waters around Maui have very different conditions to deal with.

To help make sure that your Maui snorkeling experience is one to remember for the right reasons, here are a few tips.

Wear the Right Type of Sunscreen

Finding sunscreen is rarely an issue whether you’re on the island or back on the mainland. The sun in Maui can be intense and you don’t want a sunburn to ruin your vacation. However, you also want to wear the right type of sunscreen.

Look for reef-safe sunscreen, which is sunscreen that doesn’t contain octinoxate or oxybenzone. These chemicals do protect sensitive skin from sunburn but they’re also harmful to coral reefs. The sunscreen should be labeled if it’s safe for coral reefs.

If you’re still in doubt, wait to purchase until you get to Maui. The only type of sunscreen sold on the Hawaiian Islands is safe for coral reefs.

Snorkeling Areas Are Exposed

Not all of the best snorkeling areas are exposed, but a lot are open to the elements, meaning wind and currents can be a problem, especially for inexperienced swimmers. Don’t forget, you’re snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean.

Regardless of whether or not you’re a strong swimmer, you should never go snorkeling alone, which is when you always want to follow the buddy rule. Always bring a buddy with you when you go into the water.

Best Time To Book a Snorkeling Vacation

The weather in Maui is usually warm and sunny throughout the year—which is great news! You can easily wear a tee shirt and shirts on the beach in January and still feel a little warm.

Winter, typically December through April, is also the best time to catch a glimpse of the hunchback whales. The whales migrate to Hawaii in the winter and return to Alaska in the summer.

The primary downside of snorkeling in the winter are water conditions. The water can be choppier in the winter and visibility is often reduced. Some of the best snorkeling spots in Maui are more suited for surfing in the winter.

While summer is usually the best time to book your snorkeling vacation, it’s also the busy tourist season. Hopefully, this guide gets you ready to experience an awesome snorkeling adventure in Maui.