Maui, Hawaii, is one of the most beautiful places in the world. From its breathtaking shorelines covered in golden sand (or black sand!) to its stunning waterfalls and Hawaiian wildflowers, the island’s beauty consistently blows us away. With so many things to do here, you can’t go wrong when you plan your Maui itinerary. One activity that you can’t miss, though, is going snorkeling in Maui! It's one of the most popular activities here.
You’ll have a blast when you set out on an adventurous expedition! Our team at Maui Condo knows the best snorkeling beaches around, so you won’t have to go searching for the perfect spot.
Need help finding the best places to snorkel in Maui, Hawaii? We’ve got you covered!
Keawakapu Beach Snorkeling
Keawakapu Beach is one of the best beaches for snorkeling in Hawaii! The water is crystal clear, so you can see creatures far and wide.
Over 250 species of fish live here, which is a real treat. Not every snorkeling spot has such a diverse array; the variety of habitats including coral reefs, seagrass beds, sandy flats, and rocky outcrops, here makes it possible for so many kinds of fish and other aquatic animals to thrive at Keawakapu.
Common Marine Life to See at Keawakapu:
Sea turtles, eels, octopuses, dolphins, stingrays, squid, triggerfish, angelfish, parrotfish, surgeonfish, and butterflyfish
Kapalua Bay Snorkeling
Traveling with kids? Kapalua Bay is the perfect place to take the little ones on a snorkeling adventure! Its waters are nice and calm, thanks to the protected cove that keeps larger waves out. Lava rock outcrops surround the beach, keeping the waters calm and visibility excellent.
Common Marine Life to See at Kapalua Bay:
Sea turtles, butterflyfish, Moorish idols, goatfish, wrasse, surgeonfish, and trumpetfish
Snorkeling Kamaole Beach, Maui
Kamaole Beach Park (especially Kamaole III) offers a great mix of sandy beach and rocky outcroppings that attract marine life. It’s easy to access the snorkeling spots here, and the water is calm in the morning. Head toward the rocks on either end of the beach to see where fish like to hang out. We have several condos in Kihei right near Kamaole III, like the two-bedroom, two-bathroom Maui Parkshore 306, so you won’t have to travel far for some good snorkeling!
Common Marine Life to See at Kamaole Beach:
Triggerfish, parrotfish, goatfish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, damselfish, and green sea turtles
Snorkel at Wailea Beach
Known as one of the most popular beaches in Maui (many celebrities visit here!), Wailea Beach isn’t just a pretty spot—it’s also a solid choice for Maui snorkeling. The best areas are along the rocky points on either end of the beach, where coral and lava rock create natural hiding spots for fish and turtles.
Common Marine Life to See at Wailea Beach:
Sea turtles, saddle wrasse, butterflyfish, sergeant majors, boxfish, and tangs
Ahihi Bay Maui Snorkeling
Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve is one of the most untouched places in Maui to snorkel. It’s a dedicated natural reserve that contains 807 acres of marine ecosystems.
The lava rock coastline here is a massive plus for those wanting to see many types of marine wildlife! Lava rock provides the perfect home for underwater life to flourish. Though the rock can be jagged, the underwater views are worth it. With fish-packed tide pools and deeper spots just offshore, it’s one of our favorite beginner-friendly places to snorkel in Maui. Be prepared before you come here, though! The land is undeveloped, so there’s no food or water, and very little coastline to lie out on. It’s truly a snorkeling destination, not somewhere to spend a beach day!
Common Marine Life to See at Ahihi Bay:
Pufferfish, tangs, needlefish, sea turtles, eels, parrotfish, and coral crabs
Snorkeling La Perouse Bay
Snorkeling La Perouse Bay is not for the faint of heart, and not a journey for beginners. But if you’re ready for a challenge, you can have an unbelievable snorkeling experience here. Located at the end of the road in South Maui, the bay is surrounded by rugged lava rock and is less developed than other areas. Like with Ahihi, be prepared to bring your own food and water to La Perouse. Enjoy some privacy and see a variety of vibrant marine life!
Common Marine Life to See at La Perouse Bay:
Dolphins, sea turtles, needlefish, yellow tang, moray eels, surgeonfish, and octopuses
What is the best snorkeling beach in Maui for beginners?
The best snorkeling beaches in Maui for beginners are Kapalua Bay, Wailea Beach, and Ahihi Bay.
Where can I find snorkel rentals in Maui?
You can find plenty of snorkel rentals in Maui, from Kaanapali to Wailea. Here are just a few Maui snorkeling rental companies:
- The Snorkel Store – throughout Maui
- Boss Frog’s – Kaanapali
- Auntie Snorkel – throughout Maui
Can I Go on a Snorkeling Tour in Maui?
You sure can! These are a few local Maui snorkeling tours:
Book Your Maui Vacation Directly with Maui Condo!
Now that you know the best places to snorkel in Maui, you’ll be more ready to traverse the waters once you get here! The only thing left to do is book your trip.
After a long day of exploring underwater, you’ll want to return to a vacation rental with all the comforts of home (scenic tropical views don’t hurt either). Enjoy these perks and more when you book your stay directly with Maui Condo!
Whether you’re looking for an oceanfront Maui condo or want to stay in a specific area like Kihei, there are plenty of options for your stay. We’re confident you’ll find the perfect fit for you in our extensive catalog of condos in Maui. Browse our available Maui vacation rental condos now and book your trip directly with Maui Condo!