tals are by the day or week, so

2021/05/21

Rentals are by the day or week, so save yourself the hassle and enjoy an easy rental to see some of the most breathtaking underwater scenery and marine life in the Aloha State! Wanna know where to snorkel each day? Oh, and it has great snorkeling. Make sure to use some reef safe sunscreen to protect the ocean reefs and most importantly have fun! Site Credit, Here we cover the best snorkeling spots near Lahaina and along the west Maui coast, from Kapalua down to Olowalu. Kamaole Beach Park III normally has a gentle shore break, but this can change when there is a big south swell. The 15 BEST Farm Tours on Maui You Dont Want to Miss, Dinner on the Beach in Maui: Private Dining and Beachfront Restaurants. Honokeana is ideal in the summer months as well as in between winter swells. The place offers excellent snorkeling for both beginners expert snorkelers. Amenities include an outdoor shower and indoor bathrooms. The bay is surrounded by high rocky cliffs, sheltering it on both sides from the wind which keeps the water peaceful and calm. The 8 Best Beaches for Kids on Maui (from a Maui family), This is How Much Your Trip to Maui Will Cost (And Ways to Save). Swim down fifteen feet to the caves entrance on the ocean side, go into the cave, and swim out as it slopes upward. You do not have to be an expert-level snorkeler to do this, it is suitable for beginners as long as they feel confident and are aware of their surroundings and the days weather conditions. One nice thing about the area is the new setback laws that Maui County created. Sitemap | Blog | Terms | Newsletter | Contact 2006-2021 Hawaii Web Group. While snorkeling looks easy, its the leading cause of visitor deaths. Being an outlet is good and bad. As you go out, do keep in mind the trade winds, as you dont want to be swept further along that desired. Imagine the shallow end of a swimming pool quickly becoming the deep end. The swells here can pick-up in no time! You will be rewarded with excellent underwater views and lots of marine life, as the northern end of this beach is where the most fish and green sea turtles hang out. The sea turtles at Makena Landing are quite used to people, so if you give them space (its illegal to touch a sea turtle, anyhow), you will have the opportunity to admire them for long periods as they go about their business. We recommend bringing a beach chair if you have one. Kapalua Bay is an awesome spot if youre looking for a good place to snorkel toward upper Lahaina. 808-669-1077 The snorkel site is just south from the Olowalu fruit stands, general store and Leodas Pie Shop. Part of a trio of adjacent beaches, referred to by locals as Kam I, Kam II and Kam III, this beach is the furthest south of the three. There is an underwater cave that advanced snorkelers can choose to swim through. The best snorkeling spot is the far right of the beach, as it tends to be more sheltered here. Enter the water at the left side of the sandy shoreline of Honolua Bay. You can snorkel out a good little way from shore and not have much variation in depth, just be careful wading out, as the shoreline tends to be a rocky reef. In between you will find the Marriott, Kaanapali Alii, Westin, Whalers Village, The Whaler Condos and the Kaanapli Beach Hotel. Located off of the lower road in Kapalua, there is a small parking lot, and being a popular beach, the spots tend to fill up quickly. This horseshoe, or crescent-shaped bay, is a great snorkeling spot in the morning and early afternoon. Stay to the right of the bay and work your way up the rocky edge. Keep your eyes peeled for turtlesyou just never know when you may spot one! Though it usually doesn't break inside, the water will be mixed up and difficult to see through. Otherwise known as red pencil urchins, they are distinctive by their bright red color. With that said, time and time again, The Snorkel Store guests tell us they see tons of turtles at Honekeana Bay. Lahaina, HI 96761 You might even get lucky and see an Octopus (Hee) here. A rocky bay makes a perfect spot to view turtles as they snack on the vegetation. Here are the some of the beaches we like best for snorkeling. In the summer, the south side of Maui can get some swells, but all year round the west side can get swell too. There is a small parking lot to the right of the beach park. There is also good boogie boarding at this beach and there are plenty of tide pools to explore. Look for two pieces of basketball sized rock jutting through the surface about ten yards away from the reef. With more than 5 locations in West Maui alone, Boss Frogs offers the best option for inexpensive snorkeling gear rentals on Maui. Depending on the direction youre traveling, turn into the entrance at Kai Ala Drive and drive towards the ocean to find the parking lot. As opposed to buying costly equipment once you arrive, or attempting to fit a pair of fins in your baggage, we highly recommend reserving a Deluxe Snorkel Rental online for free and picking it up in-store when you get in. World famous Kaanapali Beach is known for the long stretch of white sand beach that runs continuously from the Hyatt Hotel on the south end all the way north to Sheraton Hotel. We've made custom maps and listed the best spots to scuba dive with descriptions. When snorkeling, go to the right side of the shore along the rocks as most of the corals and sea life are concentrated there. And some of these beaches that offer a perfect spot for snorkeling are found in, Top Maui Events Happening In February 2020, 8 Points of Interest & Landmarks in Lahaina, 5 Fun Things To Do With Kids In Maui Hawaii. Make certain that it hasn't rained recently because this is also an outlet. The long way is about 1.75 times longer than the short way. Families with children can have a blast doing these various activities. This is paid parking but if you buy some snacks at the ABC Store or choose to have some beverages at one of the restaurants, you can get 4 hour validated parking. Wahikuli Beach Park is another excellent snorkeling spot found in the intersection of Honoapiilani Highway across the Lahaina Civic Center and Post Office. . The magnificent, intelligent mammals migrate here from Alaska to make babies and have babies, and at Makena Landing you can hear them singing underwater! It is a crescent-shaped bay located in the lower road on Kapalua. The left side of the bay offers some great rock and coral formations.

You'll probably see turtles and a lot of tropical fish. The underwater ecosystem at Makena Landing has been in development for over a million years, so you can be assured that the hours spent exploring it will be time well spent. While the water might not be too deep (it stays shallow for a long time off shore) the distance you need to travel to access the reef can be exhausting. To the left, parallel parking spaces hug the rock wall and go up and over the hill. As you face the ocean, with your back to the lifeguard stand, it is a good idea to head to the northern end of the beach. There are some great shade opportunities to set up camp for the day under the Kiawe trees that grow along this section of the Kaanapali coastline. This land is private property, so you need to get permission. Look out for any signs that lifeguards post on the beach and if in doubt, ask the lifeguards about the days conditions. Hours: 10 am - 5 pm daily, Maui Snorkel Report

At about 9-12 ft deep, there are some bigger rocks that have pockets under them for the inquisitive snorkeler. If you arrive after 9:30 AM, plan for parking to be a challenge. Their knowledgeable guides took us to some great spots and we were able to kayak out to the reef, rather than swim the entire distance. Whats the Best Hawaiian Island to Visit for Your First Time? Maui has more swimmable beaches than any other Hawaiian island. TIP: Beat the trade winds and head to this beach earlythe water will be at its clearest and calmest in the morning. We usually don't recommend people to snorkel in this area because it's known to be sharky. Most of these sharks are not a threat to humans, but people tend to freak out a bit when they see one. ADDRESS: 2800 South Kihei Road, Kihei, Maui, HI 96753 Even when lounging, you can still get a glimpse of the sea turtles as they are usually swimming close to shore. There is a beautiful reef and ample parking at the entrance to the park. Call: 808-669-1077 Makena Landing is a popular spot for snorkelers, spear fishermen, stand up paddlers, kayakers, and SCUBA divers on Maui. Maui vs Big Island: Beach Vacation or Adventure (you decide). Once in the cave, you have two possible exits: for the shortest distance, go in the entrance and swim forward, watching for the surface light streaming in from the left. Hours: 8 am-5 pm daily, The Fairway Shops 2580 Kekaa Drive The right side of the beach is rocky, which isnt ideal for bare feet. It attracts fish, but after heavy rain, it turns the water to a thick muddy brown.

favorite easy hikes on Maui, the Kapalua Coastal Trail. where to park, what to do, and our favorite tips. Plus, check out all of our highly recommended snorkeling tours, videos of our experiences, and full reviews by visiting our. Wahikuli Park has showers, restrooms, parking, and is really easy access right on Highway 30. The best snorkeling is out in front of the Westin Ocean Resort Villas north towers. Lahaina, HI 96761 All of Hawaiis beaches and ocean locations have the potential to be dangerous. Since it is a Marine Preserve, no fishing of any kind is allowed in the area. If you would like extra flotation, lots of people like to use noodles or boogie boards to help them navigate their way around the rocks in this spot. . If driving, there is a carpark off the highway, but youll want to get there early for a park. The path will walk you down to the end of the bay and you can get in there and swim in closer to the condos to find turtles. You'll know this area when you see shark sighting signs posted around every couple hundred yards. Sign-up for the Maui Snorkel Report today and get to the rightbeach every day of your Maui trip. If large swells are present, don't snorkel here.

The easiest way to get down to the water is walking through the jungle at the apex of the bay. You will likely hear these incredible tones as you continue exploring to the right along the reef. Once the airport moved to Kahana (interestingly now called Kapalua Airport), the land was used to grow sugarcane. Get the Maui Snorkel Report in your emails inbox each morning by signing up here. This is a marine reserve and has a great beach. Rent your tank and gear at these locations, or get certified to dive. If youre staying anywhere on the west side of Maui, Honolua Bay is brief 5 15-minute drive from your hotel or resort. SAFTEY TIP: Swimming in Mauis warm, clear waters is a beautiful experience but dont forget to check the conditions before you go out. Schools of silver fish, zebra moray eels, plenty of turtles, massive parrot fish, (both the blue and red variety) triggerfish, pencil urchins, wrasse, schools of tang, goatfish, Ulua (cravalle) and white tip reef shark. You'll most likely run into sea turtles here any day of the week. There is also eel potential. The child-friendly stretch of beach is capped at either end by rocky outcrops, which provide excellent opportunities for snorkeling. Obviously, turtles are wild animals, so there is no guarantee you will encounter them. There is also good snorkeling to the left, but if and when the trade winds start to kick up in the early afternoon, or if there is a big south swell, the current and choppiness could increase and push you towards the rocks at this end of the beach. If you dont feel like hunting for a parking spot, your best bet is to park in the Whalers Village parking. Download the Maui Beaches Guidein PDF form so you can explore Maui fromthe airplane or from wherever you are! The Fairway Shops Be careful not get too close because a sudden swell can wash you up on the jagged rocks. Have a great time, and enjoy yourself!

If youre looking for a great snorkeling experience then definitely head here. You can expect to see lots of sea turtles, some white tip reef sharks, goatfish, black surgeons, and parrotfishes. Being located in a area a little more exposed to the afternoon trade winds, you most definitely want to get here in the morning. The beach at Mile Marker 14 is super easy to get to. Wind is usually not a factor, so if there arent any waves you can usually expect an excellent day of snorkeling. We suggest you dont go out beyond the point of the rocks, as currents are often quite strong out there. Youll often find snorkeling boats moored here because the quality of snorkeling is just that good. Because of the abundance of rocky beach, Honolua Bay might not be the top choice for families with young children. If taking a bus from Whalers Village, it will be the Napili Islander, Route 30, and you can get off at the stop where the great little hotel, Napili Village is located. When you do find yourself snorkeling above a SCUBA group, feel free to swim through the divers bubbles for a beautiful and novel experience. Always snorkel with a buddy or a group for fun and safety, and snorkel between 8 and 10 AM to enjoy great visibility and have the most alone time with the fishes. Rinse your snorkel gear and bathing costume with fresh water when you are done for the day, and you will extend the life of your items. Be careful of people jumping off the rocks. between the Westin Villas and the Honolua Kai. Swim up to the left and out. Why? Honolua Bay is a beautiful Marine Preserve located in the northwest part of Maui and is 5-15 minutes away from the major hotels and resorts. The middle part of the bay is mostly sand and a great place to practice free diving skills, or to spot the local resident honu. and a snorkel cruise along the west Maui coastline. Once you swim about twenty yards offshore, submerge your ears and hold your breath for a moment or two to silence your breath sounds. Keep an eye out for octopus, crustaceans (crabs, etc) and trumpet fish. Youll be tickled to find a nice gathering of the shimmery silver needle fish, and a small array of the common place Maui reef fish. Like Napili Bay, the middle section tends to be mostly sand, but a good place to practice free diving skills. One of the most prized West Maui beaches is the world famous Napili Bay. 1-877-669-1077, SIGN-UP NOW to get the report in your EMAIL each m. Happy #AlohaFriday from humuhumu eleele. There is a lifeguard tower, wheelchair paths, bathrooms and showers for washing off the sand and rinsing your snorkeling equipment and boogie boards after a days fun in the water. When snorkeling most people snorkel the whole bay but remember to reserve energy for the swim back. The area is quite busy with whitewater, as waves bounce off several landforms here. Lanai or Molokini: What Has Better Snorkeling? In the last ten years there has been a lot of development in the area, with both the Westin Ocean Resort Villas and the Honua Kai Resort being built. Waves can be a lot of fun but no so much when snorkeling. Follow the reef and rock line north. Access to the beach itself is very easythere are several marked paths, with handrails, that lead down from the leafy green park to the golden sands below. Honokeana Cove is one of our favorite places to stay near Lahaina. Kahekili Beach Park is also called Airport Beach due to the fact that during the 1960s and early 1970s, the location served as West Mauis only airport. The best snorkeling is on the right towards the North side of the bay. Honolua Bay is a gorgeous Marine Preserve located on the lush northwest tip of Maui.

Find the best spots to snorkel in and around Maui, Hawaii. Kam III has a large park area, with plenty of shade, BBQs, picnic tables and a childrens playground, which are all popular at weekends and on public holidays. A boat trip to Honolua is our preferred way of snorkeling because they take you directly to the safest and best spots. If you can't get permission, you'll have to take a boat. Please use caution if youre planning on snorkeling in the winter months on the upper west side of Maui as Honokeana Bay is fairly well exposed to the large north west swells that make Hawaii a mecca for wintertime surfing. Brightly colored sea urchins are plentiful, as are numerous varieties of healthy looking coral. SNORKELING LEVEL: During the summer, you can enjoy relaxing on the sandy beach in the morning shade, but by the afternoon, the sun is in full force so make sure to wear sunscreen. PARKING: 2580 Kekaa Drive

It makes our list for, Whats not to love about Kapalua Bay? West Maui has a ton of amazing snorkeling spots, so be sure to ask the Boss Frogs staff for their recommendations about the best places to use your gear! We have had a great experience snorkeling here with. Stick to the sides here and youre bound to find colorful fish and a turtle or two. Honolua Bay has great snorkeling that you can access from the shore. Located in an easy-to-find spot on South Kihei Road, Kamaole Beach Park III is a fantastic snorkeling spot for the whole family. Being out here in Maui there are rip currents that can make it challenging to get back to shore. Youll find there are some deep drop offs and caves and tunnels to free dive through.

Youll want to take care around the point, as the swells can become rough at times. Black Rock in Ka'anapali is famous for it's cliff diving and torch lighting ceremony. To take the longer way, go in the entrance and swim straight forward until the light shows up ahead. Follow the beautiful forest path from the main road to get to shore. Trilogy leaves from Lahaina Harbor, which is our favorite west side snorkeling vessel. There arent any facilities here however, its definitely worth a stop. You neednt swim far to encounter several colorful reef fish including the peacock grouper, schools of ladyfish, the Moorish idol, and several types of butterfly fish. Look just below the surface of the water to see the long, silvery Needle Fish (Aha), they like to swim just under the waterline where they blend in perfectly. The entire destination is a treasure of underwater sea life. Boasting a series of half-moon bays and soft sand beaches, Mauis beaches offer an underwater universe or green sea turtles and tropical fish.

The sand is very soft underfoot, which allows you a straightforward and smooth entry into the water. Youll find an abundance of marine life here and fewer crowds: its not as popular as some of the spots north of Lahaina. 2-For-1 Coupon our favorite snorkeling spot on all of Maui. . TIP: Most people choose to snorkel here with a snorkeling tour. Since the Marine Preserve prohibits fishing of any kind, Honolua Bay boasts a density and diversity of sea life that is second to none on Maui. A beach umbrella is always a good idea if you want to be closer to the surf or in area where there is no natural shade. Public restrooms, picnic tables, grills and fresh water showers make this snorkel spot a place you can enjoy all day. BATHROOMS: While taking care not to get too close to the rocks, you will see that they host a wide variety of fish. South of Kaanapali Beach and Black Rock area you'll find plenty of other snorkeling spots over shallow reef. But if youre in search of the best possible snorkeling, be sure to spend some time choosing spots from our list of the, Map of the Best Snorkeling Spots Near Lahaina, Maui is the best Hawaiian island for snorkeling year round, Details for the 9 Best Snorkeling Spots near Lahaina, A marine life conservation district, this is a popular snorkeling spot in the summer months when the waves are generally calmer. We've listed some of the best vessels in Maui waters. The best snorkeling is on the right side of the bay, the North side. Mala Wharf is one of the best snorkeling spots in the actual town of Lahaina. If you cannot hear the whale song yet, swim down about ten feet deep and listen again. Walk straight down from the road, to the public access path in between the condos, past a freshwater shower, straight to the beach. Both exits have you pop up safely in the surface whitewater between the reef proper and the hardened lava sculptures that make up the cave. Expect sea turtles to be resting on the bottom of the caves dark recesses. So save the touching to the stuffed toys in the tourist shops! Yellow Tangs (LauIpala), Convict Tangs (Manini) and Moorish Idols (Kihi Kihi) are just some of the fish that are abundant here. You will find a wide array of fishes and corals in the spot. The best time to go snorkeling in Honolua Bay is usually around 7 AM to 11 AM. The snorkeling is good on each side of the bay with coral formations. There is additional parking at the Green Belt section of the beach. It is about 10 minutes away from Lahaina Harbor and could go up to 30 meters deep, making it also great for scuba diving. Not ideal in winter. Photos and information on the diverse species of shark found in Hawaiian waters. Mokuleia Bay is also known by the name of Slaughterhouse. Located north of Napili on Hwy 30 (Honoapiilani Hwy) at mile marker 32, youll see a chain link fence with roadside parking. Call Boss Frogs at (808) 856-4264 for more information. There is plenty to hold your interest outside the cave. With such a wide body of water, this bay offers two main snorkel spots: the left side (Lahaina) and the right (Kapalua). This will be to your right, where the rocks jut out into the ocean. Waves and snorkeling don't mix. Learn about each unique location inside and around the crater to dive. There is a sandy bottom with great visibility along the rock outcroppings that separate South Kaanapali beach from North Kaanapali beach. For any snorkeling that you do in Hawaii or elsewhere, its important to. Weve done the hard work for you by vetting the best tour operators. During the winter, the sand all but disappears due to the massive swells and surf. Also, keep an eye out for Hawaiis state fish, the Humu Humu Nuku Nuku Apuaa (Rectangular Triggerfish), as there are plenty to be found here, swimming alongside White-spotted Puffers (Oopu Hue), Trumpetfish (Nunu) and much more. This is a good spot to snorkel and is really close to Lahaina.

If you take very small children into the water at Kam III or non-swimmers, be aware that the sand can quickly slope off underwater. If the cave entrance is too deep for you to comfortably reach, you are tired, or you are unsure of your breath holding ability, skip this part and stay safe. This is a bay only accessible by car, as no buses run here. Maui Beach Bundle, Text Us! Once through the short trail to the shore, you can snorkel anywhere around. PARKING: There is plenty of free parking at this beach park, try to get there early on holidays and at weekends as it can be a popular spot! Near 5079 Makena Road The resorts were forced to setback their properties around 150 yards from the shore line which helped in preserving the natural beauty of North Kaanapali. As always stay safe and ask locals what they recommend when snorkeling these five spots. FACILITIES: There are indoor bathrooms and outside showers at the beach park. Check the Maui Snorkel Reportfor surf conditions at Honolua Bay before heading out. Check out our fish and reef identification guide for more information about Mauis underwater residents: thesnorkelstore.com/maui-reef-fish-guide. Use caution if the trade winds pick-up. This is especially a concern for those who are scuba diving and are not seen by the cliff divers. Especially if you get to spot some cool reef fish! You wont find a great beach but you will find more turtles than you can count here. SHARE YOUR MAUI PICS @THESNORKELSTORE, #SNORKLIFE OR #TURTLEREADY AND WE WILL REPOST OUR FAVES! Keep in mind when snorkeling on the west side that there's more surf potential on this side. Lana'i snorkel with Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel: one of the best snorkeling spots on Maui. Walk straight down from the road, to the public access path in between the condos, past a freshwater shower, and straight onto the beach. On the right hand side of the bay, the tumbling coral reef extends quite far, and it houses fabulous and varied marine life. To avoid this hassle altogether, let The Snorkel Store drive you there. The snorkeling around the rock wall is good too. Begin snorkeling from the left, but dont forget to explore the right side of the bay as well. For the adventuresome and proficient swimmers, the left side of the bay has some good little rocky alcoves and reefs with reef fish, but because it tends to be quite choppy, visibility is cloudy and not worth risking a lashing on the rocks. Once parked, follow the asphalt steps down to the beach. There is limited beach access parking in Kaanapali, but there are a few spots under the Sheraton Hotel parking structure, in between Whalers Village and the Westin Hotel, and between the Kaanaplai Alii and the Marriott. And some of these beaches that offer a perfect spot for snorkeling are found in Lahaina. We recommend either parking a little down the road off of a side street and walking to the beach access path, or taking the bus ( look for the Napili Islander sign). There are lifeguards, BBQs and picnic tables. For the stronger and more experienced swimmers and snorkelers, work your way up and around the rocky point and snorkel into Honolua Bay. If you feel confident snorkeling around the rocks, in the direction of the more northerly Kamaole Beach II, go for it! ADDRESS: Follow the wall to see plenty of coral, fish and turtles. Another must-visit snorkeling spot just north of Lahaina town is the famous Napili Bay. Makena Landing on the South side is one of the great places to snorkel on Maui. For snorkeling, we suggest sticking to the right side of the crescent, as the left rocky side can get quite churned up. If you drive to Napili Bay, there is a carpark off the highway, but youll want to get there early for a spot. For the beginners, stick to the first half of the rocky walls. Learn about the many species of sea turtle found in Hawaii. Just before the Napili Kai Beach Club, you'll find a parking lot and a tunnel. GPS Coordinates: 20.656796, -156.442071 This place is mostly covered with green lawn where you can lounge at when youre not in the water. This protected bay offers a spectacular reef and plenty of large fish and other sea life. And its located near one of our. Honekeana Bay is known for being a place where there is a very good chance you will encounter Green Sea Turtles. And if you want to stay near this snorkeling spot, If seeing turtles is high on your list, check out the, In Olowalu, just south of Lahaina, youll find one of the oldest coral reefs on the Hawaiian islands. These are just a few of the many sea life that you will get to see when snorkeling in Mala Wharf. The waves are gentle, and the ocean bottom at entry is made of soft coral sand, so getting in the water is easy. The best snorkeling is out in front of the Sheraton at Black Rock. There is plenty to see, when the visibility is clear, and the draw card would be the rock formations and coral gardens. Damsels, Parrots, Moorish Idols, Tangs, Wrasse, Puffers and the likes are there, not necessarily in droves, but plentiful enough. While much of the bottom of the beach is sand, the west side of Wahikuli Beach Park is the best spot for snorkeling. Makulei'a Bay is located just South of Honolua Bay. compare Lanai to Molokini to decide whats the better spot for a snorkeling tour. Accessing the water isnt super easy here (theres no sandy beach to walk in from) and the beach access can be difficult to find, but its worth the effort. The Green Sea Turtles love to eat the algae growing along the rocks in the shallow waters. As you move around the point, the water depth is consistently thirty to forty feet. The place is very accessible with a carpark off the highway. This is a snorkel only spot because it has no beach to speak of and consists of a rocky shoreline.