Snorkeling is the perfect activity for almost all visitors to Maui, from beginners to those who have snorkeled many times in exotic locations around the world.
With endemic species that can’t be found anywhere else on Earth, including our beloved honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles), Hawaiian Monk Seals, Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins and tropical fish such as the humuhumunukunukuapua’a, snorkeling is the perfect way to appreciate the unique marine life found in Hawaii.
While there are many snorkeling spots on Maui that can be reached by swimming from shore, an easier (and typically safer) option is to join a snorkeling excursion on a boat.
Maui Snorkeling Tours
We recommend one of the many great snorkeling boat excursions, which take guests to Molokini Crater daily and includes all equipment, breakfast, and often lunch.
To explore more than one snorkeling location, we recommend the family-friendly Molokini Snorkeling Tour, which includes breakfast, lunch, all equipment, optional adult beverages and fun information about Maui’s south shore. This tour leaves from Maalaea Harbor, which is convenient from most resorts and hotels.
I want different. What’s a unique way to snorkel with no one around?
Snorkeling
While most visitors gravitate towards perpetually-crowded tour boats or well-known off-the-beach snorkel spots, Maui Snorkeling Charters presents one of the most unique snorkeling experiences on Maui. This thrilling adventure begins at Kihei Boat Ramp, where visitors are introduced to the vessel— a 40 foot raft— and learn why Maui Snorkel Charters has one of the best crews on the island. After launching, fly through crystal clear waters off South Maui before arriving at your snorkeling destination, where tropical fish and sea turtles abound.
Where is the best snorkeling on Maui?
There are so many great spots to snorkel on Maui, but here are our favorite 10 spots:
- Molokini
- Ahihi Bay
- Maluaka Beach
- La Perouse
- Ulua/Mokapu
- Kapalua Bay
- Napili Bay
- Honolua Bay
- Black Rock
- Lanai Island
Is Makena Beach good for snorkeling?
No. Makena has plenty of incredible spots to snorkel (Maluaka, La Perouse, Ahihi), but Makena Beach is very dangerous and doesn’t have reef worth snorkeling.
Which Hawaiian Island has the best snorkeling?
Every island has it’s own epic, famous snorkeling spots. Big Island might have the most untouched snorkel spots, but Maui has incredible ocean life and corals.
