What are the best snorkeling beaches on Maui?
Maui has some amazing snorkeling opportunities, from the islet of Molokini to the popular lava rock at the north end of Kaanapali Beach, and our readers have voted on the best of the best. You can't go wrong dipping your head underwater at any Maui beach, but there are a few places where you'll want to bring your snorkeling gear.
Best Snorkeling beaches on Maui
The following are the best snorkeling beaches on Maui:
Molokini Crater
Snorkeling Molokini Crater is a popular activity due to the exceptional visibility of the protected inner seas, as well as the quantity of marine life due to the Marine Life Conservation District designation.
The backside of the crater is a world-famous scuba diving destination, with one of the best wall dives. This volcanic atoll is only a few miles off Maui's south shore, making it an easy and enjoyable boat journey. The Molokini Crater is one of the best snorkeling beaches on Maui. Check out these Maui beach gear and snorkel rentals.
Black Rock
The massive granite hill at the north end of Ka'anapali Beach is known as Black Rock. Because of the easy access and protection provided by the rocky cliffs from northerly swell activity, this is a wonderful site.
Walking to Black Rock from Kaanapali Beach is easy because there are numerous high-end resorts along the beach. Alternatively, you can take the Honoapi'ilani Highway (30) to Kaanapali Parkway or Kekae Dr and drive towards the coast. Keep an eye out for cliff divers while snorkeling. Black Rock is one of the best snorkeling beaches on Maui.
La Perouse
La Perouse's volcanic terrain is something out of another world, and it's one of the most southern areas on the island of Maui. You'll pass the last residences as you drive south on Makena Road, then drive for miles across a rocky lava field. You'll come to a dirt parking area with a rocky bay at the end of the drive.
This bay is home to some incredible marine life, including a pod of spinner dolphins that frequents the area. If you spot dolphins, give them room and maintain a safe distance. Make every effort to avoid interfering with their typical swimming course. La Perouse is one of the best snorkeling beaches on Maui. Here's a list of the 5 best beaches on Maui.
Honolua Bay
Honolua Bay, in contrast to La Perouse Bay, is one of the island's northernmost bays. This vast bay is well protected from the wind, and it can be peaceful on the inside even when there is surf (but it is not recommended to snorkel while there are waves).
Driving north on the Honoapi'ilani Highway (31), you'll wind your way down and around a densely forested section at the bay's apex. You can go through the woodland to the coast with proper permission.
Further up the shore, to the right and left, some of the best snorkeling can be found. Boats with snorkelers are frequently seen in this area, making it a much easier method to get to Honolua Bay's greatest snorkeling spots. Kayak tours to Honolua are the safest and finest method to go. Honolua Bay is one of the best snorkeling beaches on Maui.
Coral Gardens
The area along the Pali's cliffs is known as the Coral Gardens. The Pali is the shoreline between Ukumehame and Papalaua and Maalaea. There are a lot of wonderful snorkeling places here, but they're typically difficult to get to by car or on foot.
The cliffs are extremely steep and unstable, which is fantastic for keeping the wind and tourists at bay but not so great for getting to them. When the wind picks up at Molokini Crater, this is why you'll occasionally see snorkel boats here. Coral Gardens is one of the best snorkeling beaches on Maui.