Maui’s crystal-clear waters offer some of the best snorkeling experiences in Hawaii. I’m excited to share my favorite spots where colorful fish abound. The gentle waves and vibrant coral reefs create perfect homes for hundreds of tropical fish species.
The best snorkel spots on Maui combine easy access, calm waters, and healthy marine ecosystems where you’ll find the greatest variety and number of fish. Certain areas around West and South Maui consistently deliver amazing underwater experiences. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced snorkeler, these locations will leave you with unforgettable memories of swimming alongside Maui’s fascinating marine life.
Black Rock Beach
Black Rock Beach is one of Maui’s best snorkeling spots, located at the north end of Kaanapali Beach. I was amazed by the large black lava rock formation that extends into the ocean, creating a perfect habitat for marine life.
When I visited, I saw dozens of tropical fish swimming around the coral formations. The water clarity was excellent, with visibility extending 20-30 feet on a calm day. I spotted butterflyfish, parrotfish, and even a few turtles gliding through the water.
Getting into the water is easy, with a gentle sandy entry point. The best snorkeling is along both sides of Black Rock, where the reef attracts a diverse array of fish. I recommend snorkeling in the morning when the water is calmest and fish are most active.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can watch cliff divers leap from the rock. This traditional ceremony happens daily at sunset, but the snorkeling is best done earlier when there are fewer swimmers around.
Rating: 4.6 (1711 reviews)
Location: Lahaina, HI 96761
Website: Visit Website
Maluaka Beach
I recently visited Maluaka Beach, and it’s easily one of the best snorkeling spots on Maui! This beautiful beach is often called “Turtle Town” because of the many green sea turtles that frequent the area.
The water here is incredibly clear, making it perfect for spotting colorful fish. I saw parrotfish, butterflyfish, and even some humuhumunukunukuapua’a (Hawaii’s state fish) swimming around the coral reefs. The best snorkeling is on the south end of the beach where the rocks and reef create the perfect habitat for marine life.
What I love about Maluaka is that it’s less crowded than popular spots like Black Rock or Molokini. The beach has soft, golden sand and enough amenities to make your visit comfortable. There are restrooms available, and the parking is easier than at many other beaches on the island.
I recommend arriving early in the morning for the calmest water and best visibility. Don’t forget your reef-safe sunscreen! The marine life here is precious and worth protecting.
Rating: 4.7 (1689 reviews)
Location: 5400 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753
Snorkel Honolua
Honolua Bay is truly one of Maui’s underwater treasures. I visited last month and was amazed by the crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. This protected nature preserve offers some of the best snorkeling experiences on the island’s northwest coast.
The bay is shaped like a horseshoe, creating calm waters perfect for snorkeling, especially during summer months. I spotted colorful parrotfish, yellow tangs, and even a few sea turtles gracefully gliding through the water. The coral formations near the right side of the bay are particularly impressive.
Entry can be a bit rocky, so I recommend water shoes. A short walk through a beautiful jungle path leads you to the bay, adding to the adventure. Morning visits typically offer the best visibility before the afternoon winds pick up.
I found the fish to be most abundant near the reef sections on either side of the bay. The center area has fewer corals but still provides amazing opportunities to see tropical fish swimming right beside you.
Rating: 4.7 (128 reviews)
Location: Lahaina, HI 96761
Five Graves
Five Graves is one of Maui’s hidden gems for snorkeling! I found this amazing spot in Makena and was blown away by the vibrant marine life. The water is crystal clear most mornings, making it perfect to see the colorful fish swimming around the coral.
I spotted so many different types of fish during my visit. Yellow tangs, butterfly fish, and even some Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (Hawaii’s state fish) were swimming right next to me! The reef here is healthy and provides a home for countless sea creatures.
The beach got its name from the five grave markers visible nearby, but don’t let that spook you. The location is peaceful and less crowded than popular spots like Black Rock or Molokini. I recommend arriving early in the morning for the calmest water and best visibility.
This spot is best for intermediate snorkelers since the entry can be a bit rocky. I brought water shoes which made getting in much easier. Once you’re in the water though, you’ll be treated to some of the best snorkeling on the island!
Rating: 4.4 (134 reviews)
Location: 5090 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753
Ahihi Cove
I recently visited Ahihi Cove on Maui’s southern shore, and it’s easily one of my favorite snorkeling spots on the island. The clear blue waters here are teeming with colorful fish that seem completely unbothered by snorkelers. I spotted parrotfish, yellow tangs, and even some butterflyfish during my visit.
The cove is part of the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve, which helps protect the abundant marine life. The volcanic rock formations create perfect hiding spots for fish, making it an underwater paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts. I found the entry point to be relatively easy compared to some other Maui spots.
Morning is definitely the best time to visit when the waters are calmest and visibility is at its peak. I’d recommend bringing your own snorkel gear as there aren’t rental facilities nearby. The fish here seem especially active around the coral formations near the lava rock edges.
What I love most about Ahihi Cove is that it’s less crowded than popular spots like Black Rock or Molokini. This makes for a more peaceful experience where you can take your time observing the incredible variety of marine life without bumping into other snorkelers.
Rating: 4.7 (163 reviews)
Location: 7750 Makena Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Makena Landing Park
I recently visited Makena Landing Park and was blown away by the snorkeling opportunities! This small but mighty spot offers some of the best underwater views on Maui. The coral reef here is incredibly accessible, making it perfect for snorkelers of all skill levels.
The bay in front of Makena Landing is shallow and calm, ideal for beginners. But what really makes this spot special is what’s beyond the bay. Just offshore from Nahuna Point (to the right of the bay) is an area locals call “Five Caves” or “Turtle Town” – and for good reason!
I saw several green sea turtles during my morning snorkel. The underwater lava arches create a unique habitat for colorful corals, butterfly fish, eels, and even the rare frogfish. I recommend arriving early (before 11am) to avoid crowds and catch the calmest waters.
The park itself has convenient amenities including restrooms, showers, and a paved parking lot. While the beach is small, it’s the underwater world that’s the main attraction here!
Rating: 4.7 (1785 reviews)
Location: 5083 Makena Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 879-4364
Website: Visit Website
Keawakapu Beach
I recently visited Keawakapu Beach in South Kihei, and it’s truly a hidden gem for snorkeling enthusiasts. The crystal-clear waters make it perfect for spotting colorful fish and sea turtles that frequently visit this tranquil spot.
When I went snorkeling here, I was amazed by the variety of marine life just offshore. The water visibility was excellent, especially in the morning before the afternoon winds pick up. I saw butterflyfish, parrotfish, and even some curious humuhumunukunukuapua’a (Hawaii’s state fish).
The beach itself is about half a mile long with soft golden sand that’s perfect for relaxing after your snorkel adventure. I found that the best snorkeling spots are near the rocky areas at either end of the beach where fish tend to congregate.
Unlike some of Maui’s more crowded snorkel destinations, Keawakapu often feels peaceful and uncrowded. I recommend bringing your own snorkel gear since there aren’t rental facilities directly on the beach.
Rating: 4.8 (954 reviews)
Location: South Kihei Road & Kilohana Dr, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 891-4956
Website: Visit Website
Honolua Bay Lookout
Honolua Bay is one of Maui’s best snorkeling spots. The crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life amazed me. The bay is tucked away on the northwestern shore of Maui, offering a pristine underwater sanctuary for snorkelers.
When I visited, I saw countless tropical fish swimming around the coral formations. The bay’s water visibility was excellent, especially in the morning before the winds picked up. I spotted colorful parrotfish, yellow tangs, and even a few sea turtles gracefully gliding through the water.
The entry point can be a bit rocky, so I’d recommend wearing water shoes. Once you swim past the rocky shoreline, the bay opens up to reveal a stunning coral reef that’s home to diverse marine species. The best snorkeling is on the right side of the bay where the reef is healthier.
I found that arriving early not only meant better visibility but also fewer crowds. The bay is protected from strong ocean currents, making it suitable for snorkelers of different experience levels. Just remember to respect the marine environment and avoid touching or standing on the coral.
Rating: 4.7 (300 reviews)
Location: 6501 HI-30, Lahaina, HI 96761
Ahihi-Kinau Marine Preserve
I recently visited Ahihi-Kinau Marine Preserve on Maui, and it’s truly a snorkeler’s paradise. The crystal-clear waters here are protected, which has allowed the marine life to thrive undisturbed.
When I entered the water, I was immediately greeted by schools of colorful fish swimming around the volcanic rock formations. The preserve has some of the healthiest coral I’ve seen on the island, creating the perfect habitat for numerous fish species.
I recommend arriving early in the morning to beat the crowds. The parking area can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season. Don’t forget to bring water shoes as the entry points can be rocky in some areas.
The preserve’s protected status means the fish here are less skittish than at other spots. I was able to get amazingly close to yellow tangs, butterfly fish, and even some Hawaiian state fish (humuhumunukunukuapua’a) without them darting away.
Rating: 4.8 (108 reviews)
Location: Ahihi-Kinau Marine Preserve, Wailea, HI 96753
Kahekili Beach Park
I recently visited Kahekili Beach Park in Lahaina and was blown away by the snorkeling experience! The crystal-clear waters make it easy to spot colorful fish right off the shore. This beach is often called “Airport Beach” by locals due to its previous proximity to the old Kapalua Airport.
The coral reef here starts incredibly close to the shoreline, which means you don’t have to swim far to see amazing marine life. I spotted parrotfish, yellow tangs, and even some butterfly fish during my morning snorkel. The reef is protected, creating a calm environment perfect for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.
What makes Kahekili special is the convenient amenities. There’s a nice boardwalk, covered picnic areas with BBQ grills, and clean restrooms with showers. I appreciated being able to rinse off after my underwater adventure. Parking was fairly easy to find, which isn’t always the case at popular Maui beaches.
The morning is definitely the best time to visit for snorkeling, as the water tends to be calmer and clearer. I recommend bringing your own snorkel gear, though some rental shops are nearby if you need equipment.
Rating: 4.7 (1138 reviews)
Location: 65 Kai Ala Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761
Contact: (808) 270-7230
Website: Visit Website
Understanding Maui’s Marine Life
Maui’s waters are teeming with colorful fish and vibrant coral reefs that make snorkeling here so special. I’ve spent countless hours exploring these underwater havens and am excited to share what you’ll likely see during your ocean adventures.
Recognizing Popular Fish Species
When snorkeling in Maui, you’ll probably spot the yellow tang, a bright yellow fish that travels in schools and stands out against the blue water. The humuhumunukunukuapua’a (Hawaii’s state fish) is another must-see with its distinctive triangular shape and colorful markings.
Honolua Bay is fantastic for fish watching since it’s a marine life conservation district where fishing is prohibited, allowing fish populations to thrive.
Look for the moorish idol with its black, white, and yellow bands and long dorsal fin. The butterfly fish family is easy to spot too—they have disc-shaped bodies with beautiful patterns.
At Kapalua Bay, one of the easiest places to snorkel, you’ll see abundant marine life very close to shore. I often spot parrotfish, triggerfish, and the occasional turtle there!
The Role of Coral Reefs
Maui’s coral reefs are living ecosystems that provide both food and shelter for the island’s diverse fish population. These reefs act as underwater cities where fish find protection from predators and places to reproduce.
The reefs around Molokini Crater and South Maui are particularly vibrant and healthy, supporting countless species of fish and other marine creatures.
Healthy coral has a range of colors—from purples and pinks to greens and browns. When snorkeling, I always make sure to keep a respectful distance from coral, as touching it can damage these delicate organisms.
The shallow reefs at Honolua Bay create perfect habitat conditions with rocky outcroppings that fish love to explore and hide in. This diverse structure is why it’s one of my favorite spots to see a wide variety of marine life.
Best Times to Snorkel in Maui
Timing your snorkeling adventure in Maui can make a huge difference in what marine life you’ll see and how clear the water will be. I’ve found that mornings are generally ideal for snorkeling because the winds are calmer and visibility is better.
Seasonal Fish Activity
Spring is absolutely fantastic for snorkeling in Maui. The water temperatures range from 75°F to 80°F, and April is especially dry, giving you crystal clear underwater views.
In winter (December-February), you’ll see different fish species, but be aware that some beaches might have rougher conditions. Don’t worry though! Even in January, there are plenty of good snorkeling days on west-facing and sometimes north-facing shores.
Summer and fall bring warmer waters and calmer conditions overall. This is when you’ll see more tropical fish varieties in greater numbers. I’ve noticed butterfly fish, triggerfish, and parrotfish are especially active during these seasons.
Tidal Influences and Snorkeling
The daily tide cycle dramatically affects your snorkeling experience. I recommend planning your snorkel during mid to high tide for the best fish viewing opportunities.
During high tide:
- Water covers more reef area
- Fish have more space to feed
- Better access to shallow reef areas
When planning your day, you don’t need to wake up super early. Conditions in popular spots like Ka’anapali and Lahaina are typically best in the morning, but “morning” can mean anytime before 11am.
I’ve found that 8:00-10:30am offers the perfect balance of good lighting, calm waters, and active fish. This timing usually falls between the early-morning fishing activities and the afternoon winds that can stir up sand and reduce visibility.
