It may seem cliché, but there’s a reason that you HAVE to go snorkeling when you take your next vacation to Maui. Our little island offers crystal clear water and abundant sea life. You won’t get a better underwater view anywhere else in the world (at least in our opinion). With that in mind, here are some of the top snorkeling hotspots in Maui:
Kamaole Beach I, II & III, South Maui
Located in central Kihei are 3 famous beach parks on the sunny south side of Maui. Kamaole Park I, Kamaole Park II, and Kamaole Park III. The numbers of Kamaole run from north to south so keep that in mind when referring to them as Kam I, Kam II or Kam III. Each one of these beach parks snug up to long stretches of sandy beach and are a perfect for whale watching hot spots during peak season from December – April each year. Kam I has the largest beach, Kam II is excellent for snorkeling, sunset walks and boogie boarding and Kam III is the largest family friendly park with grass and picnicking areas available. All parks have free parking, restrooms and outdoor showers.
Maluaka Beach, South Maui
Directions: Head south to Makena Golf and Resort
Located just south of Wailea in Makena where you will discover Maluaka Beach. It’s just another spectacular view of Molokini and Kaho’olawe islands of South Maui. The beach is tucked away behind the mountain of Haleakala and in front of the Makena Beach & Golf Resort. The best snorkeling can be found near the south and north ends of the beach. Fish and other underwater life usually prefers rocks and coral for shelter, so this is where you’ll see lots of great sights, like Hawaiian sea turtles, parrot fish, butterfly fish, snappers, hawk fish, eels, trumpet fish, octopus, invertebrates, and much more exotic sea life awaiting to be seen.
You can access this park by following directions to Makena Landing, head past this beach until the road dead ends at a turn around loop. Parking is just north of the beach down the road where you can unload, park for free and carry your beach ready items down to Maluaka Beach.
Another option to access this beach is driving past Makena Beach & Golf Resort on your way to Big Beach. Before you make the turn down the road to Big Beach you turn right on a side road that deadens at the other end of this resort where you’ll find another parking lot you can access and walk down to the beach for free.
Kaanapali Beach, West Maui
Directions: Head towards Lahaina follow directions to Kaanapali. Park at the Whales Village parking and walk though the shops to the beach that lines the resorts fronts.
If you want to appreicate your condo and the beautiful serenity of south Maui beaches head over to check out the crowded but exciting Kaanapali Beach. Located on the west side of the island, it offers three miles of powder soft sand, beautiful water, and great snorkeling. When you get to the beach, head for the big rocky peninsula known as Black Rock. This is where you’re most likely to find lots of fish and other underwater critters hanging out. Put on your mask and flippers, and get ready to see porcupine fish, hawk fish, cornet fish, needle fish, perch, goat fish, turtles, crustaceans and more. Don’t forget your sunscreen. This beach does not have shade so be aware and plan early morning or late afternoon beach times out.
Contact Ali’I Resorts at 866-572-2664 for even more great snorkeling hot spots in Maui or information on how to rent snorkel equipment.
