Snorkeling Spots Maui's Best Snorkeling Spots

Imagine the cool trade winds in your hair as you cruise along the majestic coast aboard Maui’s largest, most stable catamaran.

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Where we will snorkel

Visit Maui’s top snorkeling destinations like:

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So much to see in so many locations

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the Pride of Maui and Pride of Maui ‘Elua.

Best Snorkeling

Molokini
Crater

Molokini is a designated marine sanctuary located just off Maui’s coast. It is one of only a few partially-submerged volcanic cones of its kind in the world, and features some of the best snorkeling Maui has to offer!

  • Calm waters protected from surges and waves
  • Incredible visibility in the crater
  • Designated Marine Life Sanctuary
  • Hundreds of species of fish like the small tang fish and humuhumunukunukuapua’a
  • One of the best places for viewing coral reefs
  • An extraordinary coral reef snorkeling experience

At a glance

  • Location

    South Maui

  • Marine Life Density

  • Area Size

    Large offshore volcanic crater

  • Depth (ft)

    10 – 40

  • Exposure

    Open ocean (calmest in the morning)

  • Entrance

    Vessel access only

Molokini Crater

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Swim with Turtles

Turtle
Town

Turtle Town is home to a variety of brilliant tropical fish and an abundance of Hawaiian green sea turtles. Dive into the crystal blue water and swim among unique lava formations for some of the most unforgettable snorkeling Maui has to offer. You might even see turtles slapping each other! This is often part of their courting ritual, so don’t worry.

  • Hawaiian green sea turtles
  • Incredible photo opportunities
  • Breathtaking location along the coast
  • Swim among underwater lava formations
  • Plethora of Hawaiian tropical fish and other marine animals
  • Remarkable snorkeling experience

At a glance

  • Location

    South Maui

  • Marine Life Density

  • Area Size

    Small fringing reef

  • Depth (ft)

    10 – 30

  • Exposure

    Open, best during calm mornings

  • Entrance

    Vessel access

Turtle Town

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Amazing Reef

Olowalu
(Turtle Reef)

Olowalu beach offers some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii. There are 100-plus acres of some of the oldest reef structures in the Hawaiian Islands, extending hundreds of yards offshore and teeming with all types of reef fish. Olowalu’s calm and clear waters make it one of Maui’s best beginner snorkeling spots.

  • Hawaiian green sea turtles
  • A profusion of tropical marine life
  • Hundreds of types of reef fish
  • Large ancient coral heads
  • A rare manta ray cleaning station
  • Thriving black tip reef shark nursery

At a glance

  • Location

    West Maui (between Māʻalaea and Lahaina)

  • Marine Life Density

  • Area Size

    Very large reef system (100+ acres)

  • Depth (ft)

    Shallow–moderate

  • Exposure

    Partial, generally calm but can vary with swell

  • Entrance

    Vessel recommended

Olowalu

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Explore

Coral
Gardens

Coral Gardens is a protected area along the Pali Coast, where its high cliffs provide calm waters with some of the best coral reef viewing. This site is known as one of the best places to snorkel on Maui as it is teeming with marine life and fascinating coral formations.

  • See colorful Hawaiian tropical fish
  • View Hawaiian green sea turtles, octopi, crabs, and Hawaii eels
  • Swim among reef formations full of secret coral caves
  • Calm and clear water
  • A snorkeling boat tour perfect for beginners
  • Unforgettable snorkeling experience

At a glance

  • Location

    Pali Coast, West Maui

  • Marine Life Density

  • Area Size

    Large protected reef stretch

  • Depth (ft)

    10 – 40

  • Exposure

    Partial shelter from cliffs; calmest mornings

  • Entrance

    Vessel access

Coral Gardens

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More Maui snorkeling spots you can explore from shore

Even beyond our boat destinations, Maui has shoreline reefs that are worth exploring when conditions are calm. These spots don’t appear on Pride of Maui tours, but they do show up again and again in guest questions and local recommendations. Always check ocean conditions, obey posted signs, and follow reef-safe practices when visiting on your own.

Marine Life Conservation District

Honolua Bay

Honolua Bay is a Marine Life Conservation District known for calm summer snorkeling, towering cliffs, and schools of tropical reef fish. Water clarity is excellent in flat conditions, but winter surf can make snorkeling unsafe.

  • Protected Marine Life Conservation District
  • Excellent visibility during calm summer conditions
  • Schooling reef fish and diverse marine life
  • Towering cliff walls that shelter the bay
  • Popular with experienced snorkelers
  • Not suitable during winter swell

At a Glance

  • Location

    West Maui

  • Marine Life Density

  • Area Size

    Large

  • Depth (ft)

    0 – 30

  • Exposure

    Partial

  • Entrance

    Rocky

Honolua Bay

Advanced Only

Five Caves
(Five Graves)

Five Caves is a rugged snorkel site known for lava arches, swim-throughs, and occasional turtle and reef shark sightings. Conditions can change quickly, and the rocky entry makes this best for confident, experienced snorkelers.

  • Lava arches, caves, and unique underwater formations
  • Turtles, reef sharks, and abundant fish life
  • Clear water when conditions are calm
  • Advanced-level snorkeling due to surge and currents
  • Popular with divers and guided groups
  • Not recommended for beginners

At a Glance

  • Location

    South Maui

  • Marine Life Density

  • Area Size

    Medium

  • Depth (ft)

    10 – 25

  • Exposure

    Open

  • Entrance

    Rocky

Five Caves (Five Graves)

Easy Access, Popular Beach

Black Rock
(Puʻu Kekaʻa)

Black Rock sits at the north end of Kā‘anapali Beach and offers easy swimming access to a lively reef. Mornings provide the calmest conditions, while the area around the point can have stronger currents.

  • Easy beach entry with clear water
  • Frequent turtle sightings
  • Colorful reef fish along the rocky point
  • Excellent for confident beginners on calm mornings
  • Scenic cliff backdrop with sunset views
  • Stronger currents possible around the point

At a Glance

  • Location

    West Maui

  • Marine Life Density

  • Area Size

    Medium

  • Depth (ft)

    8 – 30

  • Exposure

    Partial

  • Entrance

    Sandy

Black Rock (Puʻu Kekaʻa)

Calm, Family-Friendly Cove

Napili
Bay

Napili Bay is a calm, family-friendly crescent beach ideal for relaxed snorkeling. The shallow reef makes it easy for kids and newer snorkelers to explore when wind and surf are low.

  • Gentle crescent-shaped bay
  • Great for families and new snorkelers
  • Shallow coral heads with reef fish
  • Calmest during early morning hours
  • Easy sandy beach entry
  • Beautiful scenery and sheltered feel

At a Glance

  • Location

    West Maui

  • Marine Life Density

  • Area Size

    Medium

  • Depth (ft)

    0 – 10

  • Exposure

    Partial

  • Entrance

    Sandy
Napili Bay with bright blue water, swimmers, and a sandy shoreline backed by palm trees and beachgoers.

Napili Bay

Sheltered West Maui Cove

Kapalua
Bay

Kapalua Bay is one of Maui’s most sheltered snorkeling coves, offering calm water, gentle surf, and a sandy entry. Coral patches and reef fish are easy to spot close to shore.

  • Calm, protected cove ideal for beginners
  • Consistently clear and gentle conditions
  • Shallow coral formations
  • Easy access for families
  • Great spot for relaxed, slow-paced snorkeling
  • Nationally recognized as a top beach

At a Glance

  • Location

    West Maui

  • Marine Life Density

  • Area Size

    Large

  • Depth (ft)

    0 – 12

  • Exposure

    Partial

  • Entrance

    Sandy

Kapalua Bay

Convenient South Maui Reef

ʻUlua
Beach

ʻUlua Beach is a convenient South Maui snorkeling area with a gradual reef slope and clear morning conditions. It’s popular for scuba classes and a reliable beginner-friendly snorkel spot.

  • Gentle reef slope with easy navigation
  • Popular for beginners and scuba training
  • Bright reef fish in shallow water
  • Calmest early in the day
  • Easy sandy entry with facilities nearby
  • Close to Wailea resorts

At a Glance

  • Location

    South Maui

  • Marine Life Density

  • Area Size

    Large

  • Depth (ft)

    5 – 20

  • Exposure

    Partial

  • Entrance

    Sandy

ʻUlua Beach

Protected Shoreline

ʻAhihi-Kinaʻu
Natural Area
Reserve

ʻAhihi-Kinaʻu is a protected shoreline with exceptionally clear water, lava rock entry points, and abundant reef fish. It is one of Maui’s most fragile ecosystems and requires extra care and respect.

  • Protected Marine Life Conservation District
  • Abundant reef fish in shallow water
  • Crystal-clear visibility on calm mornings
  • Unique lava rock shoreline and formations
  • Highly sensitive ecosystem with posted rules
  • Not suited for rough-water days

At a Glance

  • Location

    South Maui

  • Marine Life Density

  • Area Size

    Large

  • Depth (ft)

    5 – 20

  • Exposure

    Partial

  • Entrance

    Rocky

ʻAhihi-Kinaʻu
Natural Area Reserve