Top 10 Snorkeling Spots in Maui

Molokini is the perfect environment for marine life to feed and breed, and the islet hosts over 250 species of endemic Hawaiian tropical fish. Within the volcanic walls, you will find colorful reef formations and a host of tropical marine life including manta rays, butterflyfish, parrotfish, moray eels, reef sharks and more. The Pacific waters around Molokini Crater have over 100 species of algae and approximately 35 species of hard coral.

The crystal-clear water at Molokini Crater is a huge part of why this is one of the best places for snorkeling on Maui.

Molokini is a popular location for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike, and it is especially great for morning snorkel tours in Maui. The waters surrounding the crater are also one of the most popular locations for SCUBA diving in all of the Hawaiian Islands.

• Access: Boat only
• Typical snorkel depth: ~10–40 ft inside the crescent; the inner cove reaches ~100 ft in places; the back wall plunges >200 ft (diving only).
• Best for: Exceptionally clear water, coral gardens, abundant reef fish; occasional rays and reef sharks; sea turtle sightings are possible but less common than at Turtle Town.
• Tips: Mornings are calmer; winds and currents tend to increase later in the day.

Molokini suits both first-timers and experienced snorkelers thanks to its sheltered interior reef. In Hawaiian tradition, these waters fall within the domain of Kanaloa, the ocean god, another reason the site is treated with care.

Because Molokini is only reachable by vessel, many visitors choose a guided Maui snorkeling tour that includes Molokini (often paired with Turtle Town). See Maui snorkeling tours.

For a premium experience, our small-group luxury catamaran ʻElua also visits Molokini with early-morning departures. See Molokini luxury snorkel tours.

While at Turtle Town, guests can expect to see turtles gently approaching swimmers with curiosity, as well as a bounty of colorful marine life.

Turtle Town is a top place to snorkel on Maui for many reasons. Not the least of which of these is the chance to view the Hawaiian green sea turtles in their natural habitat. There are always calm wind conditions and clear waters, so boat tours out to Turtle Town are ideal.

• Access: Best by boat (popular stop on many snorkeling tours)
• Depth: 10–30 ft, with gradual slopes
• Best for: Hawaiian green sea turtles, coral reef habitat, calm water for beginners
• Tips: Visit in the morning when seas are calmer; afternoons can bring stronger trade winds

In addition to turtles, snorkelers often see butterflyfish, parrotfish, wrasse, and Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa.

Because Turtle Town is a regular stop on guided trips, many visitors combine it with Molokini on a Maui snorkeling tour. See Maui snorkeling tours.

One of the most captivating aspects of Coral Gardens is its reef formation, which extends from the southern end of Papalaua Beach towards majestic cliffs. The area boasts dramatic black lava fingers reaching from the shore to the ocean floor, creating an enchanting seascape. Snorkelers can discover secret coral sea caves and passageways, each teeming with a vivid array of marine life.

Coral Gardens offers calm ocean conditions and clear waters, ideal for beginners and advanced snorkelers. The depth varies from shallow to medium, allowing for a comfortable and safe snorkeling adventure. Accessible via ocean vessel on a Maui snorkel tour, this location promises an unforgettable glimpse into a dreamy underwater world. On your next visit to Maui, Coral Gardens should be a top destination to experience the magic of West Maui’s marine ecosystem.

• Access: Best by boat (no shore access)
• Depth: ~10–40 ft, with lava fingers and coral outcroppings
• Best for: Vibrant coral cover, reef fish, occasional turtles, dramatic underwater scenery
• Tips: Morning hours are calmest; afternoons often bring swell and wind
• Frequency: Sometimes included on tours when conditions are right

In winter (December–April), Coral Gardens sits in the path of migrating North Pacific humpback whales, and you may even spot them at the surface while snorkeling.

Learn more on our Coral Gardens overview.

Because this stop depends on weather, it’s a captain’s choice location that may be included on certain Maui snorkeling tours.

“The Bay” offers a small, sandy beach where you can access the water directly. Otherwise, it can be reached by a short downhill hike or by boat. Honolua Bay is a marine reserve that Maui residents have fought for years to protect from development. It is undoubtedly a snorkeler’s dream due to the spectacular coral reef formations, Hawaiian green sea turtles, and large schools of tropical fish.

There is no place quite like Honolua Bay, and when you lay your eyes on its majesty, you will see at once why it is such a revered and world-renowned beach. While snorkeling at Honolua Bay, guests will find themselves in a Hawaiian wonderland! Honolua is a part of the Mokuleia Marine Life Conservation District and it offers countless tropical fish to see and coral reef formations to explore. Whether you reach it by car or by boat, you will not be disappointed. Honolua Bay is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places to visit while in Hawaii.

• Access: Shore entry (short downhill trail, limited parking)
• Depth: ~0–30 ft, sloping reef
• Best for: Summer snorkeling with coral gardens, reef fish, sea turtles
• Tips: Visit in calm summer months (May–September). In winter, the bay is dominated by large surf and not safe for snorkeling. Footwear helps with the rocky entry.

Visibility here can be spectacular when the water is flat, but murky when surf is up. Because Honolua Bay is a Marine Life Conservation District, visitors are asked to practice reef-safe habits and avoid standing on coral.

Located just north of Turtle Town, Five Caves provides a bounty of marine life, like Hawaiian green sea turtles and harmless reef sharks. It is best to reach Five Caves on Maui by boat, but the beach can also be accessed by Makena Road in South Kihei. Visitors without a guide should take caution due to the variable ocean conditions at this Maui snorkeling locale. Even if the surf is small, Five Caves can be a tricky area for many reasons. Make sure to always swim with a buddy and take proper safety precautions.

• Access: Shore entry near Makena Road; also visited by some boat charters
• Depth: ~10–25 ft in snorkel range, deeper channels for divers
• Best for: Advanced snorkelers, lava arches and caves, sea turtles, reef sharks, eagle rays
• Tips: Conditions can change quickly; currents and surge make this a challenging site. Always snorkel with a buddy, and avoid if seas are rough.

While it can be rewarding, Five Caves is not recommended for beginners. Visitors should take extra care and respect the wildlife, especially resting turtles and sharks often seen in the caves.

The beach itself is one of the most visited locations by locals on Maui, but Black Rock is still a bit of a hidden gem to most non-residents.

Black Rock is most popularly known as “the rock you jump off” on West Maui, but “the rock” also happens to be surrounded by a fabulous reef formation. The clear blue water is absolutely mesmerizing, the soft sandy bottom is inviting, the weather is divine, and the ocean here is calm. It’s simply perfect. The water at Black Rock starts at about 8 feet in depth and gradually extends to roughly 30 feet deep as you swim around the point.

• Access: Beach entry at Kāʻanapali, near the Sheraton Maui
• Depth: ~8–30 ft around the point
• Best for: Confident beginners and casual snorkelers looking for reef fish, turtles, and easy access
• Tips: Go early to avoid crowds. Be cautious around the point, because currents and surge can be strong, especially beyond the sheltered side. Cliff jumping is popular but carries risks.

Marine life here is mostly reef fish (such as butterflyfish, damselfish, parrotfish, and Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa) with occasional turtle sightings. While not as coral-rich as Molokini or Honolua, it’s one of the most convenient snorkel sites on Maui, especially for visitors staying in Kāʻanapali.

Napili is frequented by visitors, but mostly by those who are seeking some solace with their families. Even though it can sometimes be a busy beach environment, this is still a beach where you can find some peace and comfort in West Maui. For those who are looking to snorkel at Napili Bay, there is an activity rental cabana, and it’s not necessarily a spot where beginners will need much instruction.

Napili Kai Beach Resort fronts the bay so keep in mind that it can become congested during the high season on Maui. The best time to visit Napili Bay is in the early morning on a weekday, or late in the afternoon for a sunset celebration. We suggest that you arrive in the afternoon for Maui snorkeling and stay for the evening.

• Access: Easy beach entry with public access points and limited parking
• Depth: ~0–10 ft, sandy bottom with scattered coral patches
• Best for: Families, beginners on calm days, sea turtle sightings
• Tips: Arrive early to find parking and avoid crowds. Afternoons can bring stronger winds and choppier surf.

Marine life here includes Hawaiian green sea turtles and common reef fish, though the coral cover is lighter than at sites like Molokini or Honolua. It’s best suited for a relaxed snorkel in calm conditions, with clear visibility in the mornings.

The community around Kapalua Bay is quiet and peaceful. The beach itself is a protected, crescent-shaped cove that is ideal for Hawaii marine life to gather. Kapalua Bay provides a calm environment with vibrant colors and excellent swimming conditions, making it one of the best spots to snorkel in Maui. It is also an ideal place for kicking back with your family and friends under the warm Maui sun.

Kapalua, kapa and lua in the ancient Hawaiian language, translates to “two borders.” Kapalua Bay is perfectly positioned between Oneloa Bay and Honokahua Bay. This not only explains its name, but also goes to show why it’s such a perfect place to enjoy West Maui snorkeling in all of its splendor.

• Access: Beach entry with limited public parking and facilities nearby
• Depth: ~0–12 ft inside the cove; deeper reefs toward the points
• Best for: Families, beginners, sheltered waters, reef fish
• Tips: Arrive early for parking and calmer conditions. The bay can get crowded during mid-day.

The coral reef here shelters a variety of tropical fish, including butterflyfish, goatfish, parrotfish, and damselfish. Hawaiian green sea turtles are also seen gliding along the reef edges. While not as expansive as Molokini or Honolua, Kapalua’s calm conditions and easy access make it a favorite for families and new snorkelers.

This sweet little Maui beach cove can be reached by a somewhat hidden Wailea beach road that may be marked by a sign that says, “Parking for the Marriott.”

If you are staying in West Maui and trying to get away from the regular tourist hustle and bustle on the Southside, or if you are looking for a place less frequented by tour guides, then ‘Ulua Beach is perfect for you. It’s a great spot to snorkel in Maui because it is private and has calm waters. It’s also a great place to go if you’re looking for a more intimate and quiet place to decompress with your loved ones.

• Access: Public parking and restrooms near the beach entrance
• Depth: ~5–20 ft for snorkeling, deeper along the reef edge
• Best for: Beginners in calm conditions, casual snorkeling, scuba training
• Tips: Go in the morning for the best visibility and calmest water. Afternoons often bring stronger winds and choppier surf.

The reef here is home to damselfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, Moorish idols, and Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa. Hawaiian green sea turtles are also occasionally seen. While not as dramatic as Molokini or Coral Gardens, ʻUlua is one of the most convenient snorkeling spots in South Maui.

If you visit the ‘Āhihi-Kīna‘u Natural Area Reserve, it is essential that you are conscious of the ‘aina (land) and makai (ocean), as you should be wherever you visit in Hawaii. These lands are precious, and conservation is vital for a sustainable and healthy future on Maui.

The ‘Āhihi-Kīna‘u Natural Area Reserve can be found by heading down the southern coast of Wailea, past Makena, towards La Perouse Bay. The coastline is jagged and mostly consists of coral reef intermixed with lava rock. Tropical fish are pretty close to the shoreline here, and are mostly prevalent in shallow waters. We suggest that you snorkel close to the road in the protected bay. Make sure not to step on the coral. It is a living and breathing marine animal itself!

• Access: Rocky shoreline with limited parking
• Depth: ~5–20 ft nearshore, shallow coral intermixed with lava rock
• Best for: Conservation-minded visitors, reef fish, turtle sightings
• Tips: Enter carefully over lava rock, and avoid stepping on coral. No fishing, no taking, and please pack out everything you bring in.

ʻAhihi-Kinaʻu is home to Hawaiian green sea turtles and a variety of reef fish including butterflyfish, goatfish, parrotfish, Moorish idols, and Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa. Visibility is usually good in the mornings, but conditions can turn rough with wind or swell.

Because this area is protected, visitors are asked to follow all posted rules and practice reef-safe snorkeling. Sections like “Fishbowl” remain closed to allow the reef to recover.