You Need to Add a Maui Snorkeling Adventure to Your Bucket List

Woman snorkeling underwater

With hundreds of species of fish, a wide variety of marine animals, and some of the clearest oceans on the planet, Maui is a snorkeler’s paradise. Our Hawaiian Island is home to beautiful coral reefs where Spinner dolphins dive beneath the waves and manta rays glide below the surface. It’s an underwater world that you just have to see! Keep reading to discover our favorite Maui snorkeling spots and use our free Travel Guide to plan the rest of your trip.

Maui Snorkeling: Your Ultimate Guide

Trips & Tours

If you’re new to snorkeling, you might choose to take a boat tour instead of venturing out on your own. Pride of Maui is an excellent option for guided snorkel trips. Their boats travel to some of the best spots around the island, including Molokini Crater. This crescent-shaped lava formation has a lush reef with 150-foot visibility. And, because it’s frequently visited by tourists, the marine life at Molokini is less skittish and more comfortable around humans. Snorkelers have the unique opportunity to capture incredible underwater photos here.

Pride of Maui leaves from Ma’alaea Harbor, just six miles from our inn.

Beaches

Maluaka

Are you ready to snorkel solo? Head to the beach! Maluaka, also known as Turtle Town, is one of the best beaches on Maui for snorkeling. This stretch of coastline is notorious for its high population of Hawaiian Green sea turtles that can be seen in shallow waters as well as deeper areas. The beach’s coral reef also offers an abundance of tropical fish, eels, crustaceans, and octopi.

Maluaka is hidden behind the mountains and protected from Hawaii’s strong trade winds. So, you can expect calm water that makes snorkeling easy and relaxing.

Black Rock

Further north, Black Rock Beach in Ka’anapali provides ample snorkeling opportunities. Along the rock wall, you’ll find colorful coral, various fish, and Volkswagen, a giant sea turtle that frequents this sandy beach. Other popular snorkel spots in the area include:

  • Napili Bay
  • Honolua Bay
  • Kapalua Bay

Coral Gardens

Angelfish, parrotfish, and triggerfish, oh my! Coral Gardens is another great place to explore. This unique, natural reef formation can be found along the shores of the West Maui Mountains. It’s ideal for beginner snorkelers, as the shallow water provides crystal-clear views of marine life. Spend time admiring crabs, turtles, and even the occasional Hawaiian monk seal. Just be sure to avoid stepping on the coral — it is a fragile, living creature.

Head Back to The Historic Wailuku Inn

After an incredible day of swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing, rest up in one of our beautiful guest rooms! Our property is an easy drive from the best Maui snorkel spots. Plus, we offer all the amenities you need for a relaxing, memorable stay.

Each morning, join us for a homemade breakfast in our communal dining room. You can swap stories with other guests and tell us all about your snorkel adventures! Or, spend time unwinding on our spacious lanai. It’s the perfect place to reminisce about your adventures.

Check our availability and book your Hawaiian vacation today! We look forward to hosting you.