Check out 3 Top Snorkeling Spots to visit during your vacation to the island of Maui.
Honolua Bay
Honolua Bay is a Marine Life Conservation District located on the north western end of Maui. Surrounded by high rocky cliffs on both sides this creates a shelter from the wind which in turn creates a calm water below perfect for snorkeling.
Parking can be found along the road side with short walk in. Enjoy the jungle like shade trees along the pathway that guide you to the spot. Bring beach chairs, coolers and snorkel gear. The black rocky beach is not our typical golden sand but the snorkeling is well worth this trip out!
Insider Tip: When it’s time to go snorkeling, don’t waste your time jumping in near the sand at the center of the beach. Walk along the rocks to the right hand (north) side of the shore before entering. Take it easy and go slowly. The rocks can be slippery. Most of Honolua’s coral is concentrated on the right hand side of the bay, therefore, so are the fish. You’ll save yourself the swim and since you’ll be further from the sand the visibility will be better.
Turtle Town
Turtle Town Maui is the long stretch of coastline in between Nahuna Point and Black Sand Beach in the southern district of Makena.
Although a large area, generally, most people who say ‘Turtle Town’ are specifically referring to Maluaka Beach. Why? Because Maluaka is the best snorkeling beach in the Turtle Town Maui area!
Maluaka Beach is just south of Wailea at the end of Makena Road. The snorkeling is easy and relaxed. The soft sand is perfect for tanning, relaxing, volleyball, and the kids.
Insider Tip: To find the turtles, walk south down the beach until you get to the rocks at the end of the sand. The coral reef begins here.
Ahihi Kinau
Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve is located on the southern coast of Maui just past Makena. It’s a marine life conservation district, so no fishing of any kind is allowed.
One of the things I like most about snorkeling Ahihi Kinau is that the coast line is mostly made up of lava rock intermixed with coral. Lava rock is a major plus when it comes to snorkeling. The abrupt contours of the sea floor make perfect homes and hiding places for aquatic life to flourish.
Insider Tip: When you enter the water from the cove, swim to the right (north) and snorkel in front of the first rocky point with the house on it. Many turtles frequent this point and with a little luck you should be able to spot a few.
