Is it safe to snorkel in Maui?

Keep in mind that Maui's beaches are susceptible to big waves and hazardous conditions. It is important to assess the wind, ocean currents, and swell in the area that you are considering. Water clarity is also important to ensure safety. Never snorkel in turbid and/or murky water.



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Avoid swimming, surfing, or snorkeling in murky waters or harbor entrances. Sharks are frequently spotted in these areas because they can sense their prey's electrical fields using their ampullae of Lorenzini organs. Sharks, in turn, can hunt for their prey while remaining invisible.

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What are the safest places to snorkel in Maui? If you're worried about currents, you'll find the safest snorkel spots in sheltered bays or shallow reefs like Napili Bay, Ahihi Cove, and Ulua beach.

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Don't enter the water at dawn, dusk or night when sharks are most active and/or moving closer to shore to find food. Be aware that some shark species, like tiger sharks, are always active, no matter what time of day.

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Incidents of sharks biting people in Hawaiian waters are very rare, occurring on average at a rate of about three or four per year. Fatal shark bites are extremely rare, especially considering the number of people in Hawaii's waters. People who enter the water need to recognize that there are hidden dangers.

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Choppy waters are not ideal for snorkeling, especially; if you're not a proficient swimmer. Wavy waters will bounce you around, and you'll experience diminished underwater visibility because of increased moving debris and sand. Waves also influence the ease and safety of getting in and out of the waters.

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You can also sign up for The Snorkel Store's daily email for updates (they also sell gear, but are only in Lahaina). Snorkeling is mostly in west Maui and south Maui. In general, the North Shore near Paia and east Maui near Hana are too rough. The water is generally more calm in the morning.

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Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach located on Maui is known to have rough water and is reported to be one of a handful of red sand beaches around the world. Makena Beach in Maui has the nickname of “breakneck beach” because the surf breaks right on the shore, making it very dangerous to swim in.

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Scuba diving and snorkeling in Maui or anywhere around the world is typically the best between 10 am in the morning and 2 pm in the afternoon. This is due to the sun being higher in the sky. The sun angle being more above the surface of the earth allows more light to penetrate the water.

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We encourage travelers to consider visiting other areas of Maui (including Kahului, Wailuku, Kihei, Wailea, Makena, Pa?ia and Hana), as well as the other Hawaiian Islands of Kaua?i, O?ahu, Lana?i, Moloka?i and Hawai?i Island.

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Maluaka Beach. It's not uncommon to see honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) at Maluaka Beach on Maui. Maluaka Beach (aka Turtle Town) is one of Maui's best-kept secrets. Like its nickname suggests, this beach, located south of Wailea and at the end of Maluaka Road, is a great spot for—guess!

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Fins. In addition to a mask, you should also bring along fins for your feet. They help you propel yourself through the water and fight the moving currents. Make sure your fins are adjusted beforehand to fit your specific shoe size so they work properly and are comfortable to wear.

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