Crescent-shaped Kapalua Bay is just gorgeous and one of the easiest places to snorkel on Maui as marine life is abundant close to shore.
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Kapalua Bay is my favorite snorkeling spot in Maui despite also being one of the most crowded. It's in the northwestern part of the island and has a huge reef on either sides of the u-shaped shore. The water is usually calm, so it's perfect for kids and less-confident swimmers.
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!
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.
Maui's North Shore is less developed, less crowded, has cooler days, and is in a more natural state than the popular resort areas of South and West Maui.
For a more authentic feel, skip the mega-resorts of West and South Maui and head to the North Shore, East Maui, or Upcountry, where you're more likely to interact with locals than with tourists. Upcountry is the least touristy area.
Our top pick for most novice snorkelers is the Cressi Palau Short Fin Set. With a simple but solid mask that's proven itself over the last two-plus decades, a highly functional snorkel, and a short but robust set of travel-friendly fins, Cressi's snorkel set will propel you forward without risking equipment failure.
You might think not knowing how to swim would exclude you from being able to snorkel, but that just isn't the case! While knowing how to swim will certainly allow you to enjoy and experience more, you don't need it to snorkel! This is because you have the option of wearing a life vest.
Maui's leeward side inarguably presents the best beaches on the island—if by “best” you mean golden sand, perfectly-swimmable waters, outstanding snorkeling opportunities, lulling waves gentle enough for first-time surfers, and sunshine in spades.
There's plenty of gorgeous water to be found at Maui's beach parks, but the clearest is in Honolua Bay, especially during the summer. Honolua is Hawaiian for “two harbors,” and the bay was originally used to receive ships and unload supplies.
The best times to visit Maui are April through May and September through November. The spring and fall shoulder seasons provide the pleasant weather Hawaii vacationers seek without the high rates and heavy crowds that accompany the summer and winter.
Please help protect these beautiful animals. Stay back 10 feet or more when watching sea turtles in the ocean or on land. Yes, on land — Maui's green turtles can often be sighted basking on quiet beaches, usually in the evenings and mornings. Get Maui snorkeling and diving tips.
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.