Snorkeling Beaches on Maui

Courtesy of Scott - Fotolia.com

What can be discovered around the coast of Maui?
- A whole host of marine creatures and tropical underwater environments are just waiting to be discovered all around the coast of Maui.
Why is snorkeling popular in Hawaii?
- Snorkeling in Hawaii is one of the most popular activities to enjoy on this island’s beautiful beaches.
Where are the best snorkeling spots in Maui?
- Most of the best Maui snorkeling spots are found on the western side of the island, but there are one or two good spots to the south as well.

Best Time to Visit Snorkeling Beaches on Maui

April to October – Calm ocean conditions and excellent visibility, perfect for snorkeling at top spots like Molokini and Honolua Bay.
May & September – Fewer crowds and warm waters, ideal for peaceful underwater adventures.
June to August – Peak season with vibrant marine life and great snorkeling tours available.
November to March – Winter swells on the north shore; best snorkeling found on the south and west coasts.
Early May – A sweet spot with great water clarity before summer crowds arrive.

Honolua Bay

What makes Honolua Bay a great snorkeling spot?
- Right on the northwestern edge of the island, Honolua Bay is easily one of the best snorkeling beaches on Maui and highly convenient for people staying in a hotel or resort on the western side of the island.
When is the best time to go snorkeling at Honolua Bay?
- The best time to go snorkeling on this Maui beach, and many others, is early in the mornings as the intense sunlight and calm waters help to provide the clearest views.
What can be found at Honolua Bay?
- Honolua Bay is actually part of a Marine Preserve area, with a large reef and lots of tropical fish found to the southern side of the bay in particular.

Kama III

What is Kama III?
- Also known as Kamaole Park III, but referred to simply as Kama III by most locals and visitors, this tends to be the least crowded of the three Kama beach parks and is the best one for snorkeling.
Why is Kama III a good snorkeling spot?
- It's one of the only snorkeling spots on the southern shore of Maui and has a lot of useful facilities nearby like free parking, restrooms, grills, picnic areas, and more. You can have a good snorkeling session and then head back ashore to rest and recuperate.
Is Kama III a safe snorkeling location?
- Lifeguards are also on duty here, helping this to be one of Maui's safest snorkeling spots.
Where is the best snorkeling area at Kama III?
- Good snorkeling can be enjoyed all around this beach, especially to the right-hand side.
What marine life can be seen at Kama III?
- Some of the species you can expect to see here include parrot fish, pufferfish, and different types of tangs.

Kahekili Beach Park

Why is Kahekili Beach Park also called Airport Beach?
- Also known as Airport Beach due to the fact that the island's main airport used to be situated nearby, this western shore location is another of Maui's best snorkeling beaches.
What makes Kahekili Beach Park a great snorkeling spot?
- Kahekili Beach Park is a cozy little spot to spend a full day out on the sand and in the water, and the local reef is filled with fish and other forms of marine life to be observed and admired.
What should visitors bring to Kahekili Beach Park?
- If you want to spend some time on this beach when you're done snorkeling, you may want to bring an umbrella or beach tent along as there aren't too many shady spots.

Slaughterhouse Beach

What is another name for Slaughterhouse Beach?
- You may also know this beach under the name of Mokule'ia. It's actually one of western Maui's hidden spots, without any shuttles or buses running to the area, but is still relatively easy to access by car.
What activities can be enjoyed at Slaughterhouse Beach?
- This is quite a nice beach to visit for activities other than snorkeling, like swimming and beach games, especially in the summer months when the waters are calm.
How are the wave conditions at Slaughterhouse Beach?
- Depending on when you visit, the waves at Slaughterhouse Beach can either be gentle or quite rough, so it's important to pay attention to the conditions around you and stay safe.
What marine life can be seen at Slaughterhouse Beach?
- Lots of green sea turtles are spotted under the waves here, along with many species of colorful fish and even eels.

Makena Landing Beach Park

Where is Makena Landing Beach located?
- Another snorkeling spot on the southern side of Maui, Makena Landing Beach is designed with more experienced snorkeling enthusiasts in mind as the terrain can be quite rocky and difficult to navigate in places.
What makes Makena Landing Beach unique?
- There's actually an underwater cave here, which can be a lot of fun to explore, but getting into it requires some skill and experience.
Who should snorkel at Makena Landing Beach?
- If you have the experience and fitness levels needed to enjoy this snorkeling spot, you'll find it to be one of the best on the island, with a seemingly endless list of species swimming beneath the surface.
Why is Makena Landing Beach great during whale season?
- This is also the best snorkeling spot on Maui when whale season comes along, as lots of humpback whales can be heard in the area.

Table of Contents: