Maui Snorkel Location Help

[cpandrewschmidt]

Hi all,
Going to Maui in September. We're traveling with 5 others and we want to do a snorkel trip (no scuba-ers in the group). Where are the best spots for both fish and coral? Calmer the water the better as there are some new people. Also, are there any nice beaches to layout at that have good snorkeling off the shore? Thanks for your help!

Andrew

 

[JokerGirl]

Wailua beach on the south side of the island is a great spot. It can be a little rough, so it's best to go early in the morning, but the diversity of life there is fantastic. I really can't recommend Molokini for snorkelling. In the 10 years between when I was first there, and when I was there this past November, it's really gone down hill. The diving there is still good, though.

 

[cpandrewschmidt]

thanks much we'll check it out. Anyone else have a suggestion?

 

[sunfishh]

I also like Wailua beach, but my persona favorite is Honolua Bay.

 

[gregmoeck]

I started off at Ulua Beach and was addicted to that place. I then drove south and discovered black sand beach. That is great snorkeling, the entire south maui area around makena is excellent. Just park car where you see a turn off and rocks in the water, you cant go wrong. Maui is a special place. I've been around a bit and have to say there is something about maui, i cant really pin point it. I was disapointed at first as it felt and still does just feel like you are in southern california instead of an island. You dont really get the sense that you are on an island in hawahii but after several days you start to slow down and start to take notice. It takes a few days but those that have spent time in maui understand what i am trying to write. Make sure to go to big beach, climb the cliff to go see little beach and turn back and look at big beach, its a great view.

 

[DaveOSU]

For convenience I would say it depends where your staying. We always stay up between Kannapali and Kapalua on the NW side. Check this site out for some great info:

http://www.shorediving.com/Earth/Hawaii/Maui/index.htm

Sites are all shore entries and you can rent gear from any Maui Dive shop...... there on about every corner.

We frequently scuba dive off Kahekili Beach; plenty of parking, great beach, restrooms, and showers to rinse off. Never had bad visibility there and it is great snorkeling.

I Also recommend Black Rock which is a little hike down the beach from here; parking is hard to find close to Black rock. Usually turtles and last time we saw several squid hanging out. There is typically some current pushing you to one side or the other. You may end up on the Sheraton side and have to walk back around to where you started.

Finally, try Honolua Bay. It is a protected Marine sancuary where snorkel boats frequent. If you drive past it on the road you will come to an overlook where you can check conditions first.

One thing we learned is that visibility at some spots is very dependent on the direction of the wind. At any location, If big waves are coming in and it looks stirred up don't hesitate to move on and try it a different day.

Enjoy

 

[herostar]

A few years ago we found Honalua bay almost by accident.

We were on our way to another snorkel spot, drove past, and decided to check it out. I've never seen such large schools of reef fish! We ended up spending almost the whole day there and never made it to the beach we originally were traveling to. I say check it out!

 

[Ian]

Honalua Bay is nice but it kinda sucks walking over all the rock to get to the water.

Out of all the places I snorkeled in Maui, the best IMO was right out front of our hotel. It's called Aston Ka'anapali Shores. Its the last exit headed north in Maui. You'll turn left on Lower Honoapiilani Hwy and you can park at the grocery store on the right. Walk across the street and through the hotel to the beach.

I saw turtles, tons of fish, coral, squid, an octopus, eels, etc and it's super easy to get to!

 

[DaveOSU]

I agree with Ian about that stretch right there at the Aston; we like to stay at the Mahana a couple doors down and have had good diving and snorkeling right there. This past winter a public parking lot with restrooms and beach access was built right across from the grocery store Ian mentions.

 

[cpandrewschmidt]

Thanks all. Hopefully we'll have time to check out most of these places!


Andrew

 

[percula99]

The site DaveOSU recommended is great. I have used it also and found it very beneficial. If you want an aquarium excursion, visit the Maui Ocean Center. They have the most incredible collection of reef tanks I have seen assembled in one place full of live corals and fish. Awesome place.

http://www.mauioceancenter.com/