Aloha! Maui has no shortage of beautiful beaches, but these are the ones I actually send friends and guests to. My biggest snorkeling tip is simple: go early. The wind usually picks up later, and the ocean can be calm on one side of the island and completely different on the other.
Before you choose a beach in the morning: check the Maui Snorkel Report. It is updated in the morning and is honestly one of the easiest ways to decide which side of the island looks best that day.
Maui Snorkel Report: https://thesnorkelstore.com/maui-snorkeling-conditions-reports/
Turtles: Please give them room. NOAA recommends staying at least 10 feet away on land and in the water, and of course never touch, chase or feed them. 🐢
Ulua • Makena Landing • Maluaka • Palauea • Big Beach • Kahekili • Kapalua • Honolua • Molokini
Ulua Beach – easy Wailea snorkeling
Ulua Beach, Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753
From Wailuku: about 35–45 min
From Grand Champions / Wailea: about 5 min
If you’re staying in Wailea, this is one of the easiest places I’d send you for a morning snorkel. Sandy entry, reef along the rocks and an easy beach day afterward.
Good to know: Go early before the afternoon wind comes up.
Makena Landing – Turtle Town area
5083 Makena Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
From Wailuku: about 40–45 min
From Grand Champions / Wailea: about 10–15 min
One of my favorites. It feels a little less resort-y, and this whole stretch is known for turtles, fish and reef. Go early when the water is calm.
Good to know: Only get in if the water looks calm. Parking can fill, so earlier is better.
Maluaka Beach
5400 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753
From Wailuku: about 45–50 min
From Grand Champions / Wailea: about 10–15 min
This one gives you a little more room to spread out. I like it for a morning snorkel and then just staying on the beach awhile.
Palauea / White Rock Beach
Makena Rd, just south of Polo Beach, Wailea/Makena
From Wailuku: about 40–45 min
From Grand Champions / Wailea: about 5–10 min
A quieter little beach when you don’t want the big resort feel. I love the tucked-away feeling here, and the rocky ends can be nice for snorkeling on a calm morning.
Good to know: Parking and facilities are limited, which is part of why it feels a little quieter.
Mākena State Park / Big Beach
Mākena State Park, 4670 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753
From Wailuku: about 45–50 min
From Grand Champions / Wailea: about 10–15 min
Big Beach is gorgeous and absolutely worth seeing. I think of it more as a beach stop than a snorkel stop because the shorebreak can be powerful even when the water looks beautiful.
Good to know: Pay attention to lifeguards, flags and the shore break. Don’t turn your back on the ocean.
Kahekili Beach Park / Airport Beach
65 Kai Ala Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761
From Wailuku: about 45–55 min
From Grand Champions / Wailea: about 60–75 min
A really easy West Maui snorkel day with reef right off the beach. I like this one when you want to snorkel without turning the whole day into a big production.
Kapalua Bay
Kapalua Bay Beach, Kapalua, HI 96761
From Wailuku: about 50–65 min
From Grand Champions / Wailea: about 70–85 min
Such a pretty bay. The sandy entry makes it an easier West Maui option, and it’s a nice one for a relaxed beach-and-snorkel morning.
Honolua Bay
Honoapiʻilani Hwy near Mile Marker 32, Kapalua
From Wailuku: about 55–70 min
From Grand Champions / Wailea: about 75–90 min
Honolua is gorgeous when it’s calm, and even the walk through the trees feels special. I only send people in to snorkel when the bay is truly settled.
Good to know: I only recommend snorkeling here when it is truly calm. North swells can change this bay completely.
Want to go out to Molokini?
Maui Snorkeling – Molokini Crater
101 Maalaea Rd, Slip 64, Wailuku, HI 96793
Phone: 808-244-1979
Website: https://mauisnorkeling.com/molokini-crater-snorkeling/
Watch the boat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwcnmcJELcQ
From Wailuku: about 15–20 min
From Grand Champions / Wailea: about 25–30 min
If you want a boat day, this is one I feel really good about recommending. Captain Greg is a friend of mine and just an awesome person. 😊
Their morning trip plans for Molokini and Turtle Town when conditions cooperate. The captain makes the final call based on the water that day, which is exactly how it should be.
Good to know: Book ahead, especially during busy travel weeks.
