Kihei is a beach town on the south shore of Maui. It used to be called "Kamaole," which means "barren" in the Hawaiian language. The original name refers to the town's hot and dry weather conditions all year round. Today, with its miles of sandy beaches, Kihei is one of the top beach destinations in Hawaii.
Our excellent weather, crystal-clear waters and fantastic sea life make Aruba one of the best islands to go snorkeling on in the entire Caribbean. Aruba is home to the best snorkeling in the Caribbean, with 6 fantastic destinations that are easily accessible and exceptionally beautiful.
There are sharks in Aruba, and Aruba sharks are only found further in the ocean water. People partaking in boat rides should be careful not to dive in some of the shark locations. They are not on the beaches for those feeling weary of their presence.
Yes, it is safe, but Baby Beach is a little tricky to get to. Google "Bent Page Aruba" and there are driving instructions that are very helpful. Be aware that it is very hot with no shade at Baby Beach. You can rent shelters and loungers, but if I recall they were expensive, but necessary with a baby.
What are Maui's best places for viewing sea turtles?Check out these spots:
- Makena Landing (South Maui)
- Maluaka Beach (South Maui)
- Keawakapu Beach (South Maui)
- Ulua Beach (South Maui)
- Kaʻanapali Beach's Puu Kekaa (Black Rock) – (West Maui)
- The point between Napili Bay and Honokeana Cove (West Maui)
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, no lifeguards. This map was created by a user. This map was created by a user.
As such, late morning and early afternoon snorkeling is typically the best time of the day, when you pair that with the schedule of the tides. Early morning snorkeling also tends to offer great results, and many species of fish and marine life are most active in these hours.
#1 Honolua BayThere is no sand to speak of. In calm weather, this bay hosts snorkelers and divers, but when there is a swell coming through, the surf goes off at Honolua Bay! Check the Maui snorkeling conditions before you drive there. Both sides of the bay boast a well established coral reef with great marine life.
One of the most common questions that we receive is “Are there sharks at Molokini Crater?” The answer, of course, is yes because they live in the ocean. The truth is, if you are snorkeling in the ocean, you may have the rare opportunity to spot a shark regardless of where you are snorkeling.
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.
Snorkeling in Maui is very safe, though, because of how many beaches on the island offer protected waters. The beautiful sights and fish you'll see are what make snorkeling in Maui so popular!
The majority of the good snorkeling is in south Maui, in and around Kihei and Wailea/Makena, but there are some good spots around Ka'anapali, Honokowai, Napili, Kapalua, and Lahaina too. Hotels in Maui range in quality, like anywhere. But Maui lacks many two star or lower hotels.
The best Top 10 Maui snorkel spots with maps & photos.
- #1 Molokini Crater.
- #2 Black Rock.
- #3 La Perouse.
- #4 Honolua Bay.
- #5 Coral Gardens.
- #6 Ahihi Bay.
- #7 Kapalua & Napili Bays.
- #8 "Turtle Town"
It's quite protected, so if there is not a north swell, there is very often good snorkeling there in winter. Like ocean conditions all over Maui, it changes day to day and even hour to hour. You'll need to check conditions at that time. We stay in West/northwest Maui almost every year in December/January.
To get to Honolua Bay you can go two ways. You can hike there through the bottom of the valley and go snorkeling or you can scale down the cliffs and go surfing. Many people also choose to stay at the top of the cliffs by where the surfers walk down to spectate.
Make sure to book a Hawaii snorkel tour, or go beach hopping for an awesome Hawaii snorkeling adventure!
- Maui. Molokini Crater.
- Turtle Town.
- Coral Gardens.
- Honolua Bay.
- Kapalua Bay.
- Lana'i.
- Molokai.
- Oahu.
Best snorkeling tour in Maui, HI
- HangLoose Maui Ocean Adventures. 14.4 mi.
- Kaanapali Ocean Adventures. 17.2 mi. 51 reviews.
- Maui's Private Guide. 5.7 mi. 35 reviews.
- Maui Dreams Dive. 8.1 mi. 187 reviews.
- Boss Frog's Dive & Surf - Ma'alaea. 6.7 mi. 34 reviews.
- Blue Water Maui. 16.9 mi. 60 reviews.
- Ohana Fun! Hawaii. 3.6 mi.
- Frogman Snorkeling Molokini. 6.7 mi. 35 reviews.
The best time of year to snorkel in Hawaii is summertime, May through September. That is not to say that if you have vacation time at another time of year that you shouldn't go to Hawaii. On every island, in almost all weather conditions, you can normally find a snorkel spot that is protected and fun, all year round.
Molokini is about 9 miles offshore (1 hr boat ride).
We are often asked if it's a good idea to bring snorkel gear to Hawaii. Unless you already own good quality snorkel gear that you love and have the room to pack it in your luggage, you don't really need to bring snorkel gear from home.
January through March is prime time for that on Maui so you're coming at a great time. Snorkeling is great on Maui. Top Question on the right will list some wonderful snorkel beaches. There are times when the ocean conditions (swells) will interfere with snorkeling for a few days.
$1.50/day or 2 for 1 Weekly.The Panoramic is a top quality snorkel set for a great Maui snorkel experience.
