snorkeling south Maui
Poplular snorkel spots
This is about most popular place to snorkel close to the condo. My local friends who have lived here for decades go here as the default. This spot has a very easy beach entry. You can swim around the outside edge of the reef and enjoy tons of fish, eels, turtles and octopus (if you can spot them!) When the tide is up and the waves are low, you can swim over the top of the reef. Pay attention to where the waves break to avoid getting pushed into the reef. Don't touch it, or stand on it.
51 locals recommend
Ulua Beach Park
Ulua Beach RoadThis is about most popular place to snorkel close to the condo. My local friends who have lived here for decades go here as the default. This spot has a very easy beach entry. You can swim around the outside edge of the reef and enjoy tons of fish, eels, turtles and octopus (if you can spot them!) When the tide is up and the waves are low, you can swim over the top of the reef. Pay attention to where the waves break to avoid getting pushed into the reef. Don't touch it, or stand on it.
This is the most popular spot to walk along the beach and snorkel and relax on the beach or on the grass. When you snorkel, you stay to the right end near the hotel, which is where the reef is. There are almost always turtles. If the current starts to come up, it will pull you north. So be mindful of how far north you go. There is a lot to see!
80 locals recommend
Keawakapu Beach
Kilohana DriveThis is the most popular spot to walk along the beach and snorkel and relax on the beach or on the grass. When you snorkel, you stay to the right end near the hotel, which is where the reef is. There are almost always turtles. If the current starts to come up, it will pull you north. So be mindful of how far north you go. There is a lot to see!
This is right at the bottom of the driveway to the right. The coral formations are on the south side of the beach. There are lots of beautiful coral heads.
201 locals recommend
Kamaole Beach Park II
South Kihei RoadThis is right at the bottom of the driveway to the right. The coral formations are on the south side of the beach. There are lots of beautiful coral heads.
This is down south about 25 minutes. It's protected from fishing, so it has bigger schools of fish. It is probably the best place to snorkel near the condo. It is not a sandy beach. It's a rocky entrance a little walk from the parking lot. Paid parking.
15 locals recommend
Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve
This is down south about 25 minutes. It's protected from fishing, so it has bigger schools of fish. It is probably the best place to snorkel near the condo. It is not a sandy beach. It's a rocky entrance a little walk from the parking lot. Paid parking.
This is also known as "turtle town." Parking is tight, but it is a great spot for seeing bigger schools of fish. It is also the spot for kayaking.
24 locals recommend
Makena Landing Park
5083 Makena RoadThis is also known as "turtle town." Parking is tight, but it is a great spot for seeing bigger schools of fish. It is also the spot for kayaking.
City advice
Don't miss
Snorkling in Maui is best done early in the morning
The trade winds come in around 10:30-12:00, so it's best to be finished with your swim by then. The currents and waves come up along with the wind, and it happens pretty quickly. It's a good idea when you are out snorkeling, to pop your head out routinely and keep an eye on that.
Also, the waves come in sets. So you have to watch the ocean a little to really see what it's doing. You can watch some large waves and then that set goes away and it's calmer, or vise versa. When you are going out, notice where the waves break. Then cross that spot after a wave breaks.
Getting around
Putting on the gear
Snorkel masks fog up in the water. You will need something like "sea drops" or "spit" to coat the inside of the mask. You can also use your spit, or some very mild soap like baby shampoo. Smear it on the inside of the mask lightly. Put the mask with the snorkel attached on your head and carry your fins under your arm. Walk out past where the shore break is. Slide the mask onto your face and put the snorkel in your mouth. Then put on your fins. You will be able to float and put them on. Tilt the mask to let a little to let a little water clear the extra soap. Rinse and dry afterwards.
Getting around
"The snorkel report"
If you'd like to get updates at 8 am about the snorkeling conditions, there is a snorkel report, complete with live beach cams which comes out at 8am. You can sign up, or reach out to me a little after 8, and I'll tell you what the conditions are. You can always go up north to Lahaina if the waves are big here.