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 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
This is one of the easiest snorkeling choices if you’re staying in Wailea. It has a sandy entry and reef off the rocky side, so it’s nice for a snorkel in the morning and then a 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’s smaller and feels a little less resort-y, which I like. This whole area is known for turtles, fish and reef.
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
Maluaka is down in the same Makena/Turtle Town area, but gives you more sandy beach to spread out on. I like this one if you want to snorkel in the morning and then stay 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
This is a quieter little beach that I like when you don’t want the big resort-beach feel. The rocky ends can be good for snorkeling when conditions are calm.
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, but I think of it as a beach stop, not a beginner snorkel spot. The shore break can be powerful even when it looks beautiful from the sand.
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 good West Maui snorkeling option with reef right off the beach. It’s easy to spend a few hours here without making the day complicated.
Kapalua Bay
Kapalua Bay Beach, Kapalua, HI 96761
From Wailuku: about 50–65 min
From Grand Champions / Wailea: about 70–85 min
A pretty bay with a sandy entry, so I like it as an easier West Maui option. Go early because it gets busy.
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 the ocean is calm. Even the walk through the trees down to the bay is beautiful. The shoreline is rocky, so water shoes are nice.
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/
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 recommending. Captain Greg is a friend of mine and is just an awesome person. 😊 I love being able to send guests to someone I personally know and trust.
Their morning trip leaves from Māʻalaea Harbor and plans for Molokini and Turtle Town when ocean 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.
Photo credits: Ulua Beach — dronepicr / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. Green sea turtle at Ulua Beach — Laszlo Ilyes / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
