Maui is blessed with countless snorkel spots.
For snorkelers, Maui is a mecca. With countless areas to view underwater life, the choices are bountiful. For visitors, most resorts rent snorkels, masks, and flippers and there are plenty of rental shops near most beaches as well. When snorkeling avoid touching turtles or the coral reef -- they are protected by law in Hawaii. Also, head out early for the best snorkeling as winds tend to be calmer in the morning.
Black Rock at Ka'anapali Beach
Ka'anapali Beach is world famous for snorkeling.
In front of the Sheraton Maui on the world famous Ka'anapali Beach is one of the most popular snorkel spots on Maui. Located in the bustling resort town of Lahaina on the west side of the island, snorkelers of all levels can enjoy the amazing sea life at Black Rock. Fodor's describes the location writing, "Advanced snorkelers can swim beyond the sand to the tip of Black Rock, or Kekaa Point, to see larger fish and eagle rays." The San Francisco Gate echoes a similar sentiment stating, this spot "is hands-down the easiest site to snorkel with the widest variety and number of fish." Visitors can easily find this spot directly in front of the Sheraton Maui by the large black rock.
Sheraton Maui
2605 Ka'anapali Parkway,
Lahaina, HI 96761
866-500-8313
www.sheraton-maui.com
Kamaole III Beach Park
Maui beach parks are a great place to snorkel and spend the day.
Maui is one of the most beautiful places on Earth and its South Shore is the jewel of the entire island. Less crowded than the Ka'anapali area of the island, this section encompasses the luxurious resort town of Wailea and the more suburban town of Kihei. Kihei's shore is lined with many beautiful beach parks. Kamaole III, known by locals as Kam III, is located on South Kihei Road and is an ideal snorkel spot. This beach park boasts easily accessible snorkeling plus every beach amenity a family could need. The park has a lifeguard on duty, a playground, a grassy area, picnic tables, grills, public bathrooms, benches and public parking.
Kamaole Beach Park III
2800 South Kihei Road
Kihei, HI 96753
808-879-4364
co.maui.hi.us/facilities.aspx?search=1&CID=5&RID=233&Page=detail
Ahihi-Kinau Natural Preserve
Protected areas are a perfect location to see plentiful sea life.
Further south beyond Kamaole III lays Ahihi-Kinau Natural Preserve. Driving to this snorkel spot feels a little like driving on the moon because of the hardened lava dotting the landscape. According to Frommer's, Ahihi Bay is a 2,000-acre state natural area reserve, "where Haleakala spilled red-hot lava that ran to the sea in 1790." While some of this area is closed for the protection of local species,there is still plenty of great snorkeling territory available. Snorkeling, diving and swimming at the Kanahena Cove area right next to the road is permitted, according to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. Park rangers are available if visitors are unsure where they are allowed to access the water.
Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve
Kīhei, HI 96753
http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/nars/reserves/maui/ahihikinau
Tags: Ahihi-Kinau Natural, anapali Beach, Sheraton Maui, Ahihi-Kinau Natural Preserve, Beach Park