Honolu'a may well be the best Maui snorkeling spot on a good day. A good day here is when there have been no recent North swells or rain. During North swells, this is a world class surfing spot and for obvious reasons not good snorkeling. If there has been a recent rain in the area, the run-off enters at the mouth of the bay and ruins the otherwise great visibility. Most of the time this is a great place to snorkel or dive. There are coral formations on each side of the bay and lots of colorful fish. The chance of spotting a few turtles here is excellent. This is a marine reserve so you are not allowed to take anything but pictures.

Location: North of Napili on Hwy. 30, about 1/2 mile past mile marker 32, you will see a metal gate down in a wash. Park where you can and walk around the gate, through a canopy of trees and to the water. Be sure to park off the road. If you are not completely outside of the white fog line, you may get ticketed. Do not leave valuables in your car.
Facilities: none
Beach: Large, smooth rocks
Experience Level: Beginner to advanced

Makulei'a Bay, also known as "Slaughter House" to surfers, is a good place to snorkel. The snorkeling isn't quite as good as Honolu'a, but if there are some in your group that want to just hang out on the beach, this would be a good compromise. If you are an experienced swimmer, you could snorkel around the northern point to Honolu'a. There are coral formations on each side of the bay and lots of colorful fish. The chance of spotting a few turtles here is good. This is a marine reserve so you are not allowed to take anything but pictures.

Kapalua Bay, known as the prettiest beach on Maui is also a good snorkeling spot. The best snorkeling is on the north side of the bay. Unless you are very experienced, you should stay within the bay due to the potential for strong currents outside.

Kahekili Beach Park, also known as Airport Beach, is a nice place to spend the day with the family. Great facilities and lots of reef to snorkel. The calm water and easy access make it a popular spot for scuba instruction.

Location: North end of Ka'anapali, on Hwy. 30, just north of mile marker 25, turn toward the ocean on Pu'ukolii Road.
Facilities: Lots of parking, showers, change rooms, restrooms, large covered picnic areas, barbecues and pay phones
Beach: Nice, sandy beach
Experience Level: Beginner to intermediate

Black Rock is like a wall dive for snorkelers. A lava outcropping with coral attached. Swim from the South end up to the north and back again. If there is no ocean swell, this can be a very clear snorkel. One usually sees turtles along the way and an occasional tako (octopus). A common spot for night dives.

Acres of coral reef. You could spend the whole day here and not see it all. If it's a little murky at first don't get discouraged - just go further out. This area stays shallow for a long way out. Follow the sand channels until you are deep enough not to scrape your belly on the coral. This location is also a good choice in the afternoon as it more protected from the trades.

Location: On Hwy. 30 at mile marker 14, about 10 miles south of Lahaina. See mile marker post on the mountain side of the road. Be careful not to park in soft sand!
Facilities: None
Beach: Narrow sandy beach
Experience Level: Beginner to advanced

Great snorkeling with lots of coral and tropical fish. Good spot to see turtles. Unless you are on a boat, this is only recommended for advanced snorkelers due to the long swim and sometimes difficult access.

Kamaole beaches 1, 2, and 3 are stretches of sandy beaches along South Kihei Road. Each beach is bordered by rocky points. These points are the best snorkeling. Great family beaches with plenty of stores and restaurants close by.

Location: On South Kihei Road in Kihei
Facilities: Showers, change rooms, restrooms, lifeguards, phones, park facilities
Beach: Nice, sandy beach
Experience Level: Beginner to intermediate

Mokapu and Ulua are two beaches separated by a nice little snorkel point. This is a nice place for the family, especially if you are staying in the Wailea area. Parking lot may be full if you are not there early or later in the afternoon.

Location: In Wailea between the Renaissance and Outrigger hotels. See the sign on Wailea Alanui and turn toward the water
Facilities: Showers, change rooms, restrooms,
Beach: Nice, sandy beach on either side of snorkel area
Experience Level: Beginner to intermediate

Polo Beach is by the Kea Lani Hotel. This is a pretty sand beach with the best snorkeling area to the right. Nice coral formations and plenty of fish.

One of Maui's best snorkel or scuba spots. Abundant marine life including many turtles. Not for beginners due to the swimming distance. Many caves and "swim-thrus" for advanced scuba divers. Visibility is sometimes poor after rain or south swells.

Geologically, Molokini is a volcanic cinder cone that has eroded over the ages. Now the island is a Marine Life Conservation District Seabird Sanctuary, and a world-class dive location. Located 3 miles off the shores of Maui, it is famous for having incredibly clear water with visibility exceeding 100 feet almost every day. You will enjoy thousands of brightly colored tropical fish and it is possible to see monk seals, whale sharks, manta rays, spotted eagle rays and harmless white tip sharks. Molokini is one of the most popular & exotic snorkel & diving sites in the entire world. It is a must see destination for any visitor interested in Maui's underwater world.

Snorkeling at it's best. Anywhere along this reserve you feel comfortable entering the water is great. Ahihi Bay itself is a great place to get used to your gear if you are new or rusty at snorkeling. After you get comfortable in the water, head out of the bay for some of the best snorkeling on the island.

To the North is reserve and the best snorkeling. This is an excellent place to snorkel if it isn't too windy. There is a pod of dolphins that frequents the area - usually in the early morning hours. If you are lucky they will swim with you!