Snorkeling on Maui is fun and everyone should try it. Please note that snorkeling is a swimming sport so you will need to be able to swim. Snorkeling lessons are available. Most strong swimmers can teach themselves in calm shallow water or in a pool. We provide rental snorkel gear. Our shop staff are happy to help you find a good fit mask and fins. If you wear contact lenses ok, prescription masks are needed if you need glasses. We can arrange these for you, with some advanced notice. Do not snorkel too far from shore, and always snorkel with a buddy. We recommend staying at the well known sites, and only go during daylight hours, Avoid sunrise and sunset. As visibility is low and dangers increase. Do not let kids snorkel unsupervised, even in the pool. Please check out our Coral Reef Etiquette page and do not touch the coral, never stand on the coral, or attempt to touch the turtles. Respect the ocean and enjoy it. Call or drop in for snorkel equipment 7 days a week. At our Kihei Location.
SNORKELING Q&A
-
Yes, you must know how to swim. Even if you are in standing depth water, you might get in a current that takes you out of your depth. In the water you don’t weigh much, and even a tiny current can move you. So you must know how to swim well enough to be able to tread water and keep your head above water, and you must be able to make it through the water well enough to get yourself back to shore.
-
NO, if you cannot swim then you cannot snorkel. A lifejacket only helps a swimmer, it does not replace the need to know how to swim. Yes you can use a flotation device, but you can never totally rely on a flotation device. A life-jacket does not replace the ability to swim. Life-jackets can come off, and they only assist to make you more buoyant in the water. A flotation device will just allow you to remain on the water’s surface a little longer, so that someone has a better chance to rescue you.
-
No, a surfboard or body board is not a flotation device. Because you can fall off a surfboard and then you must know how to swim to get back onto it. Boards can blow away very quickly and them they can leave you stranded in deep water. They can give people a false sense of security.
-
Yes, you need to be able to swim. A kayak is very easy to tip over. And fall out of. When you fall out they are difficult to get back onto. They blow away fast too.
-
Yes you must know how to swim to go SUP. Never go farther than you can swim. An SUP board should (must) have a board leash. The board leash helps to keep the board nearby, but they do break, come off or people forget to attach them. If you fall off your board in deep water what will you do? When you fall the board gets pushed away, and then it can blow with the wind faster than most people can swim.
-
Yes it is possible to rent or buy gear without knowing how to use it. A responsible store will advise you against this. Having the gear is a temptation and a bad situation. It is also possible to buy a car without knowing how to drive. But it doesn’t mean that you should attempt to use it. Know the risks before you go. Get informed and take lessons.
-
Snorkeling is enjoyed safely by hundreds of thousands of people every year in Maui without incident. However it also has the most number of fatalities of any activity on Maui. Most people will have no problems if they are properly prepared for the activity. Sadly if you have a medical problem in the water you are much more likely to drown, Problems like: Seizures, Heart attacks, Stroke and Fainting, are more survivable on land, in the water they are catastrophically bad.
-
Be sure to know how to swim. Get swimming lessons. Even swimming doggie paddle is better than not swimming at all. Get confident in the water. Panic Kills. Always snorkel with a buddy, preferably a much stronger swimmer. Get a lesson with an expert. If you are a weak swimmer get a private snorkel lesson with an instructor. Learn to snorkel in a pool while supervised at all times. Stay close to shore when in the ocean for the first time. Do not attempt to snorkel from a boat until you have mastered shallow water snorkeling first. “If in doubt don’t go out”.
-
Snorkeling at Molokini Crater is not for the timid snorkeler. The water is 20-30 feet deep. So you cannot touch the bottom. Though the water is very clear and beautiful. The best boats usually have snorkel instructors and/or lifeguards on duty.
BEST SNORKELING SPOTS
-
This is located at the 14 mile road marker, (Lahaina is Mile 17), so all you will see is a lot of cars parked by the road next to the water. The beach is very narrow and has Kiawe trees right up to the water’s edge. Park on the ocean side of the road, there are many places to enter the water here. Some have sandy channels between fingers of reef. You don’t have to go far to see a lot of stuff. The water gets a little clearer a short way off the beach. Do not go too far out, because the sea life is quite active here. Stay away from fishermen, and divers too. Also avoid this spot after heavy rain or if there are any waves here. Usually the waves are blocked by the reef here. This place is in a wind shadow so it can be good snorkeling all day. Do not snorkel after sunset.
-
This is a little gem. On the Makena road before La Perouse bay, and after big beach. The road curves past a v shaped bay that has almost no parking, the sea almost touches the road. There is no beach. To park drive past the bar and park alongside the road or at the parking lot on the right. Lock your car, and walk back to the bay do not bring any valuables. The easiest entrance is a stepped ledge and tiny sand area on the right side of the bay. Be careful climbing into the water. This is usually a morning only place. The water will get choppy when the wind is up, and the visibility will be reduced. There is no need to go too far out. The fish will swim right up to you. Be prepared to see big fish, and hopefully some turtles too. Take care is there is any swell as it makes ingress and egress difficult.
-
H bay is better known as a surfing spot. But in Summer when the waves are down it is actually a popular diving and snorkel spot too. Start out parking at the bay (good luck with that) then lock your car, or course, then you can go to the rocky beach, and swim out. The best snorkeling is along the edges of the bay, I prefer the right side stay along the wall and you will see more fish. Take care here especially if it is windy , and do not go too far out. Do not snorkel here after rain, there is a river mouth that dumps dirty water here. Of the water is brown don’t go down.
-
This is at the end of the road. It has a rocky ledge so you will need aqua-sox to get over the rocks or tough feet. (It is not recommend to wear your fins s you climb over rocks because you could trip and fall over hurting yourself. The water gets deep fairly quickly. This is a remote location so be sure to dive with a buddy. Usually gets blown out in the afternoons. This can get very rough when it is windy, so only go here in calm conditions only.
-
Ulua is a nice resort beach on Maui’s south shore. You do not have to be a hotel guest to use this beach, there is a public parking area but it fills up quickly. Park/lock and walk to the beach. The most sea life is at either end of the beaches around the rocky headlands., take care as currents get stronger around rocky headlands too. You might see some fish coral and some honu.
-
This is a great Snorkel but you have to work a little bit for this one. Park at Makena Landing. Then enter the water via the little sandy beach. Follow the wall on the right hand side all the way out to the finger reefs at the end. Sea life, is visible all along the reef, expect to see turtles and fish and maybe some reef sharks too.
-
This is located off Big beach, you have to cross an embankment at the right side of big beach and hike over to little beach, Little’s is the southernmost trip on the island, so the currents can be strong here. (little beach is a clothing optional beach, so be warned), be prepared to see whatever swims your way. Keep in mind that the deep water species can sometimes come in here and have a look at you so don’t panic if they do. You might also be able to hear whale song while underwater here during whale season. December 15 to May 15th.
-
Black Rock at Ka’anapali the most popular snorkel spot on the west side. The black rock was a one time sacred Hawaiian site. Now the site of the Sheraton hotel. The end of the Kaanapali beach can be accessed through one of several public access ways. The beach is public the hotel grounds are for guests only. Morning are best here. The wide sandy beach makes for a pleasant spot to picnic and sunbathe. And when you get too hot you can grab your snorkel gear and snorkel out. Like every beach, There is not much to see on the sand flats, but if you stick to the sea wall, at the headland, you will see more. The fish hang out around the coral which grows on the rocks here. Avoid walking on the rocks, they are made of sharp lava. Do not get too close to the rocks of there is a swell running because you might get thrown on the rocks, sucked up in a surge, or the water can suddenly get shallow and you will scrape on the seafloor. Do not swim over shallow areas for this reason. Near the end of the headland the water is deeper and the visibility is better but you will encounter a current too. Avid the deeper water of it is windy and choppy because you might get some water down the end of your snorkel, This is a deep water spot so you must know how to clear your mask and snorkel while treading water. Do not stand on any rocks or reef to clear your mask. Even is it seems like an emergency to you.
-
Molokini is accessibly by boat only, there are many tour boats and dive boats that go here. The smaller boats go from Kihei Boat ramp, and the bigger boats leave from Maalaea harbor. Molokini is located just off the coast in Kihei between Maui and Koohalawe island. It is a crescent shaped volcanic crater that abounds with fish and sea life, the boat ride itself is fun. And you might catch a glimpse of some whales on the way (in season). Boats depart early usually at 6:30am, bookings are essential;. Make sure that you have arranged your snorkel gear, and brig it with you, some larger boats may have some gear on board. The water at the crater is deep 15-30 feet deep so there is no standing anywhere. So you must be a proficient at clearing your mask and snorkel in deep water. Bigger boats may have a swim-step which s a kind of ledge to stand on and put on your mask, Other smaller boats will have a swim ladder. Do not stray too far from the boats, and do not go outside the crater. The currents can be strong here and you could swept out and lost. Bigger sea life cruises outside the crater and scuba divers can do a “back wall drift dive”. The back wall is where you will tend to see the bigger pelagic species, definitely experts only.
-
This spot is more intermediate/advanced, because you enter the water at the beach at Papalua Wayside, then swim around the left hand headland for a few hundred yards to the reefy area. This spot is nicknamed coral gardens, and is popular as a PM snorkel spot when everywhere else is blown out. Of course it is better here in the mornings. Do not swim too far out or you will find your self in deep water. If you cannot see the bottom you re too deep or the water is too murky. Neither of these situations is desirable.
-
Some average snorkeling here too, but a nice beach to hang out on.
BEACHES IN MAUI
All of Maui’s Beaches are unique and have something different to offer. Only some beaches are suitable for swimming, and only some are suitable for surfing and other water sports. Remember that we are on an island, and there is a lot of ocean surrounding us. You should know where you are going, and what beaches are best for your chosen sport. Please be a responsible beach goer, and a good waterman, and know the conditions before you go. Please respect other beach users, always follow the local beach etiquette.
-
The island of Maui has a volcanic geography, that makes for mostly rocky shorelines, We have our share of sandy beaches as well, and they are a precious resource. Some beaches are reserved just for swimming, and some are only for experienced ocean athletes. There are a few great beginner beaches as well, so please take care when entering the ocean, and when choosing which beach to access from. these could be some of the most important decisions you will make!
-
Our Island has many different types of beaches. These range from the gentle and friendly swimming beaches on the south shore like Kamaole 1, 2, and 3. And range up to the high surf, high energy beaches on the north shore. The high energy high surf beaches are for experts only, and are not good places to swim. if you are planning a family beach day, choose a user friendly beach. A user friendly beach has accessible parking, amenities like restrooms, and showers, and preferably swim at a guarded beach. Only a small number of Maui beaches actually have life guards on patrol, so try to chose one of these,.. Especially of you have small children, or a large group. There are many other beaches that offer different conditions, that are favored by different sports enthusiasts. Fishing for example s one of Hawaii’s favorite pastimes. You will see fishing from almost any beach, and rocky shoreline. You generally do not want to swim where people are fishing. But you may also see the local kids swimming and fishing in the same place. This does not mean that it is a good place for you to swim. Also there are many remote beaches, especially on the drive to Hana, that look like inviting places to swim, but be warned that these beaches can sometimes look friendly but can be dangerous. East side beaches have a reputation for strong currents that can sweep you out to sea. even from the shoreline. So experienced water persons only please. Generally there are nice sandy beaches in front of the hotels and resorts. But check to see if these have lifeguards. Many of these beaches are great for sunbathing, but may have deep water or may be unpatrolled. They will usually have signs saying swim at your own risk. etc. Always read and heed these warning signs.
-
When you come to a lesson from Surf Club instructors we have already screened and selected the location based on our experience and our observations or the weather and ocean conditions. We know where to go, an we know each location in detail. When you become an independent surfer, you have the added responsibility of trying to decide where to surf yourself. This is by far the most difficult part of surfing, because locations and conditions vary so greatly. So if you have just learned to surf, it is best to stick to the beaches you know. The location where you had your lesson is usually the best bet, But always ask an instructor or lifeguard before swimming or surfing because conditions change daily.
-
Just because you see other people surfing a break, does not mean that it is a good place for you. The people there may have more experience than you, or know the hidden hazards at a spot. So do not assume that because other people are doing an activity at a location that it will be safe or advisable for you to go there. Simply following someone or copying them does not ensure that you will be in the right place at the crucial time. The Maui lifeguards are constantly pulling people out of the ocean who were in the wrong place at the wrong time. So please be sure to check with your instructor if you are thinking of going out on your own because they will usually tell you the safest options of where to go. Generally advanced surfers will go to the more challenging spots. So these are not good places for beginners. There are more user friendly locations to surf, where the the waves are gentle and you can hone your skills. Avoid large crowds, and remember that everyone is there to have fun too.
-
Sandy beaches provide the easiest access to the water. The sloping sand gives an easy place to enter and exit the water. Unless there is also shore break surf running. Entering the ocean over the rocks should be avoided. Do not launch kayaks and surfboards over the rocks, leave that to the experts. Find the safest place to enter and exit the water safely.
-
Our Island beaches have evolved over thousands of years, and the natural elements and biology is in a subtle balance. Our activity has an impact on the beach too so we should be mindful of the factors that affect the beach environment. Just offshore is a reef and marine habitat where many animals and plants make their home, the reef itself is made up from living animals called coral polyps, they build their calcium houses from the minerals in the seawater and build a living structure that protects themselves, but also protects the beaches from the wave action as well. The balance of the shoreline and reef line are interconnected, and any degradation of one will affect the other. Even if you do not touch the reef, your activity can affect the reef, chemicals in water runoff, sunscreen, and dirt in the water, with contaminate the water and negatively impact the water quality and in turn stress the reef. We want to preserve our reef and shoreline for future generations to enjoy, so we remind all our friends to be ocean aware, and respectful of the natural environment that we get to enjoy. There are many precious marine treasures that you can experience on Maui, and you can find a huge variety of underwater ecosystems and marine life if you go to some different types of beaches.
-
The entire ocean is connected, so whatever you do on one part of the ocean affects every other part. so every little thing we do counts. We are connected to the ocean and the ocean is connected to us. Be aware of your surroundings, and be conscious of everything you do in the ocean.
-
Keep in mind that you are going to be at the beach for at least half a day. Bring a sturdy bathing suit, bikinis are ok but ladies might prefer to wear board shorts over their bikini bottoms. (Hey guys, board shorts are way better than speedos!) Bring your reef shoes (aquasox) if you have them, otherwise you can rent some. A “rash-guard” lycra shirt is advisable. Bring a towel and waterproof sunscreen. Bring dry clothes for after. Bring some water or other drinks, there are not always stores at every beach. Bring any medications you might need. If you want to stay all day bring a picnic lunch.
What not to bring: Do not bring jewelry, lots of cash, better to leave them at home or in the hotel safe. Hold off on the electronics and expensive cameras unless you really have to. You will be occupied most of the time in the water and not have time for them and cannot keep an eye on them unless you have a family member on shore watching your gear.
Remember to always “Lock your Car”. And take the keys with you. (Do not hide your key in the gas cap). Some cars have electronic keys so you may need to buy a little waterproof case or pouch. If you do take your car key in the water make sure that it is tied securely into your shorts.
-
The Maui Sun is very strong. Most people will burn in 15-30 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. So wearing sun protection is essential. Rash Guard shirts, which are designed to be worn in the water, are fairly standard for surfers and swimmers. These protect you from the sun, and from board rash on your belly. Sunscreen, hats, lycra shirts, sunglasses and other cover-ups are good. In the water you will want to wear waterproof sunscreen. better yet, wear a combination is having some waterproof sunscreen on your face and legs, and wear a sun-shirt/rashguard shirt. If you are surfing supping of doing other ocean sports, sunscreen alone is not a great solution because sunscreen can also make the gear slippery and you may not be able to keep a grip. So less sunscreen and more cover-ups are advisable. There are surf hats designed with straps that hold on while surfing, and water-shirts, water-shoes and water-shorts (board shorts) that care tied on securely and wont fall off when you get rolled by a wave.
-
Sun screen in the form of a thick cream that is waterproof is best. because you will not have to reapply it as often. The higher the SPF (sun protection factor) number the better, it is good to use a 40 or 50 spf. use sunscreen sparingly, and do not get it in your eyes. Avoid getting any sunscreen on your board or kayak. Zinc Oxide (Zinc cream) is good for faces, and stays on well in water. There are also good sunscreens that are made from natural ingredients that do not harm the reef. We recommend that you always use an environmentally friendly Sunscreen like “reef safe”.
-
You can rent booties, and rashguards if renting for a few days, but if you are planning on doing more water activities (even just swimming or snorkeling or sitting on the beach), then it makes sense to buy your own personal gear.
-
Rent your sports gear before you get to the beach. There is no rental at the beach parks. Think about what you will need for the day or the week, The renter assumes the risk for the activity, this means that whatever happens to you the gear and the public is the renters responsibility. So that means that the renter is also responsible for damages to the equipment as well as any and all damages caused by the equipment. This includes injury to other persons and property damage. so make sure that you know how to use the gear, and care for the gear you are renting. (if in doubt ask, or take a lesson).
-
Always keep an eye on your gear, even at the beach. Do not loan out your gear to other persons. Overnight renters should have a secure place to keep the board when not in use. Do not leave boards on car racks overnight. Make sure that boards are securely fastened to your vehicle before driving anywhere, and check the straps often. If the board starts getting loose while driving, pull over and retighten the tie-down straps. You do not want to have your boards fly off the car as you are cruising down the road.
-
Only some of Maui’s beaches have lifeguards on duty, most beached are unguarded, so you swim at your own risk. This means that is you get into trouble help could be far away. Always plan your entry, and exit strategy when entering the ocean. Also know where the nearest help is and how to get there in an emergency. If you do go to a Lifeguarded beach, say hi to the lifeguards, and stay where they can see you. If you are in any doubt ask them where is the best place to swim. Generally you will not want to snorkel in the swimming areas. Ask the lifeguards is there is a good place to snorkel at that beach, or if it is beast to go somewhere else. Remember that Surfing/SUP and Kayak are not allowed in swimming areas. you will have to find somewhere else to do that. the lifeguard or local surf shop can help you with that information.
-
Wherever possible stay close to shore. even when kayaking or SUP paddle boarding there is not much reason to go past the reef line. if you go too far and the wind comes up, then you can get into trouble, and may get blown down the coast or out to sea. If you do get caught by the wind, always stay with your board/kayak. if you are snorkeling the reef and shallow water are best. Most marine life is visible in the first few feet of water up to about ten to 15 feet. You will not see much more in deeper water. Staying closer to shore and in shallow water means that you can be see more easily, if you get into trouble and need assistance. Also it means that assistance can get to you faster too.
-
When driving around the island you may find many isolated or empty beaches. Unless you know the beach and are experienced, it is best not to swim there alone or try to do water sports there. Isolated beaches may have unknown hazards (like currents or submerged rocks) and are also far from help. It is best to enjoy a picnic on these isolated beaches, and then find a more suitable beach for swimming that is known for that activity and has some people around. Preferably with lifeguards, or other compatible water users.
-
Always surf/kayak/snorkel with a buddy. Two people are safer than one. Make sure that you keep an eye on your buddy at all times, and that know how to help them if needed. Sometimes helping them just means calling 911 if they get into serious trouble, or they cannot get back to shore on their own.
-
Waves, Wind, and Water conditions change daily. So just because you “snorkeled” at a beach the day before doesn’t mean that it will be suitable the next day. Surf, Wind and Water conditions can change overnight or even in a few hours or minutes, Wind can change suddenly. Check the ocean conditions before going to the beach, and again before going in the water. Be aware of any changes to the conditions while you are in the water too. Especially wind, wind can turn and change direction and change strength extremely quickly, and become a hazard to your safety. If the conditions change, big waves, strong wind, rain/storm, get out of the water quickly and carefully reevaluate the conditions.