As you can imagine, being surrounded by the big blue ocean definitely creates some pretty exciting water activities to experience. So if you are hoping to discover Hawaiian marine life during your stay on Maui, you are in luck! The Valley Isle is known as one of the best islands for swimming and snorkeling according to Conde Nast Traveler magazine. With a immense amount of hot spots for snorkelers, the opportunities are almost endless. Feeling slightly overwhelmed? No worries, we’ve compiled the top 5 must see snorkel destinations that are perfect for beginners and experts alike!
1. Honolua Bay
Just a short 10 minute drive away from your West Maui condo rental, Honolua Bay features a prime spot for snorkeling as well as surfing for those experienced surfers. This incredible location provides remarkable sceneries, both under and out-of-water. As a marine reserve, this bay has an abundance of sea life ranging from diverse fish and coral to Hawaii’s own Green Sea Turtles. The best conditions for snorkelers, especially if you are just learning, is when the ocean is calm and flat. So if you are here during mid-summer, this is an ideal spot to explore the underwater world!
2. Kapalua Bay
Named “Best Beach in the World” time and time again by a number of travel publications, Kapalua Bay is without a doubt a premier beach to snorkel as well as kick back. With the Kapalua Resort community close by, this bay provides a calm environment and vibrant colors that makes snorkeling here almost like a dream. So, bring your family and friends to enjoy a day wading under the warm Hawaiian sun!
3. Turtle Town
Thanks to the Endangered Species Act, our beloved honu (Green Hawaiian Sea Turtle) finds home in this particular stretch of ocean otherwise known as Turtle Town. While the official location is hard to pinpoint, if you are between Nahuna Point and Black Sand Beach on the southern coastline of the island you are in the right spot. Turtle Town is a top place for snorkeling and serves incredible marine views, especially if you are looking to glimpse these large sea creatures in their natural habitat.
4. Kaanapali Beach
The famed golden sands of Kaanapli Beach sure gets a bit of foot traffic on a day to day basis, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a vast new world for you to discover. Kaanapali Beach boasts a popular rock (referred to by locals as “Black Rock,”) to jump off of; with an underwater ecosystem waiting for you to explore beneath the waves! Featuring some of the greatest conditions for snorkeling as well as swimming on the island, you are sure to enjoy the clear ocean water and the bustling life below.
5. Molokini Crater
Approximately 2.5 miles off of Maui’s south shore is a partially submerged volcano islet that serves as a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. With the crystal-clear water, snorkelers can see an average of 150 feet of visibility at Molokini Crater, making this one of the best Maui snorkeling locations. As the perfect environment for feeding and breeding of marine life, the crescent shaped volcanic crater named Molokini hosts over 250 Hawaiian tropical fish species and is perfect for beginner and experienced snorkelers alike.
While the list could go on and on, these top 5 snorkeling spots are your best bet whether you are an expert or just getting your feet wet! Our Maui vacation rentals at Kahana Village serve as the best launching pad to these snorkeling areas as well as other adventures on the wonderful island of Maui!
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