Best Snorkel Spots in South Maui
|
WARNING: Entering the ocean can be hazardous under any condition.
Please read the County of Maui Ocean Safety Guide and these Snorkeling Safety Tips for more information. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE: Please be aware that you must stay at least 10 feet (3 meters) from sea turtles and at least 50 feet from Hawaiian monk seals (which are known to attack if you get too close). South Maui has an abundance of world-class snorkeling. We recommend taking a snorkel tour to the Molokini Crater. Also, there is a really excellent Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour that will take you to some amazing snorkel spots that are hard to reach on your own. This tour includes FREE Underwater Photos! If you are up for a little more adventure, Sea Scooters make you feel like you are in an underwater scene in a James Bond movie. If you want to venture out on your own, the best places to snorkel in South Maui are (from north to south): Charley Young Beach: Located at the north end of Kamaole Beach I. There is a parking lot on South Kihei Road and Kaiau Place. From the parking lot, walk down to the end of Kaiau Place. From the sandy part of the beach, swim around to the rocks on the right side. Kamaole Beach Park I: Charley Young Beach turns into Kamaole Beach Park I or Kam I, as the locals call it, as you head south. There is good snorkeling at the left end (south) of the beach around the point. Kamaole Beach II: The next beach past Kam I. Across from Fred’s. Great snorkeling on either end toward the rocky points. Kamaole Beach III: The next beach past Kam II. There is excellent snorkeling on the far right side off the lava rocks. Keawakapu Beach: The best snorkeling is at either the north end by the Mana Kai resort or the south end at the end of South Kihei Road. From the sandy part of the beach in front of the Mana Kai Resort, swim along the rocky shoreline to the right. From the south end, swim from the sandy beach to the left around the point. Palauea Beach (aka White Rock Beach): A beautiful hidden cove with a soft white sandy beach tucked between luxury oceanfront estates. There’s excellent snorkeling on the left side of the beach. DO NOT snorkel alone here (or anywhere)! You will see cars parked on the side of the road and an opening through the trees to the beach. Enter at the opening near the porta-potty. Ulua Beach: A beautiful sandy beach that is a popular scuba and snorkeling spot. Park at the Ulua Beach Parking Lot and walk to the left (south). Makena Landing: A picturesque cove that is a very popular snorkeling and scuba spot. Plan ahead and book one of the popular kayaking and snorkeling tours that launch from here. Maluaka Beach: You can park either at the north end or the south end. Both require a little walk from the parking lot. To park at the north end, you will pass by the beautiful Keawalai Church, and the beach parking lot will be on your left. Walk south down the road to access the beach. The south entrance is a little tricky to find, but it’s worth it. Once you’re parked at the lot at the top, you’ll walk down a paved path to the beautiful overlook and beach. Both sides have good snorkeling at either end around the point. Ahihi-Kinau Marine Reserve: This protected natural area reserve makes it a haven for all types of fish and an excellent spot for snorkeling. The best and safest entry spot is Anihi Cove. To access the Cove, drive past it and go up a hill to a large parking lot on your right side. Please note there is a visitor’s fee for parking. After you park, walk back down the road to Anihi Cove. For a map and more information about the reserve, visit the DLNR website. |