Did you know that Maui is known as the #1 Hawaiian Island for snorkeling?
Yes, and that is so for many reasons including that Maui is also the best place to learn how to snorkel in Hawaii.
For beginners, Maui offers shallow and calm ocean conditions, and yet it’s still wonderful for experienced snorkelers.
There are many opportunities to visit drop-offs, ledges, overhangs and the variety of marine life that are recurrent in Maui waters.
The island is also virtually surrounded by hot spots for snorkelers and divers, depending on where you want to go and what you want to see.
If you are in search of the best snorkeling in Maui, you will not be disappointed during your visit to our island paradise.
Of all the things to do in Maui, the most popular activity by far is snorkeling.
And for good reason…
Maui has been voted “Best Island in the World” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine for ten consecutive years.
And “World’s Best Island” by the readers of Travel & Leisure magazine for five years.
Even though it’s the second largest of the 8 main islands, it somehow manages to maintain that relaxed sunset feel.
2 person snorkeling gear included in your rental with vanlifemaui.com
The Valley Isle has more miles of swimmable beach than any other Hawaiian island and an average year-round temperature of 75-85°F. The great weather in addition to the beautiful blue water produces world-class surfing, windsurfing, diving, and snorkeling beaches.
The 120 miles of coastline and over 30 miles of beaches make Maui snorkeling the perfect activity in Maui.
1. Molokini crater
2. Turtle Town
3. Coral Gardens
4. Honolua Bay
5. Five Caves
6. Black Rock
7. Napili Bay
8. Kapalua Bay
9. Ulua Beach
10. Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve
Best Maui Beaches: Boogie Boarding
( Also included in your rental )
“Boogie boarding” are great ways to catch some waves without having to master surfing—and there’s no balance or coordination required.
A body board (or “sponge”) is softer than a hard fiberglass surfboard, which means you can ride safely in the rough-and-tumble surf zone.
If you get tossed around—which is half the fun—you don’t have a heavy surfboard nearby to bang your head on. But you do have something to hang onto.
Serious spongers invest in a single short-clipped fin to help propel them into the wave
D.T. Fleming Park north of Kaanapali in West Maui. This beach always seems to have great wave action for boogie boards.
I also like it because of the lifeguard tower (you never know…), outdoor showers, restrooms, and easy access.
If you really don’t want to drive up north, Big Beach (Makena Beach State Park) is another fun boogie boarding beach. But be careful, sometimes the waves at Big Beach are a little too aggressive in their
No restrooms, but there are lifeguards.
Enjoy that Boogie Boarding action!
Outdoor Portable Solar Camping Shower
( Also included in your rental )
When you’ve been snorkeling for long hours, what feels better than coming back to the campervan to a nice warm solar outdoor shower?
This allows you to rinse you off, water shoes & snorkels at your campsite so that you can feel relax watching the sunset, refreshed and clean.
Solar camping showers can be a lifesaver on a secluded beach on the Road to Hana
Snorkel Wisely
Yes, it has to be said.
Maui snorkeling information contained in this page is meant only as a general guide in other words as to what to expect when visiting the island.
As beautiful and mild as Maui usually is, weather is always unpredictable.
Know your swimming ability. Be prudent and take into consideration the weather and environmental conditions when planning your beach activities.
Obey warning signs, they are there to protect you. “Those waves don’t look that bad” are famous last words. However, We want you to enjoy all that our beautiful island has to offer.
We hope that you seek out these locations and remember that Maui’s unique reef-zones are important to respect and protect!