Best Snorkeling in Maui

Vacationing in a lush, tropical island paradise for your next vacation no doubt means plenty of beach time. Take a much-needed break to a place full of sand, sun, fun, water, and plenty of rest and relaxation. While spending time on the beach and in the water is a priority, Hawaii and the island of Maui offer some of the best snorkeling in the world. You’ll no doubt want to spend the day – or multiple days – exploring both above and below the water. Don’t forget an underwater camera to get pics of what you find below the surface while snorkeling in Maui!

Charter Tours

If you’ve never been to Hawaii, or snorkeling for that matter, book a tour. There are plenty of charter boats that will take you out to explore the underwater world. Just walking down to the marina docks will offer you several tours, offered by private boats as well as tour companies. Companies typically provide the mask, snorkel, and flippers needed for the adventure, but you’ll have to bring your own wetsuit.

On Your Own

You can start out exploring on your own, or you can do so after finding the best spots on a guided excursion. Head to the closest beach and wade out into the water. You’ll be amazed at what you can find close to shore. If you want to explore past the beach near your rental, pack up the rental vehicle and head to just about any other beach on the island.

Ulua Beach

For beginner snorkelers, this beach is a great place to get your feet wet. The quarter mile of sandy beach boasts great snorkeling, as well as swimming, boogie boarding, and more. For SCUBA experiences, dive instructors choose it due to the good beginner-level dive at the outer reef. There are bathrooms and showers available.

One’uli Black Sand Beach

Another typical bucket list for a Hawaiian vacation is a trip to its unique black sand beaches. This beach is on the Wailea side of the Pu’u Ola’i cinder cone and is considered excellent for snorkeling and diving – there’s a coral reef not far offshore. The black sand covers the beach, but it often disappears and is replaced by hard lava at the water’s edge.

Keawakapu Beach

The cozy beach is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, boogie boarding, and other water activities, including snorkeling. When you’re not plunging beneath the waves, check out the tide pools at the north end. You can make a day out snorkeling, or rent stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, beach and snorkel gear, and bikes from the nearby Mana Kai hotel at the north end. Hit the available showers before returning to your car.

Ke One o Polo Beach

Two beaches in one! The two beautiful crescents of sand are a popular spot, close to Polo Beach Club and Fairmont Kea Lani. You’ll be sharing the slice of paradise at the north end with hotel guests, but the south end can be fairly uncrowded. No matter what part of the family-friendly beach you set up on, it’s is great for all water activities, including snorkeling, boogie boarding, or a casual dip. Facilities include a grassy park with showers, bathrooms, picnic tables, and grills – in case you need a break from the underwater exploration.

White Rock

This long, sandy beach is typically uncrowded and normally frequented by locals. That makes it great for undisturbed underwater exploration. The beach has very few public access trails, but when you get there, you won’t regret the trip. The waters are a wonderland for snorkeling and many other water and beach activities.

Mokapu Beach

The quarter-mile long piece of sand neighbors the Andaz Wailea Hotel. Make sure to bring your own beach chairs, umbrellas, and other gear – the ones on-site are for hotel guests only. These are also prime waters for boogie boarding, swimming, as well as snorkeling along the south end. Public parking is shared with nearby Ulua Beach, which is also popular for snorkeling and dive instruction, so come early. There are also bathrooms and showers available.

Exploring Above and Below Water

While there are many places to explore below the surface of Maui’s waters, the water closest to your vacation rental is a great place to start! Choose from a cozy studio for a solo or sweetheart escape full of beach relaxation and fun, or a 2-bedroom for you and even more of your loved ones. Midway Vacations has a vacation rental that’s just right for your tropical island retreat full of snorkeling fun.

Open the door of your “home away from home” and feel all your stresses and worries wash away into the nearby Pacific Ocean, being replaced by the spirit of Aloha. Prepare ingredients for a beach picnic after a snorkel excursion, or any other meal of the day in a fully equipped kitchen, relax in an open living space, or retreat to a private bedroom.

Contact us today to start planning your Maui snorkeling adventure!