Theme: Beach Activities
We were going to go to Maui for one reason - SNORKELING! My boyfriend says the snorkeling there is better than Kauai or Oahu (I loved the north shore of Oahu). So, my expectations are huge. Here are some snorkeling spots to check out on Maui - all to the west coast of the island starting with the most southern end (Beg-Beginner, Int-Intermediate, Adv-Advanced):
La Perouse-Excellent place to snorkel if it isn't too windy. There is a pod of dolphins that frequents the area - usually in the early morning hours. If you are lucky they will swim with you! Located past Ahihi Reserve, this is end of the road unless you have 4-wheel drive & a lot of clearance. Beach is rocky to none. Int to Adv
Ahihi Keanau Reserve-Anywhere along this reserve you feel comfortable entering the water is great. Ahihi Bay itself is a great place to get used to your gear if you are new or rusty at snorkeling. After you get comfortable in the water, head out of the bay. Located south of Wailea & all of the hotels, after the road narrows & follows the coast closely, you will begin to see Ahihi Keanau Reserve signs. Beach is rocky to none. Beg to Adv
Five Caves-Is a snorkel or scuba spot. Abundant marine life including many turtles. Not for beginners due to the swimming distance. Many caves and "swim-thrus" for advanced scuba divers. Visibility is sometimes poor after rain or south swells. Located south of Wailea on Wailea Alanui, turn toward the ocean on Makena Rd, just south of the Makena Surf Condos. In about 1/4 mile, you will see some dirt parking on both sides of the road & a small graveyard between the parking and the ocean. Follow the trail to the sea and look for an inlet for entry. No Beach. Int to Adv
Polo Beach-by the Kea Lani Hotel. This is a pretty sand beach with the best snorkeling area to the right. Nice coral formations and plenty of fish. Located between Wailea and Makena in front of the Kea Lani Hotel. Take Kaukahi (the road on the south side of the hotel) toward the ocean and turn right at the bottom of the hill, following the beach access signs. Showers, change rooms, restrooms. Nice sandy beach. Beg to Int
Mokapu and Ulua-two beaches separated by a nice little snorkel point. This is a nice place for the family, especially if you are staying in the Wailea area. Parking lot may be full if you are not there early or later in the afternoon. Located in Wailea between the Renaissance & Outrigger hotels. See the sign on Wailea Alanui and turn toward the water. Showers, change rooms, restrooms. Nice, sandy beach on either side of snorkel area. Beg to Int
Kamaole Beaches-1, 2, & 3 are stretches of sandy beaches along South Kihei Road. Each beach is bordered by rocky points. These points are the best snorkeling. Great family beaches with plenty of stores and restaurants close by. Located on South Kihei Road in Kihei. Showers, change rooms, restrooms, lifeguards, phones, park facilities. Nice, sandy beach. Beg to Int
Coral Gardens-lots of coral and tropical fish. Good spot to see turtles. Unless you are on a boat, this is only recommended for advanced snorkelers due to the long swim & sometimes difficult access. Located on Hwy. 30, about 1/2 mile north of the tunnel. The first parking area north of the Pali (cliffs). Enter by parking area and swim south in front of the cliffs. Showers, change rooms, restrooms. No Beach. Adv (Beg to Int from a boat)
Olowalu-Acres of coral reef. You could spend the whole day here and not see it all. If it's a little murky at first don't get discouraged-just go further out. This area stays shallow for a long way out. Follow the sand channels until you are deep enough not to scrape your belly on the coral. This location is also a good choice in the afternoon as it more protected from the trades. Located on Hwy. 30 at mile marker 14, about 10 miles south of Lahaina. See mile marker post on the mountain side of the road. Be careful not to park in soft sand! Narrow sandy beach. Beg to Adv
Wahikuli Park-Located just north of Lahaina on Highway 30. Across the street from the Post Office & Lahaina Civic Center. Showers, change rooms, restrooms. Sandy beach. Beg to Int
Black Rock-wall dive for snorkelers. A lava outcropping with coral attached. Swim from the South end up to the north & back again. If there is no ocean swell, this can be a very clear snorkel. One usually sees turtles along the way and an occasional tako (octopus). A common spot for night dives. Located on Hwy. 30 in Ka'anapali turn toward the ocean on Ka'anapali Parkway. Look for the free beach access parking. If it's full, you'll have to park at Whaler's Village parking. If you decide to eat or buy something at this mall or have lunch, you can have your ticket validated. Lots of parking (some free some not - see above), showers, change rooms, restrooms, pay phones, shops and restaurants. Beautiful sandy beach. Beg to Int
Kapalua Bay-prettiest beach on Maui & a good snorkeling spot. Best snorkeling is on the north side of the bay unless you are very experienced, you should stay within the bay due to the potential for strong currents outside. Located on Hwy. 30, at the Napili Plaza, turn toward the ocean on Napilihau Street. When Napilihau Street "T's" at Lower Honoapi'ilani Road, turn right. Drive almost a mile to Napili Kai Beach Club and turn toward the ocean at the Shoreline Access sign. Park in the lot and walk through the tunnel to the beach. The best snorkel access is on the north side of the bay. Showers, change rooms, restrooms. Sandy beach. Beg to Int
Makulei'a Bay-known as "Slaughter House" to surfers, is a good place to snorkel. The snorkeling isn't quite as good as Honolu'a, but if there are some in your group that want to just hang out on the beach, this would be a good compromise. If you are an experienced swimmer, you could snorkel around the northern point to Honolu'a. There are coral formations on each side of the bay and lots of colorful fish. The chance of spotting a few turtles here is good. This is a marine reserve so you are not allowed to take anything. Located north of Napili on Hwy. 30, at mile marker 32, you will see a chain link fence at the top of the cliff. Park where you can and walk down the concrete stairway to the beach. Be sure to park off the road. If you are not completely outside of the white fog line, you may get ticketed. Sandy beach. Beg to Adv
Honolu'a-The best Maui snorkeling spot on a good day. A good day here is when there have been no recent North swells or rain. During North swells, this is a world class surfing spot & not for good snorkeling. If there has been a recent rain in the area, the run-off enters at the mouth of the bay and ruins the otherwise great visibility. Most of the time this is a great place to snorkel or dive. There are coral formations on each side of the bay & lots of colorful fish. The chance of spotting a few turtles here is excellent. This is a marine reserve so you are not allowed to take anything. Located north of Napili on Hwy. 30, about 1/2 mile past mile marker 32, you will see a metal gate down in a wash. Park where you can & walk around the gate, through a canopy of trees and to the water. Be sure to park off the road. If you are not completely outside of the white fog line, you may get ticketed. Large beach, smooth rock. Beg to Adv
Info obtained at the website listed below:
Equipment: Snorkel Tube and Goggles
Flippers (I don't like to use these)
Reef Shoes for rocky lava areas
Bathing suit (I don't think swimming naked is allowed)
Sunscreen-waterproof
Waterproof camera
To prevent goggles from fogging up - wipe inside of goggles with your own spit (sounds gross but it really works)
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Website: http://www.maui-vacation.net/snorkelmap.html
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on Mar 27, 2008
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