Top 6 Maui Snorkeling Spots
Maui features the most vibrant and accessible coastlines in the Hawaiian Islands. You can visit almost any Maui beach to snorkel with Hawaiian Green Turtles. So we picked our top 6 Maui snorkeling spots to share with you, but only around Lahaina. Why only West Maui? While there are several beautiful South Maui sites, like the famous Molokini Crater or protected reserve Ahihi Bay, Banyan Tree Divers Maui recommends snorkeling near Lahaina and Kaanapali. Read on for the inside scoop!
The Best Snorkeling Near Lahaina, Hawaii
#1 Kapalua Bay, Maui
Nestled between the Montage Kapalua Bay Resort and Merriman’s Kapalua restaurant, Kapalua Bay remains one of West Maui’s most tranquil settings. That is when the horseshoe-shaped beach isn’t jam-packed on a sunny, calm day. The beach is small but features excellent snorkeling on either side of the bay. The size of Kapalua Bay spreads out the swimmers and snorkelers quite nicely!
Kapalua Bay’s small public parking lot sits between Napili Kai Resort and Merriman’s. You will find public restrooms available as well as two outdoor showers. Don’t attempt to park here if you arrive past 9 am because this parking lot will already be filled. There is overflow parking along the main road, but it can be a tight fit. Take care your car does not block any part of the street and park legally. Alternatively, you can park across the street and walk in. Drive just past the entrance to Kapalua Bay and then turn right into the parking lot. It’s not a bad walk.
If you visit during Merriman’s open hours, take advantage of their complimentary valet parking, stop in for a drink and appetizer at the bar, and enjoy a late afternoon Maui snorkeling adventure!
What Can I See at Kapalua Bay?
Turtles are frequently seen at this site. They like to rest in the safety of the bay. Sometimes a resident white-tip reef shark rests in about 3 feet of water. This is close to shore, but try not to be nervous or afraid! Reef sharks are more fearful of people so we can relax around them. White-tip reef sharks mainly feed on small fish, meaning snorkelers are not included in their daily menu!
As you traverse the bay, you can also see juvenile spotted moray eels, and when lucky, a resident dragon moray eel sometimes pops his head out of the coral. A rare sight indeed!
Ocean Safety Precautions in Kapalua
This Maui snorkeling spot has an easy entry and exit, which helps anyone who is not already comfortable swimming in the ocean. But, Kapalua Bay’s coral reef starts quickly as you swim away from shore. The coral is shallow and fragile. DO NOT ALLOW YOURSELF TO STAND ON THE CORAL!! Not only is it razor sharp and potentially harmful to you, but coral is alive, and you will kill it by standing on it.
Sometimes waves break offshore in the middle of Kapalua Bay, especially during Maui’s winter months from December to May. If you can see large waves rolling into Kapalua Bay, visibility underwater gets heavily reduced. Those waves run over a shallow lava rock plateau full of healthy corals. That is not where you want to snorkel!
Like any Maui snorkeling site, do not get in the ocean if you are not a strong swimmer. Our dive team has rescued panicked snorkelers at Kapalua Bay. If you are not a strong swimmer, use a flotation device!