3 of the BEST places to snorkel in Maui

The Modern Family loves snorkelling. With minimal instruction, even kids can enjoy colourful underwater life.

If you can swim, you can snorkel! In Maui, be prepared to see lots and lots of sea turtles!  

Here’s our list of our favourite places to snorkel in Maui.

1. Black Rock

The very first time I snorkelled – ever – was at Black Rock in Maui. We stay at the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel and I wandered into the water with a borrowed mask. As soon as I put my head under water I couldn’t believe all the beautiful, colourful fish!

If you are staying in one of the Ka’anapali Beach strip hotels (we recommend the Westin, but I’ve heard the Sheraton is nice too) just wander down the beach walk to the far end and go snorkelling at Black Rock.

Kaanapali Beach is a 3-mile-long stretch of white sand beach on Maui’s west shore. Condé Nast magazine rated it one of the best beaches in the world and I have to say I agree. Black Rock is at the north end of the beach. The warm water and calm conditions (created by the rocky peninsula) make it a great snorkelling spot.

Directions to Black Rock. Tip: If you aren’t staying on the beach strip, park at Whaler’s Village and The Sheraton.

2. Kapalua Bay

Recommended to us as a fabulous snorkelling spot by family and friends we drove the 20 minutes from Ka’anapali to Kapalua Bay. Kapalua Bay is very different from Black Rock  – it’s not as crazy busy and felt more like a neighbourhood beach. In fact, it turned out to be our favourite snorkelling site on Maui.

Kapalua Bay is sheltered and its calm water make it good for kids and for snorkelling. A California friend of mine with 2 small children raved about it and said they always saw sea turtles there. She was right! It was nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of Ka’anapali Beach and enjoy some quiet time.

Getting to Kapalua Bay: You have to drive from the Westin, it’s about 20 minutes. The fastest way in on the main highway or go  Take the Lower Honoapilini Rd to the Napili Kai Beach Resort  and turn in to the car park. There are limited spaces – so get there early (between 7 – 8 am).

3. Molikini

Many put the Molokini crater on their bucket list for snorkelling. It’s a crescent-shaped non-inhabited island (and state bird sanctuary – so you can’t go on the island). You’ll need to get there by boat – which on its own is a great reason to go! Getting out on the water in Maui is a must, giving you a different perspective and an enjoyable experience.

Molokini’s offshore location gives creates clear water. The brightly coloured coral is amazing. It can get a bit crowded with tour boats, so opt for the earlier once. My suggestion is to go there at least once – if only for the fun boat ride

Getting to Molokini: There are several boating excursion operators, but one of the biggest and best run is Trilogy Sailing Excursions. With the Discover Molikini trip you get Mom’s cinnamon rolls and lunch is their famous teriyaki BBQ chicken and the over 21s get 2 adult beverages (after snorkelling, of course!). Excursions depart from Maalaea Boat Harbor.

 

Well hello there! Swimming with a sea turtle in Kapalua Bay!

A video posted by @britmums on Sep 10, 2016 at 11:44pm PDT

IF YOU GO:

Sail Trilogy Excursions 101 Maalaea Rd +1 (808) 874-5649 sailtrilogy.com

Go Hawaii gohawaii.com/uk

SaveSave