A lot of visitors to Maui don’t know it—but you can reach the best snorkeling spots in Maui right from shore!
If you Google the search term “Snorkeling in Maui,” the overwhelming number of listings will link to companies that sell snorkel trips. If you pick up a free magazine at the Kahului airport you’ll see tons of ads for these same companies. If you walk into a Maui snorkel rental shop, one of the first things they’ll do is try to book you on a cruise.
It’s no surprise people get the idea that if you want to snorkel in Maui, you need to hop on a boat. Fortunately, it’s just not true. With the exception of Molokini, you can reach the best snorkel spots in Maui right from shore. Which means you can go where and when you want without even opening your wallet. You can also avoid the crowds of snorkelers all clamoring to see the sights—and sometimes you may even have a great spot all to yourself.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t take a snorkel cruise. They’re actually a lot of fun and we’ve been out with several great companies. They provide everything you need (often even a meal) and seeing the island from the water is a special treat. But if you’re on a budget and you still want to experience some fantastic snorkeling, you can do it right from shore and it comes at a great price—FREE! What’s not to like about that? Just get yourself a good snorkeling guidebook—we recommend ours! 🙂
Mask, Fins, & Snorkel: The Adventure Guide to Maui’s Best Snorkeling will guide you to Maui’s best snorkeling beaches and provide you with detailed maps showing you where to park, where to find nearby amenities, and what part of the beach to snorkel for optimal conditions and underwater sights. Pick up a copy before your trip. You’ll have a fun read for your flight and be ready to hit the beach when you arrive! “Happy Snorkeling,” we know you’ll love it!