Explore the Magic of Turtle Snorkeling on Maui
Maui is one of the best places in Hawaii to swim with green sea turtles. From volcanic reefs to protected coves and offshore craters, Maui offers unforgettable underwater experiences for beginners and seasoned snorkelers alike. Whether you choose to explore the iconic Molokini Crater or the lava-lined shores of Turtle Town, you’ll have excellent chances of spotting turtles in the wild.
Top Turtle Snorkeling Spots on Maui
Explore the best places on Maui to snorkel with sea turtles – each offering clear waters, vibrant reef life, and high chances of turtle sightings.
Turtle Town
A top shoreline access point to Turtle Town, Maluaka Beach is great for beginner-friendly snorkeling and frequent turtle sightings in calm morning waters.
MOLOKINI CRATER
Start with a boat tour to Molokini Crater for crystal-clear snorkeling, then continue to Turtle Town (off the Makena coast) to spot turtles grazing near the reef.
Makena Landing
A quieter alternative to Maluaka, Makena Landing features shallow reef formations and lava fingers that shelter turtles and fish. Excellent for shore entry.
HONOLUA Bay
Located in West Maui, Honolua Bay is a Marine Life Conservation District with excellent summer snorkeling. Turtles and colorful reef fish are common near the rocky edges.
What to Expect When Snorkeling on Maui
From calm, clear waters to exciting wildlife encounters, here’s what your snorkeling experience will likely include:
Calm Morning Conditions
Early mornings typically offer the best visibility and calmest water – ideal for snorkeling and photography.
Respectful Turtle Encounters
You’ll likely see Hawaiian green sea turtles resting on the reef or swimming nearby. Always stay 10 feet away and never touch or chase them.
Colorful Marine Life
Maui’s reefs are teeming with butterflyfish, parrotfish, wrasses, and vibrant coral formations – sometimes even rays or octopuses.
Protected Marine Environments
Many of Maui’s best snorkeling areas are marine conservation zones. Follow all posted guidelines and avoid stepping on coral to help preserve the ecosystem.
Snorkeling Tips for Maui
Snorkeling in Maui is incredible, but conditions, etiquette, and access can vary from beach to beach. These tips go beyond the basics and reflect what locals actually do to stay safe, find the best spots, and respect the island. Whether you’re snorkeling for the first time or coming back for more, follow these island-smart tips for a smooth and pono (respectful) experience.
Go Early- Like, Local Early
Plan to be in the water by 7:00–8:00 a.m. Winds pick up by mid-morning, reducing visibility and increasing currents—locals know the best snorkeling is early and calm.
Turtle Hotspots Are Seasonal
At places like Makena Landing or Honolua Bay, turtles show up more reliably during certain months. Ask a local snorkel shop or tour guide what’s hot this week—conditions change fast.
Enter Where Locals Enter
Don’t just follow tourists into the water. Look for well-worn sandy entry points or talk to lifeguards. At lava rock beaches like Ahihi-Kinau, locals know the safest entry gaps between rocks.
Park Smart & Respect Aina
Many top spots like Maluaka and Napili have small parking lots. Arrive early, don’t block driveways, and never leave valuables in your car. Locals appreciate when visitors show respect.
Getting There
South and West Maui snorkeling spots are accessible by car from Lahaina, Kihei, or Wailea. Boat tours to Molokini Crater usually depart from Maʻalaea Harbor.
Best Time to Visit
Snorkeling is great year-round, with the best conditions from May through September when the ocean is calm and skies are clear.
Gear Rental
Available in Kihei, Lahaina, and at beach stands. Most tours provide full snorkel sets, flotation, and reef-safe sunscreen.
Maui Attractions
Make your snorkeling trip part of a full island adventure. Here are great nearby attractions grouped by location:
Makena State Park (Big & Little Beach)
Expansive, golden sand beaches perfect for sunbathing, bodyboarding, and taking in sweeping ocean views.
Keawakapu Beach
A quiet, scenic stretch of sand ideal for a peaceful swim or sunset stroll.
Wailea Beach Path
A beautiful oceanfront walkway that connects Maui’s luxury resorts with scenic lookout points and quiet beaches.
Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve
A lava-rock shoreline with some of the most untouched and biodiverse snorkeling on Maui.
Mākena Cove (Secret Beach)
A hidden, picturesque cove often used for weddings and romantic photos.
Shops at Wailea
Upscale open-air shopping and dining complex with art galleries, fashion, and fine restaurants.
Lahaina Front Street
Historic whaling town full of shops, art galleries, and restaurants along the oceanfront.
Honolua Bay Lookout
Panoramic cliffside viewpoint overlooking one of Maui’s most famous snorkeling and surfing bays.
Kapalua Coastal Trail
A scenic hiking trail with ocean views, tidepools, and lava formations connecting West Maui’s resort coastline.
Kaʻanapali Beach & Whalers Village
A lively beach area with snorkeling, shopping, and beachfront dining at the heart of West Maui.
Napili Bay
A calm, family-friendly beach perfect for relaxing in the sun or gentle snorkeling.
Banyan Tree Park
Home to one of the largest banyan trees in the U.S., this town square hosts markets and events year-round.
Waiʻānapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach)
A dramatic black sand beach framed by sea caves and lava cliffs.
Wailua Falls
A tall, picturesque waterfall right off the Hana Highway that’s perfect for photos.
ʻOheʻo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)
Tiered freshwater pools and waterfalls set in a lush rainforest within Haleakalā National Park.
Twin Falls
An easy-to-reach waterfall stop with short trails and freshwater pools for swimming.
Hamoa Beach
A crescent-shaped beach backed by cliffs, consistently ranked among the most beautiful in Hawaii.
Kaʻeleku Caverns (Lava Tube)
A self-guided lava tube cave experience where you can explore Maui’s volcanic underworld.
ʻĪao Valley State Monument
A lush, sacred valley with easy hiking trails and the iconic ʻĪao Needle.
Paia Town
A colorful surf town known for its boutique shops, bohemian vibe, and organic cafes.
Maui Tropical Plantation
A working farm and family-friendly attraction with tram tours, ziplining, and a farm-to-table restaurant.
Ho’okipa Beach Park
A world-renowned windsurfing spot where turtles often rest on the sand.
Baldwin Beach Park
A broad, white-sand beach great for walking, bodyboarding, and family picnics.
Kanaha Beach Park
A spacious, local-favorite beach near the airport, known for kiteboarding and calm water pockets.