Maui's top snorkeling locations featuring crystal clear waters and vibrant coral reefs

Top 5 Snorkeling Destinations

From the legendary Molokini Crater to the advanced adventures of Five Graves

Kalani Miller, local snorkeling expert and guide

Written by a Local Expert

Top 5 Underwater Destinations That Will Change Your Life

One of the secrets to the best underwater experiences is understanding geography and seasons. Our north and west-facing shores get hit with big ocean swells in the winter, turning them into surf spots but making them unsafe for snorkeling. In the summer, those same spots are often as calm as a lake. Conversely, our south-facing shores are more protected from those winter swells, but can get their own southern swells in the summer. No matter where you are, the best conditions are almost always found in the early morning, before the daily trade winds pick up and make the water choppy.

🏆 1. Molokini Crater: The Crown Jewel

Vibe

World-class marine sanctuary, crescent-shaped volcanic caldera accessible only by boat tour

Skill Level

All levels welcome on guided tour. Naturally protected from waves and currents

Best Time

Morning tours offer unparalleled visibility and calmest conditions

A world-class marine sanctuary located about three miles off Maui's south coast. This crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic caldera is accessible only by boat tour and is a truly unique destination. The crater's crescent shape acts as a natural barrier, protecting the inner reef from open ocean waves and currents, creating exceptionally calm and clear conditions inside.

What You'll See:

The clarity of the water at Molokini is legendary, with visibility often exceeding 150 feet. It feels like swimming in an aquarium. The protected reef is home to over 250 species of fish—many of which are endemic to Hawaiʻi—and 38 species of hard coral. You'll see everything from the state fish, the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa (reef triggerfish), to moray eels, manta rays, and vast schools of yellow tang and butterflyfish.

The Back Wall (A Glimpse into the Deep): For the most experienced adventurers, some small raft tours offer a drift snorkel on the outside of the crater. This is a sheer, vertical wall that plummets over 300 feet into the deep blue of the channel. It's a humbling, awe-inspiring experience, but it's only for highly advanced snorkelers comfortable in deep, open-ocean conditions.

🏛️ 2. Honolua Bay: The Protected Paradise

Vibe

Protected Marine Life Conservation District, underwater cathedral through lush jungle

Skill Level

Intermediate to Advanced. Rocky shoreline entry, swim to reach vibrant reefs

Best Time

Summer mornings (May-Sept). Winter brings powerful surf conditions

This isn't just a bay; it's a protected Marine Life Conservation District, an underwater cathedral teeming with life. The walk through a lush, green jungle to get to the water's edge feels like you're entering a sacred place. The shoreline is made of smooth stones, not sand, which can make for a tricky entry. It's also a bit of a swim from the shore to get to the most vibrant parts of the reef.

What You'll See:

Because it's a protected area, the coral is abundant and the fish are plentiful. Expect to see huge schools of parrotfish, unicornfish (kala), and butterflyfish, along with resident honu and, if you're lucky, a pod of spinner dolphins resting in the calm waters.

Expert Tip: From my years of guiding, the clearest water is usually found at both Honolua and Molokini, but Honolua's charm is its wild, natural setting. For the easiest entry, look for the old concrete boat ramp on the right side of the rocky shore. And remember my rule: if you see surfers, it's their turn to enjoy the bay. Come back when the ocean is calm.

🐢 3. Turtle Town (Turtle Arches): The Sea Turtle Capital

Vibe

Long coastline between Nahuna Point and Black Sand Beach, famous for honu encounters

Skill Level

Beginner to Intermediate. Maluaka Beach offers easy sandy entry

Best Time

Early morning (7:00-10:00 AM) before tour boats arrive

It's important to know that Turtle Town isn't one single pin on a map. It's a long stretch of coastline between Nahuna Point and Black Sand Beach that is famous for its high population of Hawaiian green sea turtles. The two most common access points from shore are Maluaka Beach and the slightly more rugged Makena Landing Park.

What You'll See:

You are almost guaranteed to see honu here. They come to feed on the algae growing on the ancient underwater lava formations and to rest at "cleaning stations" where small fish pick parasites off their shells. You'll also see a wide variety of reef fish darting among the lava tubes and arches.

Kalani's Tip: For a truly unforgettable experience, consider a guided kayak tour launching from Makena Landing. Paddling quietly over the reefs gives you a unique perspective, and a good local guide knows the turtles' favorite resting spots. It's a much more intimate and eco-friendly way to experience Turtle Town than being on a large, crowded boat.

🏨 4. Kāʻanapali (Black Rock): The Resort Hub Adventure

Vibe

Convenient, lively, popular spot at north end of famous Kāʻanapali Beach

Skill Level

Beginner-friendly near shore. Intermediate to Advanced around the rocky point

Best Time

Before 9:00 AM for parking, crowds, and calmest water conditions

Convenient, lively, and incredibly popular, this spot is located at the northernmost end of the famous Kāʻanapali Beach, right in front of the Sheraton Maui Resort. The conditions become Intermediate to Advanced as you swim out and around the rocky point, where currents can be strong.

What You'll See:

A dense concentration of colorful reef fish along the rock wall. This is a fantastic place to spot honu, especially during high tide when they come in close to feed on the seaweed (limu) growing on the rocks. Eagle rays and moray eels are also common sightings here.

Safety Alert: One thing I always tell my tour groups is to be aware of your surroundings at Black Rock. The current gets surprisingly strong as you round the point, and that area is only for very confident swimmers. Always keep an eye out for people cliff jumping from above and give them a wide berth. Safety is about respecting both the ocean and the people enjoying it.

⚠️ 5. Five Graves (Nahuna Point): The Advanced Adventure

Vibe

Advanced spot with unique underwater topography of lava fingers, arches, and caves

Skill Level

Advanced Only. Tricky lava rock entry, long swim, strong currents possible

Best Time

Only on the calmest mornings. Dangerous if any significant swell present

This is an advanced spot for the adventurous snorkeler, also known as Five Caves. It's named for an old graveyard on the cliff above. The real draw is the unique underwater topography of lava fingers, arches, and caves. The entry is tricky, requiring a careful walk over sharp lava rock. It's a long swim to the prime snorkeling areas, and strong currents can be present. Do not attempt this spot alone or if you are not a very strong swimmer.

What You'll See:

This is a truly dramatic underwater landscape. You'll explore lava arches and caves where turtles, moray eels, and white-tip reef sharks often rest during the day. The sharks are harmless if left alone, but their presence is a good reminder that you are in a wild, untamed environment.

⚠️ Advanced Warning: Only on the calmest of mornings. If there is any significant swell, this spot is dangerous. Never attempt alone and only if you are a very strong, experienced swimmer.