Maui, the land of mesmerizing beaches in the heart of the Hawaiian Islands, and just in the center of the Pacific ocean; is a GOD-gifted island having dozens of attractions to visit.
The travelers swarming Hawaii will mostly end up visiting the island of O’ahu by going to Honolulu and Pearl Harbour and all the adjacent amenities.
And the reason is O’ahu has the most inhabitants and high-rise buildings and bigger cities and towns than the rest of the islands located on the strip of Hawaii.
But for natural attractions require adopting the dangers and risks associated. So, you should be visiting some less-known but enormously beautiful parts of the Hawaiian Islands.
So, we have something unique for the extreme sightseeing folks and families bearing lots and lots of natural attractions.
Be ready to get to know the best beaches in Maui for snorkeling; the yellow sandy, coral reef-swarmed beaches to explore the natural underwater world untouched by the worst of human inventions.
Hawaii is indeed far enough from the nearby land, which is why pollution will hardly find its way to reach there.
And thankfully, the inhabitants around care for keeping it clean and protected against all the polluted materials.
Clean water, conversed underwater life, and this is what Maui is known as its best attraction to visit!
9 Best Beaches in Maui for Snorkeling
We must say, Maui is the honeymoon destination. And a dream vacation spot! You are good to travel down there in all seasons because its weather stays warm and humid/muggy. The average weather varies between 65° to 88° year around.
So, you have plenty of time to decide a on plan when to go to Maui and no month should keep you outta the water.
Let’s find the top snorkeling spots in Maui, and rock your vacations!!
Ho’okipa Beach Park
Ho’okipa Beach Park, located on the northern coastal side of the Island of Maui, and under Paia (or, Pā’ia) is a white sandy beach surrounded by the green lavish fields.
Visiting for the sake of picnic-only, beware of the sharp rocks all around the beachside. But when you plan to go snorkeling at this beach park, nothing would stop you! 🙂
For your kind information, almost all the beaches around Maui are white sandy ones, so there should be no concern about Ho’okipa Beach Park having the same colored sand on its beachfront.
But that is for the families visiting it for a picnic. The real fun is there inside the water only the snorkelers can get a chance to view from super close.
It really attracts the snorkelers but there is one major issue as well; the rough waves and strong currents in the peak summery months. If you know how to swim during snorkeling, you are safe and know how to put back onto the route.
Not safer for the beginners and kids, and we meant it!
Ho’okipa Beach Park Address: 179 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779
Available amenities: Shaded pavilion, tables, restrooms, food store, parking lot, rinse-off stations, and much more.
Access Format: Free
Waiʻānapanapa State Park
At first, you will turn stunned, and is the black lava sand for real? This would give the perception of the lava had just erupted and cooled down by going into the seawater.
But the reality is, it was once covered with the ashes caused by the lava’s eruption and has not washed out but sprinkled all around the place! Do not worry, the black sand would not cause stains on you!
This look is just stunning, and after that, the beautiful green water, tidal caves, black rocks, and the greenery around is just a soothing viewing experience for sure!
The water is kinda rough, so we do not see find it for the beginners to go snorkeling due to the risks attached.
Address to Waiʻānapanapa State Park’s Location: Waianapanapa, Hana, HI 96713
Amenities in the park: cabins (to rent), car parking lot, campground, cottages, restrooms, pizza shop, restaurants, etc.
Access Type: Paid
Mākena State Park
Mākena State Park is an undeveloped beach but this is a good thing, isn’t it?
Located under the place of Wailea-Makena, the remote location makes it a superb natural snorkeling spot that you can find off Maui island.
But that remote location does not mean it is inaccessible, the paved road coming from Wailea-Makena takes you straight to this white-sandy beach part.
Coming here at any time of the day, any month of the year, and you will always find it much-crowded.
Address of Mākena State Park: 4670 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753
Available amenities around: Parking lot, beach volleyball, food trucks offering tacos and Mexican food, etc.
Access Type: Paid
Kamaole Beach Park III
Hit a grassy land and then set afoot over the yellow sandy beach with the clear and clearest water, Kamaole Beach Park III is set to provide you the same aforementioned experience.
A whole family picnic spot and explore the snorkeling along. The natural underwater habitat is real close and you do not need to swim to the depth.
Located within the limits of Kihei, you can hit the spot even at night time without much traveling (if you live close by) or if you are a visitor, your hotel location should be nearby.
And that is the reason why it lists being as the best beaches in Maui for snorkeling!
Location of Kamaole Beach Park III: S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Amenities found: Parking lot, tables, playground, parking lot, food stores,
Access Type: Free
Kapalua Bay Beach
The long U-styled Kapala Bay Beach is the perfect snorkeling plus picnic spot in the region. Its natural cove may provide the snorkelers the chance of spotting sea turtles and eels along the way.
And the cleanest water despite being surrounded by the good city limits of Kapalua and you would not be able to detect a pinch of pollutant elements.
Want us to rate this as the best place to snorkel in Maui for beginners, we would not hesitate to state Kapalua Bay Beach is one of them!
Address of Kapalua Bay Beach: Kapalua, HI 96761
Amenities around: Parking (free and paid), bathrooms, paddle boards, food corners, and more.
Access Type: Free
Black Rock Beach
We can call Black Rock Beach the calmest and clearest seafront with plenty of reasons to dive for snorkeling.
And it hardly goes rough with the sea waves. Usually only calm!
Lava rocks around it, and you would super love the underwater snorkeling around this area forcing you to hit the beautiful underwater attraction.
If we can rate it as the best snorkeling in Maui for families, there is no lie in it, seriously!
Address Location of Black Rock Beach: Lahaina, HI 96761
Amenities on this beach: Spa and resort hotel, grill bar, parking, different other food stores, bathrooms, and more.
Access Type: Free
Hāna Bay Beach Park
Peaceful and soothing, the calmness around is just mesmerizing. You know coming across the city limits and reaching there is just as pleasant as you would forget all your busy routines, life troubles, and tiredness!
It is, undoubtedly, the best and most-visited place in Hana town and is rated as one of the safest place to snorkeling in Maui!
Hāna Bay Beach Park Address: 150 Keawa Pl, Hana, HI 96713
Amenities available: Restrooms, picnic tables, BBQ grills, parking, ballpark, resort, gallery, cultural center, recreational pier, and more.
Access Type: Free
Koki Beach Park
A Grassy area, dark sand, powerful waves, green mountainous range, and hard rocks will welcome you to Koki Beach Park.
It is an all-in-one beach park giving you immense reasons to visit it for a picnic, swimming, and of course, snorkeling around this beautiful spot!
Beautiful outside, and enormously beautiful from underwater, and that single reason makes it being one of the best places to snorkel in Maui!
Address to Koki Beach Park: 175 Haneoo Rd, Hana, HI 96713
Amenities: Chicken restaurant, car parking, souvenirs shop, restrooms, etc.
Access Type: Free
Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach
Small and dark-red sandy beach with steep hiking trails. Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach gives you a perception of an isolated beach not far from the city limits and is considered one of the best beaches in Maui for snorkeling!
The underwater structure with the green mountains around would push you to dive down the water and go for hours-long snorkeling.
Believe us, the surroundings will attract many unique marine lives for sure. And you can take the best snorkeling spots in Maui with kinda rough waves.
Location to Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach: Hana, HI 96713
Amenities: No facilities around.
Access Type: Free
Visiting O’ahu for snorkeling, do not miss on this exclusive location guide!
The Land Area of Maui, Hawaiian Islands; How Big is it?
Total land area: 727 mi²
Maximum length: 39.77 mi
Max width: 26.1 mi
What Other Attractions does Maui Have than the Beaches?
Maui Snorkeling Map
What Month is Best for Snorkeling in Maui?
November to avoid the crowd.
While you can snorkel in Maui all year round because of its tropical environment.
Which Side of Maui is Best for Snorkeling?
South shore beaches as they got the calmest water. There you will find Mākena State Park Beach the dominant and most visited beach people love to visit. This part really got some best snorkel beaches in maui!
Conclusion
Maui is the second-largest island in the Hawaiian Islands, and that is the reason it got many outstanding snorkel beaches all around its wider territory.
The top 9 best beaches in Maui for snorkeling welcome you onboard!
Visit any time of the year, and treat yourself and the whole family to go for the most memorable vacation of their lifetime!
