Maui’s Underwater Gardens: A guide to snorkeling on the Valley Island
Here’s a party trick: say Humuhumunukunukuapua`a five times fast. You might have better luck earlier in the evening; it’s a mouthful even without a few vodka tonics down the gullet. Also known as the Hawaiian triggerfish, humuhumunukunukuapua’a literally translates into “triggerfish with a nose like a pig.” It has a sleek, dynamic appearance with straight-edged bands of white, black and yellow criss-crossing its body and as Hawaii’s state fish, it is widely distributed among the Hawaiian Islands.
The warm Pacific waters surrounding America’s western most state is teeming with tropical fish such as the humuhumunukunukuapua’a. A myriad of reefs formed millions of years ago by violent volcanic explosions extend from the Big Island’s eastern shores to Kauai’s Napili coast and all the way to the historic Midway Islands where American troops manned a naval station during WWII.
Each island has its own unique reefs and snorkeling sights, but Maui boasts some of the best the islands have to offer. Calm turquoise waters with clear visibility, white sandy beaches and numerous aquatic species together invite Maui visitors to done their snorkel goggles and snap on their flippers to experience an underwater marvel.
The best snorkeling on Maui is found along the west coast and south shores of the island. Below are 10 of the finest to be found.
To view a map of these snorkeling sites click here
Molokini Island
Perhaps Maui’s #1 tourist destination for snorkeling, Molokini Island is well known for its coral reefs and abundant fish. The crescent shaped island lies off the southwest coast between Makena and the sacred island of Kaho’olawe. It was once an active volcano, but now the barren island serves as a bird sanctuary and a marine preserve. Due to its popularity, overcrowding has become an issue and the quality of coral and quantity of fish has begun to decrease, but it is still well worth a visit. The only way to visit the island is by boat, which leave Ma’alaea and Lahaina daily and typically cost between $40 and $50 dollars for drinks, lunch and snorkel gear.
Malu’aka Beach
Located in front of the Maui Prince Hotel in Maken, Malu’aka Beach is better known as Turtle Town due to its large number of the slothful creatures. Fantastic coral and abundant fish lie only 100 yards offshore and underwater arches provide a fun playground for the free-diver. The bay can be reached by two parking lots located at each end of the beach or several boat companies offer snorkeling trips to the turtle haven.
Ahihi-Kina’u Natural Reserve
This 2045-acre preserve extends out over Maui’s last lava flow at the base of Haleakala’s southwestern slopes. The jagged a’a (solidified lava) is a little tricky to pass over, but the snorkeling is great all along the coast. There is a ranger station and parking lot where snorkelers can get information about the best places to slip on their fins and masks
Pu’u Keka’a
Locally known as Black Rock, Pu’u Keka’a is a snorkeler’s paradise. The beach is located in front of the Sheraton in Ka’anapali and the waters are positively teeming with bright corals and exotic fish. The horseshoe cove at the tip of the rock hosts more abundant fish as well as the occasional turtle.
Olowalu Beach
Shallow waters and calm surfaces make this beach ideal for snorkelers. Located on the Honoapi’ilani Highway heading toward Lahaina, the reefs are home to plenty of native fish and turtles and it’s a great place to practice your free-diving! The farther out you go, the better the viewing is.
Kapalua Beach
Picture the long, white sandy beaches of Hawaiian magazines and you have Kapalua Beach. There is great snorkeling just off the shoreline and if you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a sunbathing monk seal.
Makena Landing
Swim along the rocky shoreline of Makena Landing’s bay and you’ll see numerous species of fish, large and small, spotted and striped and everything in between. Not as prominent on the tourist radar, Makena Landing offers some of the best snorkeling on Maui. Lots of turtles too!
Manele and Hulopo’e Beach Parks
Ok, so these two beaches aren’t located on Maui, but it’s easy to take a ferry over to Lana’i for a day and snorkel the two impressive bays. They are both part of a marine life conservation area, which prohibits any fishing, making them prime for snorkeling and diving. Catch the ferry for $25 one-way at either Ma’alaea or Lahaina harbors. If you’re game, camp out on the beach or splurge on a room at the Four Seasons five star hotel.
Hana Beach Park
Let it be known that Maui’s east coast is not known for its snorkeling. Nevertheless, Hana beach is can be decent when water conditions are calm. Currents can be strong, however, so always be aware of where you are.
To view a map of these and forsnorkeling sites click here and check out these great places to stay on the Napili shores
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