Best Maui Snorkeling Beaches

by Grant
maui snorkeling

Amazing snorkeling conditions

Of all the things to do in Maui, the most popular activity by far is Maui snorkeling.

And for good reason…

The Valley Isle has more miles of swimmable beach than any other Hawaiian island.  Maui’s main town of Kahului has an average coastal ocean temperature of 78°F and an average air temperature of 76.3°F across the last 20 years!  The great weather and beautiful blue water produces world class surfing, windsurfing, diving, and Maui snorkeling beaches.

Maui has been voted “Best Island in the World” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine and “World’s Best Island” by the readers of Travel & Leisure magazine for many years.  Even though it’s the second largest of the 8 main islands, it manages to maintain that relaxed sunset feel.  With a nice balance between resort convenience and tropical getaway, your Maui vacation will be the trip against which all others will be measured.

Some of Maui’s famous sites include Haleakala, Molokini crater, Hana, and Kaanapali Beach.

Everyone loves the wonderful weather

People aren’t the only one’s that think Maui weather is great.  Out of the approximately 7,000-8,000 humpback whales surviving in the world today, about 3,000 winter in Maui’s waters.

Hawaii’s predominant year round winds, known as the trade winds, blow from the Northeast.  Generally, the calmest ocean conditions and best Maui snorkeling beaches are on South and West facing shores.  These leeward shores are hidden from the Pacific wind and deep ocean swells so the water stays clear and calm.

The 120 miles of coastline and over 30 miles of beaches make Maui snorkeling the perfect activity for the entire family.

My favorite Maui snorkeling beaches are Honolua Bay for its diversity of marine life, Molokini for its clear water and exotic remote location, Kapalua Bay for its sheltered easy snorkeling, Maluaka (Turtle Town) for its ease of finding green sea turtles, Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve because it’s a marine life conservation district, and Kaanapali Beach for its picture perfect warm white sand and view.