Maui > Ocean > Snorkel > West Spots
West Maui Snorkel Map
Lahaina, Kaʻanapali, Kapalua, Napili, Honolua
Honolua Bay
Located at the North end of this West Maui Snorkel Map, Honolua Bay has great snorkeling that you can access from the shore. The easiest way to get down to the water is by walking through the jungle at the apex of the bay. This land is private property, so you need to get permission. If you can’t get permission, you’ll have to take a boat. A boat trip to Honolua is our preferred way of snorkeling because they take you directly to the safest and best spots. Trilogy leaves from Lahaina Harbor, which is our favorite west side snorkeling vessel.
Trilogy (808) 874-5649
Once through the short trail to the shore, you can snorkel anywhere around. The best snorkeling is on the right side of the bay, the North side. Make certain that it hasn’t rained recently because this is also an outlet. Being an outlet is good and bad. It attracts fish, but after heavy rain, it turns the water into a thick muddy brown. If large swells are present, don’t snorkel here. Though it usually doesn’t break inside, the water will be mixed up and difficult to see through. You’ll most likely run into sea turtles here any day of the week.
Makuleiʻa Bay
Makuleiʻa Bay is located just South of Honolua Bay. This is a marine reserve and has a great beach. The snorkeling is good on each side of the bay with coral formations. You’ll probably see turtles and a lot of tropical fish.
Kapalua Bay
Kapalua Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches on Maui. Just before the Napili Kai Beach Club, you’ll find a parking lot and a tunnel. The best snorkeling is on the right towards the North side of the bay.
Black Rock
Black Rock in Kaʻanapali is famous for its cliff diving and torch lighting ceremony. The snorkeling around the rock wall is good too. Follow the wall to see plenty of coral, fish, and turtles. Be careful of people jumping off the rocks. This is especially a concern for those who are scuba diving and are not seen by the cliff divers.
Lanai Island
Don’t forget that we’re not far from the island of Lanai for some truly secluded, private snorkeling sessions. You can make a quick day trip with Maui Adventure Cruises to check out pristine reefs and ocean life straight from Lahaina Harbor.
Wahikuli Park
Wahikuli Park has showers, restrooms, and parking, and is really easy access right on Highway 30. This is a good spot to snorkel and is really close to Lahaina.
Keep in mind when snorkeling on the west side that there’s more surf potential on this side. Waves and snorkeling don’t mix. In the summer, the south side of Maui can get some swells, but all year round the west side can get swell too.
South of Kaʻanapali Beach and the Black Rock area you’ll find plenty of other snorkeling spots over shallow reefs. We usually don’t recommend people to snorkel in this area because it’s known to be sharky. Most of these sharks are not a threat to humans, but people tend to freak out a bit when they see one. You’ll know this area when you see shark sighting signs posted around every couple hundred yards.
West Maui Snorkel Gear Rentals
With more than 5 locations in West Maui alone, Boss Frog’s offers the best option for inexpensive snorkeling gear rentals on Maui. As opposed to buying costly equipment once you arrive, or attempting to fit a pair of fins in your baggage, we highly recommend reserving a Deluxe Snorkel Rental online for free and picking it up in-store when you get in. West Maui has a ton of amazing snorkeling spots, so be sure to ask the Boss Frog’s staff for their recommendations about the best places to use your gear! Rentals are by the day or week, so save yourself the hassle and enjoy an easy rental to see some of the most breathtaking underwater scenery and marine life in the Aloha State!
Call Boss Frog’s at (808) 661-3333 for more information.
