Snorkeling and Diving
From the reefs accessible right off Kaanapali Beach, to a sixty foot dive down the wall of Molokini, Maui offers ample opportunities to get up close and personal with a huge variety of aquatic life.
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Snorkeling equipment can be rented or purchased at several locations on the island, often at resorts and hotels.
Snorkeling remains one of the most popular ways to explore Maui’s underwater world. All you need is a snorkel, mask, and flippers. Anywhere you can see an offshore reef, there’s a good chance you’ll find plenty of fish to check out – but for a sure bet, you need look no further than Kaanapali Beach, especially around the famous Puu Kekaa (Black Rock). Another favorite is Honolua Bay – but only in the summer when the surf is gentle.
For a thrilling afternoon, you may wish to visit Molokini Crater, a short boat trip away from Lahaina (a number of chartered excursions are offered daily.) This protected sanctuary is a refuge for several schools of colorful residents. A certified diver, which is to say those qualified to use scuba equipment, can venture as far as eighty feet down the ocean wall of Molokini. Called the “backside”, it is home to many fish, eels, manta rays and even a cave of black tip reef sharks.
You may also consider a day trip to Lanai’s wonderful Hulopoe Bay, a large, pristine marine preserve. The bay offers some wonderful snorkeling, and a chance to see the area’s lively spinner dolphins. And for experienced scuba divers, the hauntingly beautiful Cathedrals can be found off Lanai’s southern shore.
