Charley Young & Kamaʻole I are across the street, about a 5–7 minute walk. Wailea's Ulua Beach is about 3 miles (around 10 minutes by car), Mākena's Maluaka Beach about 7 miles (around 20 minutes), and the Kīhei Boat Ramp, where some Molokini tours leave from, is about 1.5 miles away. Māʻalaea Harbor is about 9 miles (20–25 minutes). Times are typical drives without traffic.
Snorkeling is one of the most popular things to do on Maui, and it was a favorite topic on The Aloha 360, a Maui travel podcast that is no longer running. Listeners always asked the same things: where to go, whether to book a boat, and how to make it fun for kids or first-timers. This guide covers all three.
Close to the condo: South Maui
South Maui's leeward coast is often calm in the morning, which makes it a good place to start.
- Kamaʻole I & Charley Young (across the street). Sandy beaches with rocky points at the ends. On calm, clear mornings, the rocks are where to look for fish. A lifeguard tower is at Kamaʻole I; the Charley Young end has no tower of its own.
- Ulua & Mokapu (Wailea). Two neighboring beaches with a lava-rock reef between them. Good for beginners on calm days. The shared public lot fills up early.
- Maluaka (Mākena). A sandy beach with reef along the edges, known for green sea turtles (honu). Give them plenty of room (see below).
- ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve. Lava-rock coast past Mākena, protected as a reserve. Non-residents pay a day-use parking fee, and the reserve has set hours. Some areas, like the anchialine pools, are closed to protect them. Fishing, drones and pets are not allowed. Check the DLNR reserve page before you go.
Molokini by boat
Molokini is a crescent-shaped islet about 3 miles off South Maui, and you can only reach it by boat. Tours leave from Māʻalaea Harbor and the Kīhei Boat Ramp. Some trips pair Molokini with another stop, and some go to Lānaʻi instead. When you compare tours, ask how long you'll be in the water and what happens if conditions change.
- Molokini is a Marine Life Conservation District. Taking or feeding marine life is prohibited, and the islet is a seabird sanctuary, so no one may land on it.
- Currents outside the crater can be strong and often build with afternoon winds, so morning trips are popular.
- Planning for family members with limited mobility? Ask the operator how people get in and out of the water, whether there's a ladder or platform, and whether flotation is provided.
West Maui bays
West Maui's best-known snorkel spots are about an hour's drive (or more) from Kīhei:
- Kāʻanapali (Puʻu Kekaʻa / Black Rock). The lava point at the north end of Kāʻanapali Beach.
- Kapalua Bay. A sheltered, crescent-shaped bay that's often calm in the morning.
- Honolua Bay. A protected Marine Life Conservation District with coral along both sides of the bay. Inshore water can be murky from the stream. Summer is usually best. The state advises staying out of the water in winter, when high surf is common. There are no lifeguards, and parking is only along the highway, so park legally and fully off the road.
Driving through Lahaina: Lahaina is still rebuilding after the August 2023 wildfires, and it's still home to the people who live there. Kāʻanapali, Nāpili and Kapalua are open and welcome visitors. On your way through Lahaina, stay on the main routes, don't stop to sightsee or take photos in recovery areas, and keep out of fenced or closed areas. Spending at open local businesses helps. For current updates, see Maui Recovers.
Tips for new snorkelers
- Practice in shallow water first. Get used to breathing through the snorkel while standing in waist-deep water.
- Check the fit. A mask that seals without the strap pulled tight leaks less. Defog it before you go in.
- Use flotation. A snorkel vest or a pool noodle makes it easy to rest without standing on the reef.
- Go early. Mornings usually mean calmer water, better visibility and easier parking.
- Bring gear. The condo has snorkels and beach toys to borrow, and rental shops in Kīhei have more.
Protect the reef and the wildlife
- Mineral sunscreen only. Maui County allows only mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) to be sold or used. A rash guard means you'll need less sunscreen. County sunscreen info.
- Look, don't touch. Don't stand on coral, and never feed fish.
- Give animals space. NOAA recommends staying at least 10 feet from sea turtles and 50 feet from monk seals (more for a mother and pup). By law, you must stay 100 yards from humpback whales. See NOAA's viewing guidelines.
Ocean safety tips
- Check conditions on Hawaii Beach Safety and choose a lifeguarded beach when you can.
- Watch the water for about 15 minutes before you go in, and follow posted warning signs.
- Never snorkel alone. Agree on a meeting spot with your buddy.
- Don't swim farther out than you can comfortably swim back. If a current pulls you, swim parallel to shore.
- Skip it when the surf is high, the water is murky or it has just rained hard.
- Don't leave valuables in the car.
Last reviewed October 2026. Conditions, fees and rules on Maui change often. Always check the official sources linked above before you go.