Maui's Top Beginner Snorkeling Spots
Maui has some of the best snorkeling of all the Hawaiian Islands. Maui also has some of the worst if you don't know where to go and don't understand what the current and wind can do to the visibility and safety of the location you are snorkeling.
On days with perfect conditions*, these are my top beginner snorkel spots on Maui.
*perfect conditions are usually during a day with no swell, rain, or wind. The best time to go snorkeling is from sunrise to about 10am. The wind usually kicks up after about 10am.
1. Slaughter House Beach.
Despite the aggressive name, this is one of the safest and best beginner snorkel spots. When you get down to the beach, swim out on the far right side of the beach. There's usually a ton of different variety fish and turtles here. It makes my number 1 because the entrance and exit is very easy since it is off a sandy beach, unlike Honolua beach next door.
2. Hanakao'o Beach Park.
Again, this beach has an easy entry off sand. There's tons of fish and turtles right in front of the lifeguard tower only 10 feet offshore. If you want, you can keep swimming east and there's plenty of healthy reef and fish to see!
As far as overall safety, access, and ocean life, these are by far the must do snorkels for first time snorkelers visiting Maui.
If you need an experienced snorkel buddy, book a guide with Trek Maui.