9 Best Snorkeling Spots in Lahaina and West Maui: Swim with Turtles!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. The Hawai’i Vacation Guide has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Hawai’i Vacation Guide and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Read about our affiliate policies here.

Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities on Maui, and for good reason. Snorkeling on Maui is one of our favorite things to do. A tour is fun, but it isn’t necessary!

Let Jordan and me show you the best snorkeling spots in Lahaina and West Maui.

Here we cover the best snorkeling spots from Kapalua down to Olowalu. But if you’re in search of the best snorkeling spots on all of Maui, go to our 11 best snorkeling spots on Maui. Many of these gems are worth a drive. 

Map of the Best Snorkeling Spots in Lahaina

Click on the icons to learn more about each snorkeling spot in Lahaina. You will also find Google Reviews and Google Maps directions to the beach.

Read why Maui is the best Hawaiian island for snorkeling year-round. 

Top Picks for Snorkeling Near Lahaina

Best snorkeling spot for: 

• Diverse sea life: Honolua Bay
• Turtles: Honokeana Bay
• A full day out: Black Rock
• Best amenities: Kahekili (Airport) Beach

Looking for more beach time and less water time? We have the 9 best beaches in and near Lahaina for your perfect beach day. 

Snorkeling Safety for Maui

Please be safe when you’re out snorkeling! Drowning is the #1 cause of death of visitors to Hawaii. The Mighty Pacific Ocean shall be respected!

• Always snorkel with a buddy
• Don’t snorkel in murky water
• Stay within 100 yards or less of the shore
• Abide by lifeguard flags
• When in doubt, don’t go out
• Understand ocean conditions before you go out.

See these articles for more information on staying safe when snorkeling and swimming in Hawaii.

• Hawaii Shark Safety: How to Avoid a Hawaii Shark Attack
• Hawaii Beach Safety: Ocean Conditions at Lifeguard Beaches

Details for the 9 Best Snorkeling Spots in Lahaina

From north to south, these are the best snorkeling spots in Lahaina and all of West Maui. Click the links to learn even more about each location.

1. Honolua Bay

Distance from Lahaina: 12 miles

A marine life conservation district, this is a popular snorkeling spot in the summer months when the waves are generally calmer. This protected bay offers a spectacular reef and plenty of large fish and other sea life. You’ll often find snorkeling boats moored here because the quality of snorkeling is just that good. It makes our list for one of the best snorkeling spots on Maui. 

There is no parking lot or other amenities here, like restrooms or showers. Beachgoers likely want to avoid this spot because there is no sandy beach to relax on after snorkeling. 

Read more about snorkeling at Honolua Bay.

2. Kapalua Bay

Distance from Lahaina: 10 miles

What’s not to love about Kapalua Bay? It was rated the Best Beach of 2018 by Dr. Beach, it is a fairly protected bay so currents are often not as strong inside the bay, and it is stunning. Oh, and it has great snorkeling. Stick to the sides here and you’re bound to find colorful fish and a turtle or two. And it’s located near one of our favorite easy hikes on Maui, the Kapalua Coastal Trail. 

It is our favorite snorkeling spot on all of Maui.

Read more about Kapalua Bay, where to park, what to do, and our favorite tips. 

3. Napili Bay

Distance from Lahaina: 10 miles

Another beautiful bay just south of Kapalua, this spot feels like a throwback to decades past in Maui. Here you won’t find any buildings taller than a palm tree and the bay is lined with quaint inns and boutique hotels, not mega resorts.

This is a popular snorkeling spot for visitors and locals alike and is often full by mid-morning on the weekends. Plenty of turtles to spot here from land or underwater, you’ll still find the best snorkeling by sticking to the rocky outcroppings on the side of the bay. 

4. Honokeana Cove

Distance from Lahaina: 9 miles

You won’t find a great beach, but you will find more turtles than you can count here. A rocky bay makes a perfect spot to view turtles as they snack on the vegetation. Accessing the water isn’t super easy here (there’s no sandy beach to walk in from), and the beach access can be difficult to find, but it’s worth the effort.

You’ll need to park on the street and then walk down the beach access path to the north of the bay (you’ll see an ornamental turtle at the start of the path). The path will walk you down to the end of the bay, and you can get in there and swim closer to the condos to find turtles. And if you want to stay near this snorkeling spot, Honokeana Cove is one of our favorite places to stay near Lahaina. 

If seeing turtles is high on your list, check out the other places to see turtles on Maui. Just a reminder that turtles are protected, and you’ll want to stay at least 10 feet away from them in the water to be sure you’re not disturbing them. 

Want to see even more of what it’s like to snorkel at Honokeana Bay? We have a video of our Napili staycation with a snorkeling trip to Honokeana Bay:

5. Kahekili (Airport) Beach

Distance from Lahaina: 5 miles

Located on the north end of Ka’anapali is the less crowded Kahekili, or Airport Beach. This is a slightly under-the-radar place compared to the famous beach just south. Here you’ll find easier parking, great amenities (bathrooms, showers, picnic tables), and a good reef for snorkeling.

The north side of Ka’anapali is a little more exposed to waves and currents than the other side of Ka’anapali (Black Rock), but on calm days, the conditions are very comparable. The water here is very clear, and you can often spot a lot of sea life just off the shore. You’ll also find that this is a very popular scuba location. 

See our Airport Beach Guide for details on swimming and snorkeling here!

6. Black Rock

Distance from Lahaina: 5 miles

This is an incredibly popular spot and for good reason. First, it’s located in front of the resorts in Ka’anapali, so there’s easy access for anyone staying in a Ka’anapali resort.

Second, though it’s not a protected bay, Black Rock is often more protected from waves and currents than some of the other areas you can snorkel.

Third, it’s popular with people for rock or cliff jumping. Fourth — and most importantly — it has incredible snorkeling. Often, within seconds of sticking our heads underwater, we’re met with beautiful turtles swimming in the turquoise waters.

There are plenty of fish, and the water is generally very clear. While it can be a busy beach, it’s really worth the stop to snorkel here. 

A word of caution when visiting: Going past Black Rock and into the cove should not be taken lightly, as currents can be strong. Stay near the beach, as there are plenty of turtles and fish to see along the cliff wall.

7. Wahikuli Wayside Park

Distance from Lahaina: 2.5 miles

Just off the highway, you’ll find an underrated beach and snorkeling spot. When the water is calm, the snorkeling here is great. But unlike so many other spots on this list, the beach isn’t protected, so when the waves are big, snorkeling here is not a good idea.

You’ll find the best snorkeling to be on the north side of the beach, and you’ll be able to see plenty of sea life without venturing too far or into too deep water. There is a nice beach path here that leads you along the coast all the way into Ka’anapali. 

8. Mala Wharf

Distance from Lahaina: 0 miles

The only snorkeling spot on our list to actually be in Lahaina, this is one of the best snorkeling spots on the island, but it’s difficult to access. You’ll often find snorkeling boats making a stop here because the snorkeling is great, but it can be quite a swim out from shore. This is not a place for beginner snorkelers. 

To enter the water, you can head in on the south side of the wharf, but you’ll need to contend with a lot of rocks and shallow water that can make walking out very tricky. Or you can enter the water just off the pier, but keep in mind that this is an active pier and boats will be coming in and out. 

It can be hard to swim out to the tip of Mala Ramp because there is a lot of boat traffic there. For a better experience and to see Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, I recommend going out with Ultimate Whale Watch on their Lanai Snorkeling Tour.

Click the button below to learn more and to book, plus save 10% with our promo code!

9. Olowalu

Distance from Lahaina: 6 miles

In Olowalu, just south of Lahaina, you’ll find one of the oldest coral reefs on the Hawaiian islands. You’ll find an abundance of marine life here and fewer crowds: it’s not as popular as some of the spots north of Lahaina. Why? Because to get to the best snorkeling, you’ll need to venture very far from shore. While the water might not be too deep (it stays shallow for a long time off shore) the distance you need to travel to access the reef can be exhausting. Most people choose to snorkel here with a snorkeling tour. We have had a great experience snorkeling here with Kayak Olowalu. Their knowledgeable guides took us to some great spots and we were able to kayak out to the reef, rather than swim the entire distance. 

For any snorkeling that you do in Hawaii or elsewhere, it’s important to practice snorkel safety. While snorkeling looks easy, it’s the leading cause of visitor deaths. That’s right, you don’t need to worry much about shark attacks in Hawaii, but you should take care when you snorkel and watch out for falling coconuts.

The Best Snorkeling Tours from Lahaina

Lahaina used to be a hub for snorkeling tours departing directly from Lahaina Harbor. After the fire, many of those businesses have relocated to Mala Wharf (Lahaina), Ka’anapali, or Ma’alaea Harbor (central Maui).

Lana’i Snorkel with Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel

Cruise to Lana’i for a day adventure with Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel. This high-speed raft will take you to 2-3 locations between Maui and Lana’i, and the crew will work hard to help you see amazing sea life. Check out our full review and a video experience of our trip, including speeding along with a pod of hundreds of spinner dolphins! 

Coast Snorkel with Sea Maui

Depart right from Ka’anapali Beach and snorkel along west Maui with Sea Maui! They offer tours from 2.5 hours to 4.5 hours in length, taking you to a beautiful reef right off the shore. Snorkeling equipment, food, and drinks are all included in the price.

Lana’i Snorkel Trip with Sail Maui

Sail Maui knows how to deliver a great experience for its customers, which is why it’s one of the most highly rated sailing companies on the island. Hop aboard their luxury sailboat for a trip to Lana’i. Enjoy breakfast, a fantastic and knowledgeable crew, and time snorkeling off the coast of Lana’i. 

They offer a sunset sail and West Maui snorkeling tour from Lahaina Harbor! Click the buttons below to learn more and book!

Plus, check out all of our highly recommended snorkeling tours, videos of our experiences, and full reviews by visiting our Maui Tours & Activities page. We’ve done the hard work for you by vetting the best tour operators.