Snorkeling on the Beautiful Island of Maui in Hawaii

[Joe Ferguson]

Snorkeling Maui is one of the most popular activities on the Valley Isle. Maui has more miles of swimmable beach than any other Hawaiian island. The year round average temperature is 75-80 degrees. Snorkeling on Maui is the perfect activity . The best Maui snorkeling spots are Honolua Bay, Kapalua Bay, Maluaka Beach, Black Rock, Ahihi Kinau Reserve and Molokini.

Honolua Bay is a Marine Life Conservation District which means no fishing allowed. The bay is protected from wind on both sides by rocky cliffs. Most of Honolus's coral is on the right hand side of the bay so are the fish. Some of the tame reef fish are parrot fish, damsel fish, surgeon fish, box fish, goat fish and hawk fish.

Kapalua Bay is a sheltered white sand beach protected by two reefs forming a c-shaped cove ideal for snorkeling. Kapalua Bay has calm water great for beginner snorkeling. Some of the fish seen there are surgeon fish, moorish idol fish, tang, wrasse and perch. Maluaka Beach is a great snorkeling beach on the south shore of Maui with calm blue water filled with fish and marine life. Some of the fish seen there are cardinal fish, squirrel fish, chub and trigger fish.

Black Rock is a prominent rocky peninsula on Maui's western shore. It has a combination of great ocean conditions and endless white sand making snorkeling the complete beach experience. The soft powdery sand is the best on Maui The water starts around 8 feet deep and gradually gets to 25 feet or more. Some fish seen there are needle fish, porcupine fish , turtles and crustaceans.

Ahihi Kinau Reserve is on the south western coast of Maui its coast line is mostly made up of lava rock intermixed with coral which is a major plus when it comes to snorkeling. The contours of the sea floor make perfect homes for aquatic life. Ahihi Kinau's most beautiful fish make their homes in the shallows. Its calm water makes a great place for snorkeling. Some fish seen there are jacks, needle fish, and butterfly fish.

Molokini is a crescent moon shaped island 3 miles off Maui's south west coast ans is one of the best dive and snorkeling location on the planet. It has some of the clearest is not the clearest water in the Hawaiian islands. Water visibility exceeds 100 feet on most days. There is no current on the inside of the crater making it a great spot to snorkel. Some fish seen there are the Hawaii State fish Humuhumunukunukua, eels, emperor fish and cornet fish.

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