Snorkeling in Maui at a glance
The classic Maui snorkeling day is a boat trip to Molokini, the crescent-shaped crater about 3 miles (5 km) off the southwest coast. From shore, the best-known spots are Honolua Bay on the northwest coast and Black Rock at the north end of Kāʻanapali Beach. All three sit inside rules that protect the reef, so a little preparation makes the day better.
Conditions change with the swell and the wind, and most spots here have no lifeguard. Read the daily ocean report on hawaiibeachsafety.com and hioceansafety.com, the two sites the Hawaiʻi visitor authority recommends, and snorkel with a partner.
The main snorkeling spots compared
Protection status and what to know first, as of October 2026.
| Spot | Where | Protection | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Molokini | 3 miles off the southwest coast | Marine Life Conservation District since 1977, islet is a seabird sanctuary | Boat trips only, run by permitted operators |
| Honolua Bay | Northwest coast | Honolua-Mokulēʻia Bay Marine Life Conservation District | No taking of fish, shells, ʻopihi, coral or algae |
| Black Rock | North end of Kāʻanapali Beach | – | No lifeguard, nearest tower at Hanakaʻōʻō |
| Turtle Town | Stop on some boat trips from Maʻalaea | – | Depends on the weather |
Our picks: on the water
A snorkel cruise to Molokini or a submarine for non-swimmers.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Molokini and Turtle Town snorkeling cruise
A catamaran with breakfast, lunch, soft drinks and snorkel gear. Hotel transfer, parking and towels are not included.
Check availability →
Submarine trip off West Maui
A dive in a passenger submarine for people who want to see the reef without snorkeling. No hotel transfer.
Check availability →Maui snorkel tours
Molokini and Turtle Town snorkel cruises, sunset sails and other boat trips from Maʻalaea and Kihei, with live prices and availability.
Molokini: how the boat trips work
The crater itself is a protected area, so only a short list of operators run trips there.
The rules
Molokini Shoal is a marine life conservation district. You may not take marine life, sand or coral, feed fish or anchor where day moorings exist. Commercial activity needs a state permit, and the islet is a seabird sanctuary you may not land on.
Where boats leave
Most trips start at Maʻalaea Harbor. One operator there sails every day with morning departures, and its trip includes snorkel gear, breakfast and lunch. A stop at Turtle Town is added when the weather allows.
What it costs
Booking sites in 2026 list large catamarans at around $140 to $200 per adult and small boats or rafts at around $180 to $260 or more. The spread is wide, so compare what each trip includes: meals, gear, group size and time at the crater.
Honolua Bay and Black Rock from shore
Honolua Bay is a marine life conservation district on the northwest coast. The state bans taking fish, shells, ʻopihi, coral and algae, as well as sand and rock, and it bans spears and nets. A knife is allowed only for self-defense. Surf and water clarity change from day to day, so check the report before you drive out.
Black Rock is the headland at the north end of Kāʻanapali Beach. It has no lifeguard, and the nearest tower stands at Hanakaʻōʻō (Canoe Beach). Guides advise snorkeling with a partner because of the current on the north side. At sunset a resort holds a torch lighting and cliff dive ceremony. Sources differ on the days, so check before you plan around it, and leave the jumping to the performer.
Keep your distance from wildlife
Federal rules and NOAA guidelines apply at every spot above.
Green sea turtles
Stay at least 10 feet (3 m) away. Turtles are protected by law, so never touch, chase or feed them.
Hawaiian monk seals
Keep at least 50 feet (15 m) away, and 150 feet (45 m) from a mother with a pup.
Spinner dolphins
The legal limit is 50 yards (45 m). Swimming with or approaching them is banned within 2 nautical miles of the islands and in the waters between Lānaʻi, Maui and Kahoʻolawe.
Humpback whales
The limit is 100 yards (90 m) in the water, all year, for swimmers, kayaks, boats and drones.
Whale watching →Protect the reef
Small habits that keep snorkeling good for the next visitor.
Sunscreen
Since 1 January 2021, Hawaiʻi has banned the sale of sunscreen containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. Check the label and put it on well before you enter the water.
Before you go in
Look at the ocean report, find the nearest lifeguard tower and agree on a meeting point with your partner. At many beaches in Wailea and Kāʻanapali no tower is on duty.
Protected areas
Ahihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve in South Maui has been protected since 1973, with its waters closed to motorized boats and fishing. Check the current access rules posted by the state before you go.
Beaches and safety
Lifeguard towers, shorebreak warnings and fees for ten beaches are in the beach guide.
Maui beaches →Plan the rest of your days
Other ways to use your time in Maui.
Best beaches in Maui
Ten beaches by coast with lifeguard towers and fees.
Whale watching in Maui
Season, rules and boat trips for humpback whales.
Tours compared
When a guided trip beats driving yourself, and what is included.
Weather and best time
Month by month for Kahului and the summit, and the hurricane season.
Maui snorkeling: frequently asked questions
Can I snorkel at Molokini without a boat?
No. The crater lies about 3 miles off the coast and you reach it by boat. The islet is a seabird sanctuary, so you may not land on it.
How much does a Molokini trip cost?
Booking sites in 2026 list around $140 to $200 per adult on large catamarans and around $180 to $260 or more on small boats and rafts. Check the booking page for the current price and the meals and gear included.
Where can I snorkel from shore in Maui?
Honolua Bay on the northwest coast and Black Rock at Kāʻanapali are the two best-known shore spots. Neither is a calm-day guarantee, so check the ocean report and bring a partner.
How close may I get to a sea turtle?
At least 10 feet (3 m). Keep 50 feet (15 m) from monk seals and 50 yards (45 m) from spinner dolphins.
Which sunscreen is allowed in Hawaiʻi?
Products containing oxybenzone or octinoxate cannot be sold in the state since 1 January 2021. Read the ingredient list before you buy.