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The Gypsea Traveller

Best Beaches in Maui for Snorkeling

Updated: Feb 9

You might be wondering what are the best beaches in Maui for snorkeling? The truth is, it depends!


When people ask what are the best beaches in Maui for snorkeling, It depends on the weather, time of year, currents, your swimming ability and your experience in the ocean.


To ensure an enjoyable and safe experience here are a few recommendations for the best beaches in Maui for snorkeling.

Green snorkel equipment is sitting on a brown rock near the ocean

Time of Year

When are you visiting? In general, on Oahu, the North and West coasts tend to have decent condition in the summer and can be downright deadly in the winter. The opposite is true on the South and East shores that typically have better conditions in the winter and large waves in the summer. This will give you a better idea when you arrive so you can narrow down your search once you arrive. A great resource for current conditions is https://hawaiibeachsafety.com/oahu


Check the weather

Heavy rains tends to wash river and canal water into the ocean around the island. This can result in poor visibility, increased chance on infections and a higher likelihood of sharks cruising in the murky water. Off shore winds can also cause problems for people on paddle boards or floats. Once you are too far from shore, the wind can make getting back to land very difficult. You can check out current weather conditions at: www.weather.com or www.hawaiinewsnow.com.


Check the Surf

Big waves make for great surfing but can make for bad swimming and snorkeling. A few good sources include www.surfline.com and www.weather.gov/hfo/SRF. They all vary a bit so it’s best to look at them all in addition to the site above.


Talk to the lifeguards

I always recommend you go to a beach with a lifeguard present. If something does happen to you or another, you at least have someone there that can try and help you. The lifeguards can also provide you some guidance on the current condition and where it is and isn’t safe to be in the water. They would much rather give you guidance on the beach than rescue you from the water.


Observe the conditions

When you arrive at the beach it is always exciting to jump right in the ocean. However, ocean waves come in sets. Although it may look calm right this minute, you may have arrived between sets and the big waves are about to arrive. It’s not fun being in the surf break zone when a big set of waves comes through that you weren’t expecting. Spend at least 10-15 minutes observing the ocean before you jump in. You can learn a lot and will likely observe some people that didn’t heed this advice.!


Learn about the wildlife

Hawaii has sharks, monk seals, turtles, jellyfish, poisonous shells and prickly sea urchins. It’s important to spend a little time learning the rules and regulations surrounding each and how to prevent a negative encounter with them. https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dobor/protecting-marine-species/


I recommend a snorkel excursion if you aren't comfortable with figuring out the surf and conditions. Check out the Maui Hawaii Excursions blog for links to some popular snorkel excursions on Maui.



If you've been dreaming of a Hawaiian vacation, but don't know where to start to plan your vacation, book your zoom consultation with The Gypsea Traveller to learn more. Libbi can help you book a vacation package that includes your flight, the perfect resort for you, car rental or airport transfers and insurance. She can also custom design an itinerary for you based on excursion and restaurant recommendations.


Libbi lives in Hawaii and has visited all of the Hawaiian Islands. She loves helping clients book their dream vacation to the Hawaiian Islands. You can visit www.thegypseatraveller.com and click on "Schedule Consult" to choose a date/time to zoom with Libbi, The Gypsea Traveller


A white banner with turquoise stripes that lists Libbi, The Gypsea Traveller contact information. There is also a picture of Libbi at a beach in Hawaii with a colorful dress on and a yellow flower behind her ear.

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