Like all of the Hawaiian islands, Maui's underwater life is as varied and impressive as its landscapes above. There are several great spots of diving and snorkeling, including reefs that are close to shore. Here are three favorite underwater experiences:
- Half-day trip to Molokini Crater
This half-sunken volcanic crater, shaped like a crescent moon and lying about halfway between Maui and Kahoolawe island and can be reached via boat tour. It's popular and has a lot of traffic in the course of a clear day, but for snorkeling and diving aficionados it's worth the journey for its abundant sea life, including manta ray, reef sharks and turtles. Lahaina and Maalaea both offer boat departures, but from Maalaea (which is located about a 20-minute drive north of Wailea), the boat ride is shorter and more direct. Keep in mind that visibility is best in the mornings.
- Turtle spotting at Makena
Tucked south of groomed Wailea, the rugged terrain of Makena comes as a surprise. This entire coastline is prime turtle viewing territory and gets busy with snorkeling activity in the late morning. Most everyone knows about
Maluaka Beach, where you should go if you have kids in tow, as the gentle surf and good chance of seeing green-tipped turtles are a winning combo. Less busy, however, is
Makena Cove, a tiny cove with a thin stretch of pebble beach where you can spot turtles as well as colorful reef fish. A snorkeling morning at Makena Cove is easily combined with
Big Beach in Makena State Park—one of Maui's most glorious sand expanses.
- Listening to the whale song
During the months of whale migration (December – April), it's common to see pods of whales passing by in the distance (or even relatively close to shore). Keep an eye out for breaches, tail fins or those telltale water spouts. If you see them, dive into the ocean and stay as still as you can be to hear the males communicating to one another in high-pitched, remarkable sing-song tones. This whale song has fascinated scientists for centuries, and it's an incredibly powerful experience to witness while visiting.
Read more about it here.
Indagare Tip: For snorkeling, get an early start. Generally, the water is more clear in the mornings for best visibility. Plus, after 9:30/10am, the crowds start arriving at the more popular spots. As with most activities on Maui, it pays to rise with the sun.
