Where is the best place to snorkel in Maui? Should we do a tour or go off the shore? If a tour, any recommendations? Thanks.

Most consistent for calm water and wade-in-from-the-beach snorkeling is the beach at Kapalua Bay Hotel (in the Kapalua Resort area north of Lahaina.

South Maui has tons of great snorkeling. Ulua Beach stands out, as well as Palauea and Po'olenalena, all in the Wailea area. Honolua Bay in West Maui is great too. Snorkeling is best in the morning, calmer waters and less wind. The water will still be just as warm. I have a trip report that talks about all the places we snorkeled at http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34436140.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

love
roxy

I tried both the snorkeling cruise to the Molokini Crater and snorkeling right off the beach - in my experiences, snorkeling right off the beach was much better. We rented equipment right on the beaches (in both Kapalua and Kaanapali) and had great snorkeling experiences. I wouldn't recommend buying any fish food - unless you want the fish to swarm you!!!

We went this past Maui, and took the Pacific Whale Foundation trip to snorkel Molokini and Lanai. We thought Molokini was fabulous, the clearest, calmest water ever!

From the shore, we snorkeled Black Rock, Honolua Bay, and Kapalua Beach. All were great!

Mile marker 14 olowalu, is a great place to snorkle too. You can walk out without snorkle gear and see fish So a great place for a beginners. 12 more days yippeeee!!!

We went to the most fantastic spot for snorkeling last June: Honolua Bay in Maui. It is north of Lahaina and is a marine preserve so there are lots of fish who are not too worried about people. We saw turtles, eels, and even squid/octopi (I don't know the difference). It is a cove so there was not a strong current when we were there (June 2004). My guidebook says the snorkeling is best in the morning and calm spring, summer, & fall. The snorkeling was easy enough for my children, as well as my 60-ish mother and in-laws. My family all agreed that it was like being in a National Geographic special. Take hwy 30 north of Lahaina past D.T. Fleming Beach Park. You'll see a Mokuleia-Honolua Marine Reserve sign near a parking area. Go past this just a little ways and watch for a tiny dirt side road on the left. There will probably be other cars parked there. Park by the road and take the trail/dirt road in. The trail is an easy walk and absolutely lovely. The Snorkel Bob shops may even have a free print out map. We felt so pleased with ing in for free when we saw one of those snorkel tour catamarans that people pay a tidy little sum for.

Here's a general snorkle link for you: http://www.snorkeling-hawaii-insiders-guide.com/

Black Rock in front of the Sheraton is a good spot also. Swim out and follow the rock around. Go across the crater openning at the tip and follow the wall around to the other side. Look for rays and turtles close to the wall.

www.shorediving.com