Located about 6 miles south of Wailea's resorts, the 1,200-acre South Maui Reserve is protected by Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources. The land is mostly made up of black volcanic rock, lava that cooled after it flowed from the nearby Haleakala volcano 200 to 500 years ago. Although the area is very dry and barren, native and invasive plant species occasionally appear. On the jagged coast, the black rock gives way to a rich ecosystem of coral, fish, turtles and invertebrates.
The warm, clear, shallow water houses an abundance of sea life, making the South Maui Reserve one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. Snorkelers can expect to spot tropical, brightly colored fish such as the parrotfish, saddle wrasse and butterfly fish. Visitors occasionally spot sea turtles and dolphins. Eels, crabs, sea urchins and octopus are common. From winter to early spring, snorkelers might spot migrating humpback whales in the distance. The reserve bans any fishing, so the sea life here is not conditioned to fear humans; often, fish and turtles swim right up to snorkelers. But the legal protections here mean you'll be fined for touching or harassing any sea life in the reserve.
As of publication, the majority of the reserve is off limits to visitors. The state determined visitors were negatively impacting the fragile volcanic ecosystems, wetlands, coves and reefs here, and in 2008, banned access to all but a small portion of the reserve. At time of publication, the reserve was scheduled to reopen on July 31, 2014. Visitors still can access Waiala Cove (or Ahihi Cove), which opens to Ahihi Bay. The cove is an excellent place to snorkel; not only is it very accessible, sitting just off the road, but it's also largely protected from dangerous waves and currents. On the south side of the reserve, although technically outside it, is La Perouse Bay, another worthwhile place to snorkel. The bay has trails that lead visitors along the coastline, offering impressive views of the ocean and back up the flank of Haleakala volcano.
Both La Perouse and Waiala Cove largely are safe areas to snorkel, but you should take some precautions. Both areas are filled with sharp volcanic rock and coral that have the potential to injure if they're stepped on or grazed. And though the coves look calm, protected from large waves and dangerous riptides, it's best to snorkel here in the morning, when you're guaranteed to have calm seas. These areas are shallow, so stay aware of your fins and your limbs to avoid brushing the rocks or coral, which can cause injury and irreparably damage the fragile ecosystem.
The South Maui Reserve and La Perouse sit at the end of Makena Road, which you can take south from Wailea. Both areas have parking, although the lots are small; arrive early for a parking spot.
