The western shore of Maui is the most developed, but it does have some of the best swimming beaches on the island. This is where you’ll find Kaanapali Beach, nearly four miles of golden-hued sand. The best snorkeling is at Black Rock, a promontory in front of the Sheraton Maui Hotel. The Sheraton was one of the first resorts on this beach, and it quickly staked out this crystal-clear snorkeling spot filled with sea turtles, colorful fish and curious octopi. Other prime spots include Honolua Bay, which is great for snorkeling in the summer, but a surfing magnet during the winter because of the large swells. On the northwestern tip, Kapalua Beach sits inside a sheltered cove, offering calm waters and an abundance of marine life. D.T. Flemming Beach Park also is in the Kapalua area and a family favorite. The park has lifeguards, restrooms and picnic tables.
Maui’s south coast is more residential than the Kaanapali area. The roadway also hugs the coast, so a huge chunk of coastline in the Kihei area remains one big beach, namely Kamaole Beach Parks I, II and III. Family friendly, these beaches offer great swimming, lifeguards, picnic and recreational areas. It does get crowded, especially on weekends when the locals come to play, so snorkeling is only so-so. Makena Beach State Park, or Big Beach, is south of Wailea, less crowded and offers excellent swimming and snorkeling. Two rugged lava outcroppings frame the beach, offering protection from the wind. Little Beach is next door and even less populated. Little Beach is clothing optional. Do your swimming and snorkeling the way the ancient Hawaiians did, wearing not much more than a smile.
Maui’s more remote eastern shore is scenically rugged and home to the laid-back town of Hana. Getting there means tackling the Road to Hana, a challenging two-lane roadway with 600 hairpin turns and 54 bridges, some of them single-car only. Your reward is not only the waterfalls along the way, but Hamoa Beach, a half-moon of grayish sand -- the result of wave action on lava and coral. The left side of that curve is more protected from the waves and offers calmer swimming conditions. Another option in the Hana area is the black-sand beach and protective cove at Wainapanapa State Park, which is an excellent snorkeling and swimming venue. Hana Beach Park is a local family favorite, offering gentle surf and swimming for all ages.
The lazy curve of Molokini Crater sits roughly three miles off the coast of south Maui. About 230,000 years ago, an eruption left behind a volcanic cone. All that’s left today, thanks to wind and water erosion, is an uninhabited bit of rock that now is a State Marine Life and Bird Conservation District. It is one of the prime snorkeling and diving sites in Hawaii. The inside of the curve has gentler waters suitable for beginning snorkelers and divers. The outer rim has a greater variety of marine life and a sheer 360-foot drop reaching to the ocean floor. Seasoned divers will find this a veritable underwater haven. The best way to get to the crater is by booking a snorkeling/diving cruise. If you’re in Hawaii between the end of November and March, chances are you’ll see humpback whales on the ride out. Two local companies are the Pride of Maui (prideofmaui.com), and Trilogy (sailtrilogy.com).
