Best Snorkel Spots On Maui

Discover Your Paradise

For those seeking the best snorkeling in Kihei, the clear waters and vibrant marine life of South Maui offer an unforgettable adventure. While many visitors flock to snorkeling beaches in Maui, the most spectacular underwater experiences are often found off the shore.

Molokini Crater

Best for: First-time snorkelers and families.
Access: Boat tour only.
Why popular: World-class visibility (150ft), consistently calm water, and a safe, protected environment.
Sea life: Hundreds of tropical fish species, plus occasional reef sharks and manta rays.
Redline Tour: All of our tours explore Molokini

Turtle Town

Best for: All ages, especially turtle lovers.
Access: Accessible from shore, however, boat tours can take you to more secluded areas with larger turtle populations.
Why popular: Most reliable spot to swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles.
Sea life: Abundant green sea turtles and various tropical fish.
Redline Tour: 5 Hour Molonkini and South Maui Tour

La Perouse

Best for: Adventurous snorkelers.
Access: Accessible from shore, but often better with a boat tour for safety.
Why popular: Unique, wild landscape from the last lava flow.
Sea life: Variety of coastal fish and known for Hawaiian spinner dolphins.
Redline Tour: 5 Hour Molonkini and South Maui Tour

Reviews

tripadvisor review
Yes, yes, yes. Quick fun trip out to Molokini, check. Lots of fun facts and info on the location and Hawaiian culture, check. Excellent safety and keeping track of us, check. Maximizing our time and fun in Maui, check. This tour is excellent and gets you doing what you are looking to do, snorkel! I can’t recommend these guys enough. Details: you’ll park in the dirt lot close to the boat ramp and there is a restroom there with outside fresh water shower for after. There are dry boxes on the boat to store your stuff. They provide snorkels, masks, and fins. You get to snorkel right next to the crater. Don’t hesitate, book your tour!

Janice M-San Diego, CA

tripadvisor review
Captain Tim and first mate Ian were fantastic. They knew a ton about the area and the best spots to snorkel and were lots of fun. The fish and reef at the crater were beautiful. We were provided with all necessary equipment including wet suits, and it was all in good shape. Breakfast and lunch were included. After the crater snorkeling, we went around the back side of the crater to ride the “elevator” where water raises you up and down by 8 feet up against a tall rock wall. A total blast. Finally, we snorkeled with the sea turtles. Beautiful. I highly recommend this company and this crew. Thanks!

Tdaver

tripadvisor review
Molokini crater was everything I’ve heard about it, lots of fish, eels, beautiful coral. The backside of the crater at the “elevator” was cool. Unfortunately didn’t see any dolphins at the 3rd stop, but many turtles at Turtle Town. Breakfast and lunch were good. Overall a great and professional experience. I would say much better than the experience would be on the larger boats that show up later with 100-150 people and crowds the area. Thanks, Shawn and Kelly!!

Jeff B- California

yelp1
We had a blast snorkeling the Molokini Crater through Redline Rafting. We did two other snorkeling excursions while we were down there, but this company crushed the competition by far! Tim and Kate were very attentive and made the experience awesome. If you are on the fence about which company to go with.. trust me USE this one! Also, by choosing this company you’re pretty much guaranteeing yourself you will see SEA TURTLES.

Cory H, Cypress, TX

Frequently Asked Questions

1.What’s the difference between snorkeling at Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, and La Perouse?

Molokini Crater is an iconic, crescent-shaped volcanic islet known for its exceptional visibility and vibrant coral reefs, making it a spectacular spot for viewing a huge variety of tropical fish.

Turtle Town is a series of underwater lava formations and reefs along the Maui coastline, famous for being a sanctuary for Hawaiian green sea turtles.

La Perouse Bay, located at the end of the road, offers a rugged, remote snorkeling experience with unique lava rock formations and diverse marine life.

2.Which of these snorkeling destinations is the most popular, and why?

Molokini Crater is generally the most popular and sought-after destination due to its unparalleled water clarity, protected environment, and the sheer abundance of colorful fish. Its reputation as a world-class snorkel site attracts visitors from all over, making it a must-do on many travelers’ lists. Turtle Town is also highly popular for the almost guaranteed chance of seeing sea turtles up close in their natural habitat.

3.Can I visit all three spots on one tour?

Our Molokini & South Maui Snorkel tour offers the best of both worlds, taking you to the world-famous Molokini Crater and then to a second snorkel site along the South Maui coastline, which often includes a visit to Turtle Town to swim with the honu (sea turtles). La Perouse is typically reserved for our private charters, allowing for a more customized and exclusive adventure.

Redline Rafting embraces its responsibility in sharing and perpetuating the culture, nature and people of Hawai’i correctly and respectfully. We proactively work with cultural advisors to illustrate this commitment. Specific to this website, we recognize the proper use of the ‘okina [‘], a consonant, and the kahakō [ō] or macron in the Hawaiian language, and we are working to apply them when we can. If they are omitted, it is to provide you with the best online experience. We continue to use them on other communication practices.
Mahalo.