Here is possibly my last Maui post before we go on our vacation in May!  Today I’m covering some of my favorite beaches and snorkeling spots on Maui.  There are so many amazing beaches; these are the ones that we will go to multiple times on vacation.

Wailea Beach

This is by far our favorite beach on the island because you can snorkel, play in the waves, and relax on the beach reading a book.  Tips for this beach get there early and stake out your spot on the beach.  Getting there early is also good for the snorkeling.  To snorkel, you will want to head to the left of the beach and snorkel around the lava and the corner. There are usually a couple of turtles out there.  This beach can get crowded quickly because it has excellent sized waves and snorkeling for families.  If you don’t like a super crowded beach, I would recommend going on Monday thru Thursday.  It is located in front of the Grand Wailea Resort and the Four Seasons.

Polo Beach

Just about a mile farther down the road than Wailea beach you will find Polo beach.  This beach is excellent for playing in the waves and relaxing on the beach.  It is in front of the Fairmont Kea Lani resort.  We have never snorkeled at this beach usually because the waves are a bit bigger here.  This beach is a little smaller but tends to be less crowded than Wailea beach.  We like to hit this beach in the afternoon after we’ve gone for a drive or a snorkel, just to relax.

Ahihi Reserve

This is one of the top snorkeling spots we like to hit on the island.  The parking has changed a lot in the last couple of years, so you’ll have to drive past the exact snorkeling spot to park and then walk back.  This is located past Makena and big beach.  The road gets narrow, and there are some great pull outs to look at tide pools before you get to the snorkel spot.  It’s easy to tell when you get to the snorkeling spot because you will see a lot of people on the side of the road.  You have to be careful here as there is no sandy beach you put out right on the lava and then instant coral.  This means the fish are right there when you put out.  Swim ways out until you get to the edge of the large lava formation to the right and you may even get to see some turtles.  Go very early in the morning because if the wind or waves pick up you will not want to snorkel here, the water will be murky, and it will be hard to get in and out of the water.

La Perouse

This is at the end of the road past all the beaches and spots that are above.  This is a gravel dirt road and parking lot so be aware if you are in a small rental car.  You will want to come very early if you are going to snorkel this beach because the waves can pick up and then it becomes a surfing area.  This is another rocky put out to snorkel, but the rock and coral formations are amazing in this area.  If the wind and waves do pick up this is still a fantastic area to sight, see.  Wear either water shoes or tennis shoes when wandering around at this spot.

Big Beach

Big Beach state park is right down the road from Makena’s landing.  You will see the large state park signs.  This beach is the best to watch skimboarders.  The water on this beach is the most amazing color as well.  The sand here is some of the softest on the island in my opinion.  This beach has huge shore break so unless you are an excellent swimmer and know how to time getting in and out of the water, I would say just lay back and watch the action from the shore.  The beach is huge and does have lifeguards.  This will be the easiest beach to find a place all to yourself, however not as kid friendly as some of the others.  The Jawz food truck hangs out in this parking lot a lot and has some delicious fish tacos and fresh fruit smoothies.

Black Rock

Now to a different area of the island.  This is on the west side of Maui up past Lahaina town.  The easiest way to get to black rock for snorkeling is head to the Sheraton.  There is a small lot for beach access so like all the beaches on Maui get there early.  This beach is a lot of fun because there is so much to do.  To get to the beach and snorkel you will walk past the Sheraton and out onto the beach, and you will see a large black rock out into the ocean, this is where you are going to snorkel.  During certain times of the year, there can be a good shore break so be careful.  After you’re done snorkeling, there is shops and some good lunch spots to hit as well at Whalers Village.

What beaches should we hit up on our next trip?  We really want to snorkel Honolua bay and hike down to Jaws.  Are there any good beaches over by Kahului we should see?

Check out my other Maui posts on adventures and food!!