There are dozens of incredible spots to go snorkeling on the island of Maui. From the West side to the South side snorkelers don their gear to enjoy the underwater scenery. Diverse and colorful, the underwater world is home to: Frog Fish, Trumpet Fish, Lion Fish, Clown Fish, Flat Fish and Goat Fish. Some are easy to find with their big puppy dog eyes, while others are hidden or camouflaged. There are turtles crusing along and eels that peer out from the coral reef. All around there is an incredible world just a mask, fin and snorkel away. ?And, for those not comfortable swimming, add a boogie board and float as you use your mask, snorkel and fins.

Clown Fish

In most cases, great snorkeling can be found walking distance from your hotel. Specifically, if you are staying on Kaanapali Beach, there are two incredible snorkel spots. One spot is in front of the Sheraton Maui. This spot is call Black Rock and is home to many different species of fish. The entry is easy and shallow. It gradually gets deeper to about 35 feet out at the tip of Black Rock.

The majority of snorkelers stay along the south side, where you may see some Trumpet Fish, Angel Fish and Turtles. When conditions are calm, you can continue to swim north where there are Hawaiian Sergeant Fish, Parrot Fish, turtles and eels. On the back side of Black Rock, there may be a light drift/current that is typically traveling north to south, parallel with the coast. This is usually gentle, however, during extreme tides, or high surf, it can get swift. To avoid any dangerous situations, always check with the dive or pool staff at one of the hotels. However, If you do find conditions favorable and continue around the back side of Black Rock, during the Fall you may get lucky and see a Spotted Ray cursing along!

Spotted Eagle Ray

Another snorkel spot along Kaanapali Beach is call Old Airport Beach or North Beach. This snorkel spot is in front of Kaanapali Villas and is on the north side of Black Rock. It is an easy twenty minute walk from The Whaler and the snorkeling is wonderful. The entry is easy, but keep in mind right after you enter the ocean it drops off to about 5-10 feet. Once you have your snorkel gear in place, get ready to see Turtles, Clown Fish and a variety of Sergeant Fish and Tangs.

View From Castaway Cafe

Food Tip. Just in front of the snorkel spot is a beach side restaurant called Castaway Cafe. It has a great view of the ocean and tasty food. For Breakfast, I use to get either the pancakes, omelet, or a local moco, and at lunch they made a great burger. The beach showers are very accessible and the beach will have plenty of room for you to lay-out your towel between snorkel sessions.

Top Pick For Maui Restaurants

Hang Loose and enjoy some French Cuisean.

Chez Paul in Olowalu

?Chez Paul is a quaint french style restaurant located in Olowalu, just four miles south of Lahaina. The atmosphere is quite and you will need to call for seating. If you are in the mood for some Pacific Salmon or Roasted Duck this would be the spot! Prices for the entries range from $30.00-$38.00 and the increadible food is as good as the service!

Chez Paul does offers a full menu. Everything from appetizer, salads, entries to dessert. If you are a creme brulee fan you will want to save room for the vanilla creme brulee that is served in a Maui pineapple shell (yummy).

Creme Brulee

In the wine department, Chez Paul's wine selection is very extensive and will be a great complement to your special night out.

The drive to Chez Paul is easy, and takes about twenty minutes. The nice thing is the restaurant is before the Pali, so the road is straight. The restaurant is located next to the Olowalu General Store beneath a bunch of large trees. The speed limit is reduced in this area so you see the speed limit go from 55 to 35 and you are passing the general store get ready to eat! If you are traveling south from Lahaina and find yourself starting to drive into the mountain pass, you have gone too far.

Chez Paul Staff