Located in Maui, the snorkeling in Lahaina offers a half-dozen good snorkel dive spots. The best Lahaina snorkeling based on popularity are considered to be Kaanapali Black Rock, Wahikuli State Park, Olowalu Reef, Papalaua Wayside Park, and Kahekili Beach Park. For a detailed dive site description and printable snorkel dive map, just select a Lahaina snorkeling dive below.
Southeast of Lahaina and west of Maalaea of Maui, the snorkeling at Papalaua State Wayside Park is known for its coral gardens on the eastern end. The Papalaua Wayside Park snorkeling is best early in the morning before the winds kick up. Snorkelers are treated to a bountiful display of butterfly fish and humuhumunukunukuapua'a (Hawaiian state fish aka rectangular triggerfish) along the shallow coral.
North of Lahaina on Maui, the snorkeling at Kahekili Beach Park (aka Old Airport Beach) is popular with families due to its usually calm waters and numerous reefs. The best Kahekili Beach Park snorkeling is straight out from the pavillion where there is good coral and diverse marine life. You may encounter butterflyfish, humuhumunukunukuapua'a (Hawaiian state fish aka rectangular triggerfish), octopus and turtles.