Best Papalaua Wayside Park Snorkeling

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. Snorkelers are treated to a bountiful display of butterfly fish and rectangular triggerfish along the shallow coral. But, you have to be willing to swim for it since the water is murky near shore but clears further off. The best Papalaua Wayside Park snorkeling is normally found during the months of May through September and early in the morning before the winds kick up.

Pros
• Healthy coral formations.
• Plentiful reef fish.

Cons
• Limited roadside parking.
• Long swim out to best reefs.

The wayside park is located east of Lahina on Honopiilani Highway about 0.5 miles west of the tunnel. There is room for a couple cars along the small sliver of a sandy beach.

To reach the snorkeling on Maui by air, you will need to fly into Kahului Airport (OGG) which is located in the middle of the north coast of Maui. It is served by direct flights from the mainland US and also by inter-island flights from several other Hawaiian Islands by regional carriers. When planning a trip to the Hawaiian islands, be aware that the State Of Hawaii has banned all sunscreens that oxybenzone, which has been proven to kill coral reefs.

Overall, Papalaua Wayside Park is the 15th most popular snorkel dive spot of all 22 snorkeling dives in Maui. Several of the better snorkeling spots are nearby Papalaua Wayside Park including Olowalu Reef, Wahikuli State Park, Mala Wharf Pier, Kaanapali Black Rock and Kahekili Beach Park.