Best Napili Bay Snorkeling

North of Lahaina, the snorkeling at Napili Bay is popular with beginners for its protected waters. Even though it may be popular, the bay is well known for its surging waves on the beach. Luckily, the regular green sea turtles don't mind so you'll probably see a couple on each snorkel dive.

The best snorkeling in Napili Bay is along the northern shoreline heading out west as far as you feel comfortable. Ideally, you want to snorkel here if the is very little wind or surf for a few days so that the sand churn can calm down. There is normally variable water clarity with about 15-30 foot visibility at best.

There is average snorkeling amongst the reefs in the center of the bay away from shore. Although the water clarity tends to worsen along the lefthand southern shoreline, the green sea turtles tend to feed on the rocks and reefs on that side of Napili Bay. When snorkeling in Napili Bay, you may encounter green sea turtles, he'e mauli octopus, yellow trumpetfish, =rectangular triggerfish, parrotfish and Christmas wrasse. If snorkeling here in the Spring, listen closely and you may hear whale sounds from far offshore.

Pros
• Numerous sea turtles
• Plenty of reef fish.

Cons
• Prone to surges.
• Sandy beach results in lower visibility.

To reach the snorkeling at Napili Bay from the Napili Plaza on SR30, turn on Napilihau Street toward the water. Turn right on Honoapiilani Road for about one mile. Park on the street near the Mauian Inn or across from Napili Kai Resort or in the Kapula beach access parking area. There are three nearby beach access paths.

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, Napili Bay is the 3rd most popular snorkel dive spot of all 22 snorkeling dives in Maui. Several of the better snorkeling spots are nearby Napili Bay including Honolua Bay, Honokeana Bay, Kapalua Bay and Mokuleia Bay.