Best Napili Bay Snorkeling

North of Lahaina on Maui, the snorkeling at Napili Bay is popular with beginners for its protected calm waters.

There are three public access paths leading to the beach at Napili Bay. The best snorkeling in Napili Bay is along the northern shoreline heading out west as far as you feel comfortable. 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, yellow trumpetfish, humuhumunukunukuapua'a (Hawaiian state fish aka rectangular triggerfish), parrotfish and Christmas wrasse.

To reach the snorkeling at Kapalua 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. 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, Mokuleia Bay, Honokeana Bay and Kapalua Bay.