Best Honokeana Bay Snorkeling

North of Lahaina and south of Napili Bay, the snorkeling Honokeana Bay is popular with beginners for its protected calm waters. Honokeana Bay is kind of a hidden bay with a rocky shore. When snorkeling at Honokeana Bay, you may encounter plenty of green turtles, rectangular triggerfish and wrasse. The best Honokeana Bay snorkeling is along the north edge of the cove and can normally be found during the months of May through September.

There is no designated parking for Honokeana Bay, so use the street side parking. There is a well-marked public access path along the north side of Honokeana Cove. It doesn't really lead to good water access since it is about 15 feet above the rocky waterline. If, and only if, the surf is very calm, there is a good water entrance far out on the north edge of the bay where you'll find a semi-protected, reverse U-shaped cove.

Keep an eye on the water before climbing down the rocks to enter the water. The Honokeana Bay is known for a pretty good wave surge. Don't let all those turtles surfacing suck you in before you're ready.

Pros
• High visibility and clear water.
• Many sea turtles.
• Protected cove.

Cons
• Known for surges.
• Limited roadside parking.
• Difficult water entrance.

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 0.5 miles to the Honokeana Cove condos. Park on the street. 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, Honokeana Bay is the 1st most popular snorkel dive spot of all 22 snorkeling dives in Maui. Several of the better snorkeling spots are nearby Honokeana Bay including Honolua Bay, Kapalua Bay, Mokuleia Bay and Napili Bay.