If you’re heading to Maui and want easy access to the island’s best snorkeling beaches, this guide is your cheat sheet. From turtle-filled bays to colorful coral reefs, these snorkel spots showcase the best of Maui’s underwater world — and every one of them is close to a Hyatt hotel bookable with points. By using Chase Ultimate Rewards® transferred to World of Hyatt, you can make your Maui vacation both affordable and unforgettable, saving thousands while enjoying world-class snorkeling and oceanfront stays.

Honolua Bay (Lahaina/Kapalua)

What to Know: A protected marine sanctuary with reefs on both sides and frequent turtle sightings. Best for confident snorkelers (rocky entry).

Tip: Check conditions from the Honolua Bay Lookout before heading down the trail — it can change quickly depending on swell and wind.

Where to Stay: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa (Category 7 — 25K–35K points/night)
Enjoy stunning ocean views and easy access to Lahaina and Kapalua. Perfect for families who want resort amenities and nearby adventure.

Slaughterhouse Beach (Mokuleia Bay)

What to Know: Gorgeous, undeveloped bay with great visibility and a sandy entry for confident swimmers.

Family Tip: This beach is calmest in summer; winter waves can be strong.

DT Fleming Beach

What to Know: Lifeguard-supervised, wide sandy beach great for families. You’ll often spot whales in winter and find plenty of picnic shade.

Kapalua Bay

What to Know: Calm mornings, easy sandy entry, and colorful reef life — this is one of Maui’s best spots for beginner snorkelers and families with kids.

Napili Bay

What to Know: Gentle waves and clear water make this a family favorite. You might see turtles just offshore at sunrise or sunset.

Kahekili (Airport Beach)

What to Know: Easy walk-in entry and a thriving reef filled with tangs and triggerfish. Great for families wanting to snorkel without crowds.

Kaanapali Beach – Black Rock

What to Know: Maui’s most iconic snorkel and cliff-jump spot! You might see turtles, rays, and even hear whale song during winter.

Wahikuli Wayside & Canoe Beach

What to Know: These picnic-friendly beaches near Lahaina are great for spotting turtles close to shore.

Baby Beach (Lahaina)

What to Know: Calm, shallow, and protected — this is ideal for toddlers or new snorkelers who want to see fish in gentle waters.

Olowalu Reef (Mile Marker 14)

What to Know: One of Hawaii’s oldest coral reefs, spanning over 450 acres! Expect calm waters and a wide variety of sea life — turtles, rays, eels, and more.

Tip: Enter through sandy channels (look for turquoise patches) to avoid stepping on coral.

South Maui Snorkeling Highlights (Kihei & Wailea)

If you’re staying in South Maui, you’re in luck — these beaches are calm in the morning and close to resorts and breakfast spots.

Charley Young Beach – calm, easy entry, frequent turtle sightings

Kamaole I, II & III – lifeguards, family-friendly, frequent turtle visits

Keawakapu Beach – excellent reef and clear water

Ulua & Mokapu Beaches – right in front of the Andaz Maui, great for beginners

Wailea Beach – calm mornings and soft sand

Stay Nearby: Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort (Category 8 — 35K–45K points/night)
A luxury oceanfront resort bookable with My Favorite Bank points. Steps from Ulua and Mokapu, and walking distance to Wailea Beach.

Points Pro Tip

If Andaz Maui feels out of reach, try splitting your trip: 3 nights at Hyatt Regency Maui (Kaanapali) + 2 nights at Andaz Wailea for a north/south island combo.

You’ll experience two completely different snorkel zones — both bookable with points.

Final Tips for Family Snorkeling in Maui

Go early for calm water and better visibility.

Never touch coral or turtles (it’s illegal and harms the reef).

Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, and rash guards.

Rent gear from Snorkel Bob’s or Boss Frog’s — both offer kid-sized equipment. Or be like us and back your own snorkel gear and save a ton of money on each trip.

Whether you’re spotting turtles at Kapalua or starting your day at Ulua Beach, Maui offers unforgettable underwater moments for every age.

By using Chase Ultimate Rewards® points to book Hyatt stays, you can turn dream destinations like Maui into affordable luxury vacations. Redeeming points for the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa or other Hyatt properties across Hawaii can save you thousands of dollars—leaving more room in your budget for unforgettable snorkeling adventures and island experiences. Ready to learn how? Check out my full guide on how to stay at Hyatt hotels on points for step-by-step tips on maximizing your rewards.