Kaanapali Beach Snorkeling
Ka’anapali Beach, routinely rated as among the best beaches in Hawaii by reputed travel magazines, is an impeccable Maui beach with soft, finely powdered white sands, intense blue, warm waters and tons of activities to keep a family busy all day.
Kaanapali Beach has also one of the best spots for snorkeling on Maui: Black Rock, a large lava rock outcropping jutting into the ocean, teeming with beautiful tropical fish and excellent underwater visibility to view them.
Kaanapali Beach snorkeling is ideal for families with kids. I’ve seen snorkelers of different ages and abilities in these waters, greatly excited at the amazing fish they see.
Best Snorkeling Spots on Kaanapali Beach
Ka’anapali Beach now stretches close to 3 miles and consists of a bustling south end and a relatively newer, much less crowded north end.
Towards the center of this extended Ka’anapali Beach is Black Rock, a huge lava-rock outcropping that extends deep into the ocean, separating the two beach sections.
The best snorkeling spot in all of Ka’anapali Beach is near Black Rock, where you’ll find tons of tropical fish darting around the rocky bottom, seemingly playing hide and seek with the snorkelers.
The rest of Ka’anapali Beach has a sandy ocean floor with fish so widely distributed that snorkeling most other places is not fruitful.
If you want to snorkel at Ka’anapali Beach head to the Black Rock area where the fish are densely packed!
Black Rock part of Kaanapali Beach caters to different levels of snorkelers.
The area along the rocks next to the shore varies in depth to about 6-8 feet., perfect for beginners and weaker swimmers.
With so much fish to see even in the shallows, you needn’t venture further than your comfort level.
Stronger swimmers can work their way along the rock walls where depths reach to 20-30 feet, but don’t go too close to the tip since rip currents are common in that area.
Kaanapali Beach Snorkeling Tours
One drawback I’ve noticed with snorkeling at Black Rock is that it does tend to get crowded, especially on weekends.
If you’re really keen on a great snorkeling experience, I recommend you splurge on a snorkeling tour, like this popular, 5-star rated West Maui Snorkeling Experience by Boat from Ka’anapali that stops at two great West Maui snorkeling locations.
We took the above tour and had an amazing time snorkeling! Our party had two non-swimmers who could partake in the fun with flotation devices, so check with tour if that’s your concern.
Not only are you taken to offshore locations where even the best swimmers can’t reach from the shore, these destinations are excellent if you want to see bigger tropical fish, spinner dolphins, Hawaiian green sea turtles, and humpback whales (in winter).
>> Check pricing and availability on the West Maui Snorkeling Experience by Boat from Ka’anapali tour now!
What Tropical Fish will You See?
Snorkeling at Black Rock, and nearer to the shores, you’ll see schools of colorful reef fish.
Yellow tangs and convict tangs are plentiful, and easy to recognize. You may see rarer kinds of tangs like Achilles tang, very pretty!
Butterflyfish are also quite common and stunning. We’ve spotted raccoon butterflyfish, ornate butterflyfish and teardrop butterflyfish, among others.
Moorish idols, wrasses, triggerfish, goatfish, parrotfish, and more are typically scattered in the schools or may form their own school.
As you follow the underwater ledge deeper, you’ll see bigger fish and other marine life like Hawaiian green sea turtles and eels.
On snorkeling tours, we’ve seen moray eels, octopuses, and spinner dolphins.
Snorkeling Gear
For the fun and excitement it generates, snorkeling is a relatively inexpensive water activity.
At the most basic, you need a close-fitting mask, breathing tube and mouthpiece and fins.
We usually buy our own basic snorkeling gear and love this light, travel-easy set from Cressi.
Flotation devices (vests, belts, etc.) are highly recommended.
We like the reefsafe sunscreen from Sun Bum, which includes Vitamin E moisturizer.
You may want to consider a rash guard suit if you are prone to sunburns.
Rentals are conveniently located all along the shore, and you can reserve online and pick them up as well.
Want to capture memories of the family snorkeling or the beautiful tropical fish? Fujifilm QuickSnap Waterproof Disposable Camera is a reasonably cheap option with good quality underwater photos!
For nature enthusiasts, the premium GoPro HERO12 – Waterproof Action Camera, (waterproof to 33 feet) is excellent.
Tips for Ka’anapali Beach Snorkelers
Ka’anapali Beach has lifeguards on duty, and consult with them if the waters look rough. Your visibility will be limited in this case anyway!
The main advice for those seeking to snorkel at Kaanapali Beach is to be at a spot where you are comfortable, don’t venture too far from the shore if you’re a beginner.
With so much beautiful fish to see even near the shore, you really don’t need to take any undue risks.
Even experienced swimmers should not go all the way to the tip, you’re likely to encounter treacherous rip currents there.
Use a buddy system by partnering with someone, so each can keep an eye on the other.
If you do encounter Hawaiian green sea turtles, please keep your distance (at least 10 feet per NOAA).