WATER ACTIVITIES

Snorkeling is a fun and inexpensive adventure! You can rent equipment by the week at dive shops everywhere, including Maui Dive Shop (see below), with locations in Kihei and Wailea. If this activity is new to you, you can familiarize yourself at Keawakapu Beach in front of Wailea Ekahi. The rocky point in front of the complex has great local snorkeling. A very nice trip for beginners and experienced snorkelers/divers is just offshore to Molokini Crater, while the rugged South Maui coast also offers great snorkeling (Blue Water Rafting and Seafire Snorkeling Adventures are two local operators). The boat crews are very good at putting you at ease with the experience, plus you can whale watch, sail and sunbathe, too. Other snorkeling areas are on maps you can get from the dive shops. Below are three spots that are close by.

​Ulua – If you want good snorkeling near the shore, try Ulua (between the Andaz and Marriott Wailea). The rocky point to the south of the Andaz between Mokapu & Ulua Beaches has some of the best local snorkeling, but the north end is good, too.

Ahihi – A favorite spot is Ahihi, located south of Wailea, past Makena, just as the lava fields start. Ahihi is fairly easy to access and lies adjacent to the road; it's used by scuba diving groups. There's a cove along the way that many mistake for Ahihi (Kanahena Cove). Keep driving past this cove, up the hill and just past the end of the stone wall (homes on the right) – you’ll see a dirt parking lot with signs – that’s what you're looking for. There's a path at the ocean that takes you to the left and is easy to follow. You'll need to wear shoes as the path to the water is lava rock. When you get to the cove and beach, keep going – the far side has easier access to the water. Turtles are often seen here, but it can be crowded.

​La Perouse Bay – This area is located only about 15 minutes south of Wailea Ekahi and is considered one of the best snorkeling areas on the island; it’s just past Ahihi near the stables, well into the lava field at the very end of the road. There will be signs at the parking lot.

Follow the link for a map of some additional suggested snorkeling sites.

Snorkeling gear rentals, dive lessons and much more. Visit their website to see all that they offer.

Surfing lessons and exclusive outrigger canoeing and standup paddleboarding tours.

Surfing lessons. Super instructors – very patient and helpful.

Surfboard, kayak and standup paddleboard lessons & rentals. To walk there from Wailea Ekahi, go out the main pool gate to Keawakapu Beach, turn right and go to the end of the beach to the tall building, the Mana Kai Maui Resort, which is next to Surf Shack. If you rent a kayak or paddleboard and paddle towards Kihei about ½ hour (near the boat launch), you're likely to see some turtles.

Surfboard, windsurfer and standup paddleboard rentals. Extensive selection of rental gear.

Surfboard, windsurfer and standup paddleboard rentals. Smaller Kihei location.

Offers sightseeing and snorkeling tours to the volcanic Kanaio Coast as well as to Molokini Crater. The guides are great and there’s potential for whale and dolphin sightings! The ride can get bumpy on the open ocean, but it’s a great experience. They also offer whale watching and private tours. Tours leave from the Kihei boat ramp, just north of Wailea Ekahi.

Offers sightseeing and snorkeling tours to Molokini Crater and the volcanic coast along South Maui. They also offer whale watching and private tours. Tours leave from the Kihei boat ramp, just north of Wailea Ekahi.

Whales are in the area from December through early April. There’s often lots of activity just offshore and great viewing down at the Wailea Ekahi oceanfront (watch for spouts). Pacific Whale Foundation offers great tours departing from Maalaea Harbor or Lahaina.

Whale watching and dolphin adventures departing from Lahaina Harbor. Whale season is December through early April.

Submarine adventures departing from Lahaina.