best snorkeling in Lahaina or near

[Majesty Fan]

Hubby and I are on the Rhapsody in Sept and love to snorkel. We do not do the tours we just want to do some nice snorkeling on our own. We will have a rental car for over night.

Lexi

[beachchick]

There is NO snorkeling in Lahaina. In fact, there is no truly good "beaching" beach in Lahaina.

 

Now that that's out of the way, here are a few threads that discuss snorkeling on Maui's west and south-west in detail:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=447789

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=448931&highlight=snorkel+maui

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=469649&highlight=snorkel+maui

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=420669&highlight=snorkel+maui

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=435736&highlight=snorkel+maui

 

This is a sampling of some discussions which are either about Maui snorkeling specifically or Hawaii snorkeling in general (with Maui information as well).

 

You're wise to rent a a car and go on your own.

 

Also, my PoH review on the NCL board has some information about snorkeling on Maui, including some of the south-west beach areas.

 

beachchick

[SweetEmi]

I booked a snorkeling excursion off the 'Net that leaves right there at the harbor in Lahaina and it goes to Lanai. Sounded pretty cool and fit the ship's schedule, etc.

 

Emi

[Poconolady]

If you have a car already arranged then it is very simple. Stop in Snorkel Bob's scuba shop in Lahaina and rent equipment for the day (if you don't have your own that you are bringing). They will give you a map of the best snorkel sights on Maui. One of the best is at Black Rock at the Sheraton Hotel in Kaanapali. You can park the car at the Sheraton and just proceed down to the beach, Black Rock will be off to your righthand side, believe me, you can't miss it.You just wade in and you are there! Very easy and convenient and of course the hotel has restrooms, eating facilities, etc that are open to the public. The pool area is striclty for hotel guests. The Sheraton is at the end of the Kaanapali beach walk, so you are only a short walk away from the shopping center, a multitude of great hotels and eating establishments. There will be a parking charge at the Sheraton, as there is everywhere in the Kaanapali area, even for hotel guests.

[sceneisle]

Try Kahekili Beach Park, off of Kai Ala drive; a few miles west of Lahaina (next to the new Westin timeshare resort). Nice long stretch of beach, with fairly good snorkeling. The park has restrooms and showers.