Level: Free shore access This spot have a free shore access: you can go snorkeling there freely and without having to book a tour or pay an entrance fee.
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Last updated on April 8, 2021
This small reserve, on the south-west coast of Maui, covers lava flows and surrounding sea beds. Fishing is forbidden, and the site is rich in fish. Its rich, colourful coral beds, visited by hundreds of tang swimming through the crystal-clear waters, make it one of the finest snorkeling spots in Maui.
From Kahului or Makena, head south until you reach route 31 in Kihei. From there, continue south for about 12 miles (20km). The spot is a few hundred yards after the entrance to the reserve (Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve), which is well signposted.
Park in the fenced car park which you will see on your right, and where some portacabins have been set up. Once parked, you can continue on foot along the small rocky path to the beach, about a hundred yards lower down. Feel free to combine your visit to this spot with a trip to Maluaka (Turtle Town), less than 2.5 miles (4km) away.
Once you reach the sea, you will find yourself facing a small bay with generally calm waters. You enter the water from a short promontory of black rocks that can be clearly seen from the beach. Only enter the water where the sign with a yellow fish is located. Sit down on the rocks and jump into the water, taking care not to hurt yourself. Make a mental note of this spot to make it easier to get out of the water later (often acrobatically).
Ahihi Kinau is a protected area. Do not wear any chemical based sunscreen. Only use zinc oxide or titanium oxide sunscreens, or better still, wear a rashguard shirt.
The snorkeling area extends for a width of 200 yards along the beach. As soon as you are in the water, you will find the water level is high (↕7-14ft/2-4m).
In all the snorkeling area, you will see impressive coral formations. Multi-colored coral (Acropora, etc.) cover the often abrupt volcanic rocks. Everywhere, sea urchins, including the spectacular red pencil urchin, have made a home in the crevices.
Swim across the area following one of the many shoals of yellow tang and Indo-Pacific sergeants slipping through the rocks. Among the most colourful species in this spot, you are likely to come across Hawaiian cleaner wrasse, several species of butterflyfish and bird wrasse, with their characteristic “beak”. You may see some green sea turtles, but to increase your chances, you should opt for Turtle Town, a stone’s throw away.
Although relatively isolated, this spot is very popular at certain times of the year. The volcanic rocks are very sharp, so avoid putting your hands or feet on them, and stay away from the rocks altogether if the sea is rough.
Ahihi Kinau is a natural site and has no restaurants. Take along at least some snacks and drinks.
Sea turtles are a very familiar sight on many snorkeling spots in Hawaii, including Ahihi Kinau. In order to be a responsible snorkeler, be sure to respect the following rules when observing them:
If you love snorkeling with sea turtle, Turtle Town is by far the best spot to encounter them in Maui.
These spots are accessible to anyone with basic snorkeling skills, and feeling comfortable in the water and with his snorkeling gear. You will enter the water from the shore (beach, pontoon, ladder, rocks) or from a boat. The water height in the sea entrance area is reasonable, but you will not necessarily be within your depth. Moderate currents can occur in the area, even when the sea conditions are good. The distance to swim to reach the most interesting snorkeling areas of the spot does not exceed 200 meters. This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.
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Snorkeling spots are part of a wild environment and their aspect can be significantly altered by weather, seasons, sea conditions, human impact and climate events (storms, hurricanes, seawater-warming episodes…). The consequences can be an alteration of the seabed (coral bleaching, coral destruction, and invasive seagrass), a poor underwater visibility, or a decrease of the sea life present in the area. Snorkeling Report makes every effort to ensure that all the information displayed on this website is accurate and up-to-date, but no guarantee is given that the underwater visibility and seabed aspect will be exactly as described on this page the day you will snorkel the spot. If you recently snorkeled this area and noticed some changes compared to the information contained on this page, please contact us.
The data contained in this website is for general information purposes only, and is not legal advice. It is intended to provide snorkelers with the information that will enable them to engage in safe and enjoyable snorkeling, and it is not meant as a substitute for swim level, physical condition, experience, or local knowledge. Remember that all marine activities, including snorkeling, are potentially dangerous, and that you enter the water at your own risk. You must take an individual weather, sea conditions and hazards assessment before entering the water. If snorkeling conditions are degraded, postpone your snorkeling or select an alternate site. Know and obey local laws and regulations, including regulated areas, protected species, wildlife interaction and dive flag laws.
