Snorkeling at Maui's La Perouse Bay

For those of you who want a great snorkeling experience for you or your kids, La Perouse Bay is one of the best spots on the island. This spot is located in the 'Ahihi Kina'u Natural Area Reserve, and as such, is protected by state law. You will need to drive past Makena to reach it. Check Google Maps or Mapquest for the exact location. The location is a bit remote and there are no facilities out there, but if the weather is good, the sights can be astounding.

La Perouse Bay boasts a myriad of brilliant corals and fish species. You will often spot turtles, sometimes dolphins and just maybe the occasional elusive eel. Unlike many other reefs on Maui, the coral does not touch the water's surface in many places, so it feels less like a maze and more like you are soaring above beautiful seascapes below. This is really nice for those who tend to feel claustrophobic and disoriented in the shallower reef areas. There is plenty of space in La Perouse.

The shore is narrow and rocky and there is very little sand. It's not the place for sunbathing. The Bay is nestled into the lava flow and you can find some good hiking trails inland through the black and red lava rock.

Tip: Conditions are always best the earlier you can make it out to the water and that's a general rule for pretty much all beaches on Maui. In the early mornings, the winds are usually lower, the water is flatter, and visibility in the water is higher. Also, keep in mind that it is illegal to harass or remove marine life, coral, shells etc.

If you have not yet secured your vacation rental accommodations for your trip to Maui, have a look at our vacation rental specials. Call (800) 676-4112 if you have any questions that are not answered on our website. We hope to see you soon. Mahalo for reading this week!