Snorkeling at Beautiful Olowalu Beach on Maui

I think my favorite place for snorkeling on Maui is Olowalu Beach. It’s wonderfully shallow and full of wildlife, perfect for exploring the water with kids. Olowalu Beach is in an interesting spot located by the ruins of an old sugar mill, and as such doesn’t get a ton of snorkeler traffic. Yes, there are plenty of people that like to visit this beautiful spot and check it out, but in general it stays pretty calm. Like the water that rolls in: calm.

As you’re planning your time on Maui, see if you can add Olowalu Beach snorkeling to your plans. It’s very near Maalaea, where the Maui Ocean Center is and where the Pacific Whale Foundation whale watching trips go from, so there’s a good chance you’ll be in the area at some point during your trip. If you have any questions about Olowalu Beach or planning your time on Maui, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you have a wonderful aloha trip.

Why Choose Olowalu Beach for Snorkeling

What makes Olowalu Beach stand out is not the beach itself, as there are much nicer beaches to relax at an enjoy, but it’s the snorkeling. Many of the popular snorkeling spots in Hawaii require being able to navigate flucuating water quite well, particularly on the Big Island or on Maui’s north shore, but Olowalu Beach is perfectly place and protected by a jetty, so it’s one of the most calm places to snorkel.

Something else that makes this a unique place to snorkel is the ground underwater. Because it’s primarily light colored coral and non-black rocks it’s a very bright place to snorkel. It’s not very deep so you’re able to confidently cover a lot of ground when you’re swimming.

Note: because it’s so shallow, it’s tempting to stand when the opportunity presents itself. There are spots where this may work out, but NEVER stand on coral and be very cautious of rocks, both due to their sharpness and the potential life living on the rocks.

The other thing that was so amazing about snorkeling at Olowalu is actually the audible whale songs. If you’re visiting Maui during whale season (November to March) pay attention when you’re under water, in particular in the Maui Nui area. Humpback whales LOVE hanging out in this bay or sound (ancient Maui Nui) between Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kaho’olawe and there are times that you hear them all around you. You may even see whales if you’re snorkeling in the deeper part just off Olowalu Beach.

Tips for Great Snorkeling at Olowalu Beach

The beach here is very rocky, covered in coral and it’s not a place to relax. There is a nice jetty that extends next to the kayak launch, and that is a great spot to set up your beach chairs and relax while everyone takes turns snorkeling. Last time we were snorkeling at Olowalu Beach all four of us were in the water the whole time and nobody was relaxing because there was so much life to see!

For the best snorkeling at Olowalu Beach, enter at the ramp and swim straight out just beyond the jetty and then swim to the left/east. This will get you to slightly deeper water and you’re likely to come across some beautiful wildlife. The water also is typically the most clear out here and it’s very easy to deal with the currents. Always pay attention to your surroundings and do NOT swim further than you know you can return from. It’s very easy to drift with the current while you’re snorkeling at Olowalu Beach and you may all of the sudden realize that you’re a half mile from where you started. Be safe.

Wildlife at Olowalu – Monk Seals and Turtles

Wildlife to Watch for at Olowalu Beach: In general, the wildlife all around Maui and all of the Hawaiian Islands can vary with each visit, but due to the sheltered, calm nature of Olowalu Beach, there are some larger creatures to be mindful of here. Both honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) and Hawaiian monk seals frequent Olowalu and neither should be approached in the water or on land.

Monk seals can be aggressive, but if one is just swimming by, calmly observe and then move on, away from the seal. If a honu shows up, make sure it sees you, and then just hang out. Do not chase it. We’ve had honu just hang out with us here, which is cool, but even though they seem curious and friendly, they can bite and easily take off a finger, so steer clear.

Gear for an Olowalu Beach Trip

There is very little shade at Olowalu Beach, so be prepared with an umbrella that attaches to your chair and a broad brimmed hat. There is literally no shade here; at the jetty there are two palm trees and then some shad at the edge of the beach area. Besides your own shade, bring your beach towels, flipper and snorkel masks. Don’t forget a good waterproof phone case or underwater camera, as you’ll want to take lots of pictures when the snorkeling really starts poppin’.

Something else you CANNOT FORGET is your reef-safe sunscreen. This is very important to use everywhere in Hawaii. Please see our article about reef-safe sunblock, why it’s important and what to watch out for. Maui has actual laws about what can be sold here in terms of sunblock, so be sure that if you brought your sunscreen products from another island that they meet the legal requirements for Maui.

Parking at Olowalu Beach

Olowalu Beach is a public park located just west of Maalaea on the way to Lahaina. If you’ve been whale watching with PacWhale Foundation, you should plan to come to Olowalu for snorkeling after your trip! If you just put “Olowalu” into your map program to get there, you may end up at Camp Olowalu, which is a private campground and recreation facility. For parking here, input “Olowalu Beach Public Parking” and this will get you to the parking area at the start of the historic sugar mill ruins. From here you walk past the ruins and you’re at Olowalu Beach ready to snorkel.

Tip: there are showers here at the beach so you can rinse off before getting back in your car to go to your next activity.