Nestled in the northwest section of Maui is Kapalua. It is the pride of West Maui in terms of stunning landscapes and the natural environment. Kapalua’s paradise-like setting comprises mountains, beaches, hiking trails, world-class golf resorts, and fine dining restaurants, making it one of the popular tourist destinations. It is a popular destination among tourists and island visitors because of its paradise-like settings that offer a magical view of sunset and nature at its best.
Kapalua is the perfect location if you want to experience the island’s culture, lifestyle, and charms. As for living accommodations, Kapalua has stunning homes for sale and luxury condos for sale if you are planning to stay for good. Whatever purpose you have, finding an exciting activity while in Kapalua is a great way to taste what this place has to offer. It is no wonder that when it is time to bid adieu, people wish to stay longer in this dreamy place.
Snorkeling Kapalua Bay
If you love exploring the deep blue sea, snorkeling is a great water activity when in Kapalua. The perfect place to do it is in Kapalua Bay. This seawater body has a lovely sandy beach and is sheltered by two coral reefs on both sides. Both reefs are home to abundant marine resources like moray eels, peacock groupers, Moorish idols, yellow tang, and butterflyfish. Snorkelers can see octopus, manta rays, tropical fish, or green sea turtles in rare cases.
The C-shaped cove of the area makes it an idyllic place for snorkeling. Exactly 20 yards from the beach is the snorkeling spot. It is an ideal starting point for beginners and kids interested in this water activity. For enthusiasts and professional divers, Kapalua Bay is a haven. It is generally calm, especially during the morning when the wind is gentle. The water starts at only 2 feet deep and has good visibility.
How to snorkel in Kapalua Bay
The easiest way to access the bay for your West Maui snorkel is from the shore. Just walk through the jungle at the bay point to reach the snorkeling spot. Another way is to rent a boat that can take you right to the best and safest spot.
Where to snorkel in Kapalua Bay
You can snorkel anywhere in this 200-meter wide bay, but it is recommended to simply head on to the right or left side where the rocky points are situated. The center part of the bay is quite sandy, making the water cloudy, especially when the wind blows hard. Go to Kapalua Bay’s north end, where there is less sand and better visibility. To get up close to the reefs, swim deep up to 10 feet. You will also notice that as you swim further, the water gets clearer.
Snorkeling the right side of Kapalua Bay
The healthiest corals are on the right side of Kapalua Bay. This is where the variety of fish stays the most. However, the rocky underwater environment can be tricky. You can walk barefoot to the section where you want to snorkel but beware of the occasional large, smooth rock in the sand. Use the old boat ramp to get into the water on this side. The shoreline’s bottom has rocks that can be slippery, so keep floating to avoid danger. Swim alongside the rocky point and push out to view the beautiful underwater world.
The terrain can be boring at first, but the beautiful and healthy corals become more visible as you swim farther. Enjoy the sights but do not swim beyond the depth of 20 feet, which is approximately 900 feet from Kapalua beach. It is the spot where extreme currents occur. The underwater can look wavy in some areas because the freshwater enters and mixes with the saltwater.
When you are heading back to Kapalua beach, check out the spot that runs parallel, which is primarily rocks, because there are schools of fish hanging out there. You can swim via the other part of the bay and see other lovely water creatures within 3 to 5 feet of water.
The left side of Kapalua Bay
Snorkeling Kapalua Bay on the left side is the safer option but with fewer corals which means lesser fish and marine life to see. Also, this part has poor visibility due to the exposure to the wave direction and wind. When you are on the right side, do not swim past the 20 feet depth to avoid rough currents and potential danger.
When is the best time to snorkel in Kapalua Bay?
In general, snorkeling anywhere in the world, including Maui’s Kapalua Bay, is best done between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. The sun’s angle above the earth’s surface gives more light to penetrate the water. It helps you see the colorful fish and reefs underwater. However, it is essential to know the good time to snorkel when you are in West Maui because the clouds there tend to form densely at the peak of the mountains. The early hours of the day hide the sun behind the hills, casting shadows over the shores and darkening the snorkeling spot.
Accommodation in Kapalua
West Maui is a picturesque place to spend your well-deserved vacation. It is a tourist mecca that offers a lot of sea and land adventures. There are lovely places to stay while in Kapalua and be near the tourist sites you want to explore during the day or night. Kapalua vacation rental homes include spacious villas, vacation condominiums, and luxurious hotel units. Whether you are on a solo journey or sharing the fun with family or close friends, consider booking in advance your accommodation to ensure a hassle-free trip.
Are you ready to tick off Kapalua Bay snorkeling in West Maui from your 2022 wish list? And perhaps check some real estate properties to invest your money and enjoy a year-round snorkeling activity? Get in touch with the trusted real estate agent now and call (808) 870-7060 or 870-7062. You can also send an inquiry to get more details to [email protected].
Have fun with your family and friends on your next vacation. Choose snorkeling as the next activity on your bucket list.
