Maui Snorkeling Guide
'Ahihi Cove
This wonderful Maui snorkeling spot is called 'Ahihi Cove, which is in 'Ahihi Bay, which is part of 'Ahihi-Kina'u Natural Area Reserve.
This is an excellent snorkeling spot when the water is calm.
There is a big parking lot here, and some porta-potties, but there is no beach.
'Ahihi Cove is really the only place within the large Natural Reserve that you can access easily. Farther south people used to park and hike out to the Fishbowl (Mokuha), but that parking lot has been closed. And in fact besides 'Ahihi Cove, the rest of the Ahihi Kina'u Natural Reserve has been closed since 2008, and may be closed through 2012.
You can still access part of the Reserve from La Perouse Bay, but it is also a small hike.
In the picture below you can see how close Molokini is from here.
Site Snorkeling Details - 'Ahihi Cove
Maui Snorkeling
The access into the water at 'Ahihi Cove is over some rocks, although there is a tiny strip of sand on the left hand side that people like to use, but you can get in pretty much anywhere. The cove is pretty protected, except when the wind is up and the waves enter from the southwest.
There are tons of fish here, and some nice coral formations. Along the right hand side you will commonly find a turtle family to watch.
The sea bottom varies a lot from the left to the right hand side, and there are lots of little caves, trenches and other areas to explore.
It can be kind of cloudy water here at times. But if you swim out farther, it tends to clear up.
Driving Directions - 'Ahihi Cove
Maui Snorkeling
Driving Directions to 'Ahihi Cove from Kihei
Head south on S Kihei Rd. Towards the end of the road, there is an intersection where you can veer left onto Okolani Dr, do this and go to the intersection with Wailea Alanui Dr and turn right. Follow this through the big intersection with Wailea Iki Dr near The Shops at Wailea. Keep driving through the intersection with Kaukahi St, the road you are on is now called Makena Alanui Rd. You will pass Makena Rd three times on your right. You will pass Makena State Park on your right and the road will come down to the water again. Just as you enter the lava field, there is a rocky parking lot on the right. Park here and walk the trail to the water.
Explore the next location - La Pe'rouse Bay
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