I wrote yesterday about the snorkeling boat trip we took , but one needs not to pay for a boat ride to have a great snorkeling experience on Maui. In fact, we hardly ever take any snorkeling boat trips, and we snorkel very often and see a lot of fish, and turtles too.
One of our favorite snorkeling spots on Maui is Black Rock in West Maui,at the far end of Kaanapali Beach, in front of the Sheraton. It is called Black Rock, because of a big black rock(duh) that divides the beach. The rock is encrusted with beautiful coral, and a large variety of fish and sea turtles like to hang around the rock,making it an excellent spot for snorkeling.
One of the things I like about Black Rock is the easy access to the water. Many of the great snorkeling spots around here have rocky entrances,which makes it a little challenging getting into the water. Black Rock is a nice sandy beach, where you can just hit the water swimming.The visibility is also great. Every time we snorkeled there, we saw many beautiful and colorful fish, and some sea turtles. It is always exciting to spot a sea turtle after seeing all the fish around, I always feel like I hit a jackpot.
One of the bad things about snorkeling there, and that only applies to people driving to the beach rather than staying in Kaanaplai, is parking. The beach parking lot is so small and always full. What we have done before is parked at the parking lot for the Whalers Village in Kaanapali. There are many signs that say no beach parking, but we normally eat there and get validated that way. Plus, there are always many empty spots, and you do pay if you go over the three hour limit validated time period.So, I don't feel like I am hurting anyone.
There are few restaurants in Kaanapali, we like the Hula Grill, it serves great food with locally grown ingredients. Bill loves their fish tacos, and their salads are delicious. The Hula Grill has a nice beach atmosphere and a great place for a meal with view.
Another great way to spend a day in paradise if you ask me!
Comments (10)
Candi, is Black Rock just a short walk from Whalers? I have not tried Black Rock snorkling even when I have stayed in Kaanapali. My loss...
Have fun in Asia. I will be in Oahu for a few days, leaving tomorrow to join my kids and grandbabies.
Posted by Eden | May 14, 2009 2:19 AM
Posted on May 14, 2009 02:19
I would think I hit the jackpot too if I saw a sea turtle!
I saw a barracuda when I was snorkeling in Jamaica many years ago and it was freaky (but it was very far away, thank goodness).
Great photos. Love the Hula Grill sign!
Posted by Annie | May 14, 2009 9:21 AM
Posted on May 14, 2009 09:21
Eden, black rock is not far at all from Whalers Village, couple minutes walk(on the beach of course), it is right in front of the Sheraton, but really, from anywhere in Kannapali beach, the rock is very visible. For best snorkeling, get closer to the rock.
Oh have a great time on Oahu. We will spend Saturday there, before flying to Thailand.
Annie, I would be scared too if I saw a barracuda while snorkeling. The one thing I would love to see and have not yet is an octopus. Although, I should say, I'd like to see it from afar:)
Posted by candi | May 14, 2009 1:05 PM
Posted on May 14, 2009 13:05
As always, beautiful scenery! Thanks, Candi, for sharing.
Posted by nancyhol | May 14, 2009 2:26 PM
Posted on May 14, 2009 14:26
Oh that sounds so wonderful and heavenly!! I will snorkel vicariously this morning as I sit looking out the window at more grey skies and drizzle - grr!
Posted by Anne | May 15, 2009 5:41 AM
Posted on May 15, 2009 05:41
Hi Candi, sounds like a wonderful spot for snorkling. I had not heard of Black Rock before. The food and atmosphere at the Hula Grill (I also like their sign) sounds wonderful!
Thanks so much for sharing such a great local find for snorkling on Maui.
Safe travels and have a wonderful time on your trip! I can't wait to hear all about when you return!
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | May 15, 2009 5:56 AM
Posted on May 15, 2009 05:56
An octopus would be very cool to see. From afar for sure!
Posted by Annie | May 15, 2009 6:22 AM
Posted on May 15, 2009 06:22
Great tip to eat there so you can park there. Sounds like a fun place to go snorkeling. Have you seen the turtles on shore or just in the water?
Posted by girasoli | May 17, 2009 5:37 PM
Posted on May 17, 2009 17:37
Candi reading your blogs always makes me homesick for the islands. I remember fondly Kaanapali beach. We normally stay further south near Wailua but I love the Kaanapali area and it was so much fun to see Hula Grill. Love that place, especially at Sunset. Oooh I wanna be there. Have fun on your trip.
Posted by Barb Cabot | May 18, 2009 12:43 PM
Posted on May 18, 2009 12:43
Another item to add to my list. Definitely want to do some snorkeling while we're there.
Posted by Kim | June 2, 2009 8:51 AM
Posted on June 2, 2009 08:51