Snorkeling in Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve is a marvelous experience as this protected area has an incredibly diversified environment of pristine coral reefs, lava formations, and clear waters, in addition to an abundance of interesting marine life.
Located on the southern coast of Maui, the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve stands as a true gem for snorkeling and marine exploration enthusiasts. This protected reserve encompasses a remarkable stretch of coastline, offering visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the pristine beauty of the underwater world. With its stunning lava formations, crystal-clear waters, and an abundance of marine life, snorkeling in Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the best experiences in Hawaii. Whether you are a seasoned snorkeler or a curious beginner, this remarkable reserve invites you to embark on a captivating journey into a world brimming with vibrant coral reefs, colorful tropical fish, and the awe-inspiring wonders of Maui’s marine ecosystem.
Ahihi-Kinau Snorkeling Profile:
- Water Visibility: Good. Maui waters generally have good visibility, and the reserve has calm waters which make it for further clear viewing.
- Current Strength: Below Average. The Coves, the most popular areas for snorkeling in Ahihi-Kinau, are sheltered and largely protected from strong waves. In addition, the area’s gradual sloping of the seabed and the absence of significant drop-offs or underwater cliffs contribute to a more stable water environment.
- Coral Presence: Probably the best reef presence in all of Hawaii.
- Marine Life: Plenty of tropical fishes swimming around, including sergeants, parrotfish, butterflyfish, moray eels, with our favorite Hawaiian resident, green sea turtles, as well as reef sharks, here and there.
- Crowd: Decent crowd due to its proximity to the resort area in Wailea, but not crowded by any means.
Getting There:
Closest Airport: Kahului Airport (25 miles, 40 minutes away)
- Located in Kahului, the airport is situated about twenty-five miles south of Ahihi-Kinau and the biggest commercial airport on the island. It serves as the primary gateway for travelers visiting Maui. The airport offers direct flights to and from major cities from North America, primarily on the West Coast, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. In addition, it has several daily inter-island flights to and from Honolulu.
Closest Major Metro: Kahului
- The closest major metro would be Honolulu in Oahu, but that’s couple islands away so let’s look for something more easily accessible. The biggest settlement in Maui is Kahului, about two hours west of Hana. Kahului feels as metropolitan as you can get on Maui, with malls and major department stores within, as it’s not considered a key tourism destination but rather a pit stop. The town of Lahaina, the hotspot of Maui, is about thirty miles northwest from Ahihi-Kinau. The closest town to Ahihi-Kinau would be Wailea, about ten minutes north, which is full of some of the most luxurious resorts on the island.
Best Transportation Method to Destination: Fly into Kahului Airport and rent a car
Introduction
Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve is a protect coastal area covering over 2,000 acres of land and ocean along 3 miles of coastline in southern Maui. Designated as a Natural Area Reserve in 1952, Ahihi-Kinau is popular for its wide offerings of aquatic activities, fascinating geologic sites, and its historical significance to the Hawaiian tradition. It is also the setting of the most recent lava flow on Maui from Haleakala volcano, which erupted about five hundred years ago, and much of the land is shaped by the a’a’ lava and pahoehoe lava flows.
The coral reefs in Ahihi-Kinau are one of the most vibrant in all of Hawaii, much thanks to its status as a protected reserve. The reefs off of Kanahena were the only Maui reefs to increase in volume in recent years, and at least 33 species of coral, 53 species of subtidal invertebrate, and 75 species of fish were located. In addition, the reserve is within the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. You probably have as high chance as you can have to see one of Hawaii’s magnificent marine life in Ahihi-Kinau as anywhere else.
Where to Go Snorkeling in Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve
Most of the Natural Area Reserve is actually closed to the public, unfortunately. The only open area within the reserve by its north entrance which covers the Ahihi Bay. However, the open area has the most diverse and abundant reefs in all of the reserve so you will get to experience the most accessible and the best portions. The best snorkeling in Ahihi-Kinau can be found in Ahihi Cove and the Dumps, which is a short walk from the parking lot next to the road.
Ahihi Cove is known for its relatively calm and tranquil waters, making it an ideal spot for snorkelers of all experience levels. The cove is teeming with diverse marine life, including colorful tropical fish, including butterflyfish, tangs, and parrotfish, alongside vibrant coral formations. Furthermore, the absence of crowds and the quiet surroundings offer a serene and secluded ambiance, making it appealing for those seeking a peaceful snorkeling in Ahihi-Kinau.
The Dumps is slight further south than the Cove but is the more popular spot of the two. It is named after the practice of dumping aquarium fish by collectors in this area, which has led to an increased concentration of fish species. As a result, snorkelers can often witness an abundance of tropical fish, including butterflyfish, tangs, and surgeonfish, among others. The presence of these colorful fish creates a visually stunning spectacle.
Final Word:
Snorkeling in the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve is an unforgettable experience that allows you to discover the captivating beauty of Maui’s underwater world. With its pristine waters, remarkable lava formations, diverse marine ecosystem, with the best coral reefs in all of Hawaii, this protected reserve offers a haven for snorkelers of all skill levels. From exploring the colorful coral reefs to encountering an array of tropical fish species, snorkeling in Ahihi-Kinau presents an opportunity for awe-inspiring encounters with nature.
Snorkeling in Ahihi-Kinau Rating: 4/5 Snorkels – Fascinating Ecosystem!
