Snorkel· Maui· Hawaii
Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve
20° 36.3′ N · 156° 26.1′ W
Hawaii's first Natural Area Reserve protects Maui's youngest lava flow, from the Kalua o Lapa cone to the sea, plus 807 acres of ocean whose reefs are among the healthiest in the main islands; snorkelers enter at Kanahena Cove ('the Aquarium' area beyond is closed).
Practical
Coordinates from Wikipedia (20°36'18"N 156°26'7"W). 1,238 acres of land and 807 acres of ocean along 3 miles of coast; deepest water 115 ft. Rules: no fishing or taking of anything; no operating, anchoring or mooring a motorized vessel in the reserve's ocean waters (HAR 13-244-32), and HAR 13-209 bars anchoring any watercraft; groups larger than 10 are restricted; visiting hours apply. Much of the reserve has been closed since 2008 (including trails to Kalua o Lapa, the Aquarium and the Fishbowl); open access points are Kanahena Cove, the Keoneoio (La Perouse Bay) lot and the Moanakala area. Roadside parking inside the reserve is prohibited; use the paved lots, which fill mid-morning. UXO from 1945-1946 Navy target practice remains on Cape Kinau. A boat may visit only by staying outside the reserve and is better off visiting by car or by kayak from Makena; never bring a dinghy with an outboard inside. Five protected species frequent the area: monk seal, hawksbill and green turtles, spinner dolphins and humpbacks.
Best for
The healthiest shore reef in south Maui
Season
Calm mornings; avoid in south swell