Honolua Bay is a marine life conservation district at the northwestern tip of Maui, and the snorkelling here is the best on the island. The bay is not a beach — you pick your way down a trail through ironwood trees, wade in over rocks, and swim into open water full of coral, fish, and, with luck, spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, and eagle rays. The fish are accustomed to people and come surprisingly close.
In summer, when the bay is flat and clear, it is close to perfect. In winter, the same geography that creates excellent snorkelling in summer turns the bay into a powerful surf break used by the Maui Pro surfing competition. Parking is along the road shoulder near mile marker 32; be there early or the spots are gone.