Snorkeling with the honu is one of Maui’s top experiences

If you are heading to Maui, it’s almost a requirement to snorkel. Snorkeling is probably one of my favorite things to do on the island. It is so relaxing to float on the surface of the water searching for fish, honu (sea turtles) and other marine life. If you are a more experienced swimmer and diver, you can dive down deeper to get a better look at the sea life and even hear the whales sing (during whale season)!

A common question I hear is, “Should I rent, buy on the island or bring my own snorkel gear?” And like most of my responses, I usually start with “depends”…

Renting

If you’ve never snorkeled before, you might want to start off renting before you invest. There are several places on the island where you can rent the gear for cheap. Snorkel Bob’s and Boss Frogs are popular because of their helpful staff and numerous locations. You can rent by the day or week.

SECRET: I recommend upgrading from a beginning set if offered for better gear. Nothing is more frustrating than a leaking or fogging mask or a snorkel that lets in water. The advantage of renting is you can get properly fitted, quality gear and you have to pack it on the plane.

Never snorkel alone!

Buying

For beginners who don’t like the idea of putting a used snorkel in their mouth, Amazon has several affordable sets with mask, snorkel and fins like this one. I recommend buying a bright color for safety reasons, so your partner can keep track of you easier (always swim with a buddy and consider bringing a pool noodle or other float with you for safety).

SECRET: If you don’t want to waste room in your luggage, Costco in Kahului usually sells a decent set for about as much as renting it for a week.

Buying is the best option for frequent snorkelers who want higher end equipment. I love the equipment I bought about 10 years ago and with the amount of times I’ve used it, it was a great investment. I purchased it at a local dive shop and was able to get fitted, ask questions and compare lots of options (without paying resort prices). The fins, in my opinion, are where I can tell a huge difference. Swimming through the water is effortless, as is diving down. I’ve tried cheaper fins and was surprised how much harder it was. I took my nephew out snorkeling for his first time a few months ago and even though he is a very active 14 year old, he was exhausted after a long snorkel session. I offered him my fins when he went out the second time, and he couldn’t believe how much easier it was!

Always protect your skin from sunburns with a rash guard or wetsuit

Other Recommendations

Always use reef safe sunscreen when snorkeling! (If you don’t have any, please be sure to apply your sunscreen far in advance so it can soak in.)

SECRET: I always snorkel in a rash guard shirt and board shorts or a wetsuit (not necessary in Maui but doesn’t hurt) to avoid getting burnt.

You can always spot the tourists that failed to protect their backsides! Save yourself the pain and misery by buying the appropriate sun protection.