Snorkeling at Canoe Beach

Hanakao’o beach park is a quaint stretch of sand located on Maui’s western coast. It is located two miles north of Lahaina, and easily found directly off the Honoapiilani Highway. Known locally as ‘Canoe Beach’, vibrant canoes are stationed on the north end of the shoreline and are used during exciting weekend events. On Saturday mornings, members of the Lahaina Canoe Club gather here to continue the rich Polynesian tradition of outrigger canoe racing. 

Unbeknownst to most Maui visitors, this beach is also a secret snorkeling treasure! Snorkeling at Canoe Beach has been rated as one of Maui’s top destinations for vibrant marine life. Since most beachgoers are drawn to its popular neighbor to the north, Ka’anapali Resort, Hanakao’o is less crowded and offers a more laid back vibe. The serene environment, varied coral formations, and profusion of Hawaiian reef fish make Hanakao’o suitable for snorkelers of all experience levels. 

Directions to Canoe Beach

To reach Hanakao’o Beach, head northwest from Lahaina along Honoapi’ilani Highway (Highway 30). After passing the Lahaina Cannery Mall, continue for approximately 2 miles until you reach a small parking lot on the left. This lot provides direct access to Hanakao’o Beach Park, making it convenient for visitors to enjoy a day of snorkeling and relaxation. 

History of Canoe Beach

Upon arrival, you will likely notice a historical Chinese cemetery located next to the parking lot. This cemetery dates back to the mid-1800’s. Many of those buried here were immigrants who came to Maui to work in the sugar and pineapple plantations. 

Formerly referred to as Sand Box Beach, Hanakao’o Beach Park derived its previous name from a rock crusher that operated in the area during the early 1900s. This large machine featured storage bins for crushed material and a sand box filled with beach sand for construction projects. Although the rock crusher ceased operations in the 1920s, the sand box remained on the beach for several years.

Snorkeling at Canoe Beach

The wind was very powerful when I arrived at Hanakao’o Beach Park at 9:00 am. White caps lined the water’s surface, which typically isn’t a good sign for snorkeling. However, earlier in the morning I checked the Maui Snorkel Report By Boss Frog’s™ which reassured me that the snorkel conditions were actually quite pleasant. Had I not relied on the information provided in the daily snorkel report, I probably would have postponed my snorkeling session. 

Sure enough, the report on this day was wildly accurate! Venturing into the water on a windy day proved to be a rewarding snorkeling experience. The water below the surface was unusually quiet for such windy conditions, providing great visibility for exploring. Upon entering the water I noticed a slight current, but I managed to navigate it easily with the help of my high-quality Maui snorkel rentals. 

As I arrived, I spotted a rocky headland on the southern end of the beach. Hearing this rocky area was where the best snorkeling was located, I decided to start there. It doesnt take long to access the colorful reef system, where I encountered an array of Hawaiian fish. I saw plenty of humuhumunukunukuapua’a (reef triggerfish), bannerfish, butterflyfish, moorish idol, triggerfish and one very long needlefish. While Hanakao’o has a stunning underwater landscape and coral formations teeming with fish, I don’t consider the marine life here to be comparable to snorkeling Black Rock in Ka’anapali. However, I did enjoy having plenty of space snorkeling at Hanakao’o. I was the only one snorkeling in this area, so the seclusion of this beach is a huge perk.

Songs of the Whales

The ocean at Canoe Beach was so serene that I was able to clearly hear humpback whale songs throughout my entire snorkel session! During Maui winters, humpback whales sing beautiful songs that can be heard from up to 20 miles away. While the exact reason behind their singing is unknown, many researchers believe that male humpback whales use their serenades to both attract females and deter other male whales from approaching them. Whales can sing for up to 40 minutes at a time, usually from 50 to 60 feet below the surface. Although whale melodies vary with the seasons, each new season’s song continues where the previous one ended, creating an ever-evolving piece of music that is played year after year.

For those who want a closer look, there are discount whale watch tours for close encounters with these majestic creatures.

The abundance of marine life and distant whale songs made this snorkeling experience truly memorable. Snorkeling at Canoe Beach offers an excellent alternative to the more crowded spots, promising a peaceful and rewarding adventure for snorkelers of all skill levels. If you seek to escape the crowds, Hanakao’o should be at the top of your list of snorkeling locations during your next Maui vacation!