When it comes to great snorkeling, it is tough to beat Maui. While snorkeling in Maui is rewarding for countless reasons, the chance to explore the beautiful and exciting world of underwater wildlife ranks quite highly among them.
But what animals, in particular, can you expect to find in Maui’s clear and relatively calm waters? Read on to learn more about the diverse array of marine life that Maui has to offer.
Fish
The underwater topography and vegetation off the coast of Maui provide an ideal habitat for a dazzling spectrum of fish species, including…
Butterflyfish
There are well over 100 species of butterflyfish, and they come in a dazzling array of patterns and colors. Many of these species are present in Maui waters, and three (the bluestripe, milletseed, and raccoon butterflyfish) are endemic to (live only in) Hawaii. All three of these species are bright yellow with dark black bands.
Yellow Tang
Another bright yellow fish species that is largely endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, the yellow tang, thrives in the waters around Maui. In fact, this is often the first fish that novice Maui snorkelers are able to successfully sight and identify.
Parrotfish
The largest of the reef fish present in Hawaii, parrotfish commonly measure more than three feet in length. True to their name, adult fish have fused front teeth that look like the beak of a parrot. They also match parrots in their vibrant colors.
Black Triggerfish
Common around Molokini Crater and other popular Maui snorkeling spots, the Black Triggerfish is perhaps most easily identified by the highly noticeable white lines that run along the base of its dorsal fins. These fish appear to be black from a distance but reveal themselves to be dark blue-green upon closer inspection.
Sharks
Although they are fish, sharks are certainly in a class by themselves—particularly if you are snorkeling with one! Many species of sharks call Maui home, but you are only likely to encounter whitetip and/or blacktip reef sharks, which are known, respectively, by the colors of their fin tips. Fortunately, both whitetip and blacktip reef sharks are entirely harmless to humans unless they are provoked.
Green Sea Turtles
Although they are endangered worldwide, green sea turtles are relatively common in the Hawaiian Islands. As large as they are graceful, the typical adult green turtle weighs between 300 and 350 pounds. While you can swim alongside these impressive creatures, federal law requires that you maintain a respectful distance of 10 feet or more.
Hawaiian Monk Seals
Beyond fish and reptiles, snorkelers regularly see remarkable mammal sea life in Maui. Take, for example, the state mammal of Hawaii: the Hawaiian monk seal. These magnificent animals grow between 375 and 450 pounds and measure between 7 and 7.5 feet in length. They spend roughly two-thirds of their lives swimming in ocean waters and the rest of their lives resting on the shore.
Dolphins
Another mammal that snorkelers love to see is dolphins, which are relatively common around all eight of the Hawaiian Islands. In fact, Hawaii is home to three dolphin species: spinner, bottlenose, and spotted. Because it favors waters close to shore, the spinner dolphin is seen most often. A relatively small dolphin with a long beak, this animal can leap out of the water and spin as many as six full rotations.
Pacific Striped Octopuses
Snorkelers can encounter dozens of octopus species in Maui waters, including the highly ornate Pacific striped octopus. Also known as the white-striped octopus, this animal is as intelligent as it is beautiful. While most octopuses are solitary in nature, the Pacific striped octopus commonly swims in groups of up to 40.
Humpback Whales
If you visit during their winter migration season (November through May), you can easily see humpback whales in Hawaii. However, you should remember that Hawaiian law prohibits you from getting closer than 100 yards away from a humpback whale, whether you are swimming or in a vessel.
Maui Wildlife Sighting with Kai Kanani
Most snorkelers hope to encounter various forms of marine life during their undersea adventures. A luxury catamaran charter company based in Maui, Kai Kanani can bring you face-to-face with any number of exciting animals beneath the waves, as well as ample opportunities to spot wildlife from the deck. For more information, contact Kai Kanani today!
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