Discover Best Beaches in Maui to Snorkel with Whitespotted Eagle Rays
'Āhihi-Kīna'u Natural Area Reserve
Aloha Maui travelers! E Komo Mai (welcome!) to LETSGOTRAVELMAUI! Welcome back to our BEST BEACHES IN MAUI series. As you know Maui, in our opinion,has the most beautiful beaches in the world! There are so many beach activities to enjoy on Maui including snorkeling. It's always fun to swim with the Green Sea Turtles (Honu), find Flounder (Pakii) hidden in the sand on the sea floor, or just enjoying the Reef Triggerfish (Humuhumu-Nukunuku-Apuaa) poking around the coral. We get superexcited when we see a group of whitespotted eagle rays. The whitespotted eagle rays are usually seen swimming alone. Today we show you a protected area of Maui, called the 'Āhihi-Kīna'u Natural Area Reserve where several whitespotted eagle rays join us while snorkeling. White spotted eagle rays swimming together in a group is called a fever.
Bonus: You can learn more about 'Āhihi-Kīna'u Natural Area Reserve's 1,238 acres of marine ecosystems (807 submereged acres), rare and fragile anchialine ponds, and lava fields from the last eruption of Haleakala 200-500 years ago by visiting the State of Hawaii, Division of Forestry and Wildlife at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/nars/maui/ahihi-kinau-2/
Best Snorkeling in Maui - 'Ahini-Kīna'u Natural Reserve Area
The best snorkeling in Maui can be experienced at the 'Āhihi-Kīna'u Natural Reserve ('Āhihi Reserve) which is located in South Maui. The 'Āhihi Reserve is a short 10 minute drive, south of Wailea-Makena, on Makena Road. It's about 1.5 miles past the turn off for Makena State Park (Big Beach). Big Beach is also in our best beaches in Maui series. Click on our blog page to learn more about Big Beach and other favorite beaches in Maui for snorkeling!
Be responsible and a good steward of 'Ahini-Kīna'u Natural Reserve Area (Kanahena Beach)
Parking and Wayfinding
The large parking lot is on the right and is fully paved and includes (2) handicap parking spaces. The State of Hawaii has done a very good job at educating, informing, and providing guidance to the Maui traveler. Take an extra 5 minutes and read the covered signage before you enter the lava trail to Kanahena Beach. It's really important to learn how sensitive this area is and why you must do your part to protect the Reserve. You'll learn about the coral reefs, anchialine pools, dryland forests, Maui's youngest lava flow and archeological sites. It's all here to enjoy but must be done in a respectful way to preserve these natural resources. The laws and guidelines are there to protect the Reserve.
Kanahena trail to the "Open Area" of 'Āhihi Bay
The Kanahena lava trail is a total of 1 mile long and is the only path to the "open area" of 'Āhihi Bay. You access the trail directly from the parking lot. Once you get to the shoreline be sure to look for the signage to give you more directions on where you can enter the water. You can't just go jump into the ocean. The saying goes, "Never Stand Unless on Sand". Again, this is an incredibly sensitive ecosystem and we as humans can create significant damage to the land, water and all the creatures if we don't follow the rules. Look at the signage below to show you EXACTLY where you can enter the water. One last important reminder...NO SUNSCREEN! Only Zinc or Titanium mineral sunblocks are truly safe for the reefs. Snorkeling is usually best early morning so no need for sunscreen. You could also wear a rash guard shirt to protect your skin if you decide to snorkel later in the morning or day.
Snorkeling with Whitespotted Eagle Rays (Hihimanu in Hawaiian)
As you enter the beach, remember to always have sand under your feet or fins, take your time and don't rush. Wade into the water about waist high, rinse your mask, put it on your head, and take a moment to sit and put on your fins (if you have them). Put the mask over your face and look under the water before you take off swimming...you will likely see a school of fish right under your feet. The marine life and coral reefs, at the Reserve, are plentiful and amazing to observe. The sea creatures can be very entertaining as they play and feed in and around the coral. Everyday is different when it comes to the ocean and the Hawaiian sea life. Check out the video of the whitespotted eagle rays that were cruising in and around the coral reefs. We spotted them about 100 yards south from the beach entry. They swim through the water effortlessly and with tremendous grace. Their speed and acceleration will make you gasp. Check out the video!
Go be adventurous and explore what goes on underwater at the best beaches in Maui!!
[Kanahena Beach at 'Āhihi-Kīna'u Natural Area Reserve]
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Mahalo nui loa (Thank you!) from your ohana at LETSGOTRAVELMAUI
Reccomendation...Finish your snorkeling adventure with a 16oz elixir from 808elixirsmaui...your body will thank you...mention letsgotravelmaui
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