Planning a snorkel at Molokini Crater or Turtle Town? Here’s a quick, experience-based guide to the Molokini marine life you’re likely to see (and how often), the best time to go, and respectful viewing rules that keep wildlife safe.
Marine Life
Maui Whale Season 2025–2026: Best Times & What to Expect
Every winter, something extraordinary happens off the coast of Maui. The warm, protected waters between Maui, Lanai, and Kahoʻolawe become a playground for thousands of humpback whales that migrate from the cold Alaskan seas to breed, give birth, and nurse their calves. If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, Maui whale season 2025 is your chance to witness one of nature’s most unforgettable spectacles.
Meet the Hawaii State Fish: The Humuhumunukuapua’a
Want to meet a local celebrity on your next snorkel? Say aloha to the Hawaii state fish — the humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa! This little reef rockstar has a huge name, bright colors, and a big personality. In this guide, we’ll show you how to spot it, where to look on Maui, how to say that famous name, and how to keep the reef safe while you explore.
Convict Tangs in Maui: Striped Fish You’ll Love to Spot!
If you’ve snorkeled in Maui before, chances are you’ve already met them—a busy school of slim, striped fish darting across the reef like tiny lawn mowers. These are Convict Tangs, and they’re some of the most common and eye-catching reef fish in Hawaiʻi. Locals call them manini. Visitors call them “the ones with the prison stripes.” No matter what name you use, they’re fun to watch and easy to spot—perfect for first-time snorkelers and families!
Maui Dolphins: 3 Playful Species You Might Encounter On Our Tours
Few experiences compare to seeing dolphins in the wild. These playful, intelligent creatures capture our imagination with every leap, splash, and spin. In Maui, dolphins are part of the magic that makes a snorkeling trip unforgettable. While they aren’t guaranteed on every outing, spotting a pod of Maui dolphins gliding through the waves or riding alongside our boat is one of those moments you’ll carry home forever.
Meet the Ornate Butterflyfish: A Colorful Star of Maui’s Reefs
When you think of snorkeling in Maui, your mind probably jumps to crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and colorful tropical fish dancing beneath the waves. Among these underwater wonders is one fish that always turns heads — the Ornate Butterflyfish! With its bold colors, fancy stripes, and fun personality, this reef fish is like the runway model of the sea. And lucky for you, guests on our Maui Snorkeling tours often see these dazzling fish up close!
Sunshine of the Reef: The Yellow Tang
When you dip your face beneath the crystalline surface of Maui’s waters, you’re entering a world painted with the most vibrant of colors. And among the corals and sea urchins, one fish reigns supreme in its sunny brilliance: the yellow tang.
Why Snorkelers Love the Black Triggerfish
One of the most captivating creatures you might encounter is the often-overlooked, yet utterly mesmerizing, Black Triggerfish, also commonly known as the Black Durgon. In Hawaiian, it is beautifully named “Humuhumu’ele’ele.” Known for its curious nature and striking appearance, the Black Triggerfish is one fish you’ll definitely want to meet face-to-face on your next Maui snorkeling adventure!
Soaring Wonders of Maui: Spotting Booby Birds on Your Snorkeling Adventure
Aloha! When you think of Maui, you probably picture turquoise waters, colorful fish, and lush green mountains. While our island paradise is famous for its incredible snorkeling and the chance to swim alongside sea turtles and vibrant coral reefs, another fascinating group of residents might encounter soaring above or nesting along our shores. We’re talking about booby birds—a fun name for some of Hawaii’s most amazing seabirds!
Parrotfish in Maui (Uhu): Where to See Them & Snorkel Tips
If you’ve ever gone snorkeling in Maui’s warm, clear waters, you might have seen a brightly colored fish that looks like it came straight out of a rainbow. That’s the parrotfish!
Wow! Look at the Amazing Great Frigatebird!
Aloha! Have you ever seen a bird that looks like it could fly forever? Or maybe a bird that has a big, bright red balloon under its chin? Well, get ready to learn about one of the coolest birds around – the Great Frigatebird!
Get to Know Hawaii’s Moray Eel: Facts, Species, & Where to See in Maui
You’ll discover an amazing underwater world when you snorkel in Maui. It’s filled with colorful fish and graceful sea turtles. You might even spot cool creatures hiding in the reefs, like moray eels! These shy but intriguing animals can be a highlight of your snorkeling adventure. From the colorful snowflake moray to the rare giant Java moray, each eel adds its own charm and mystery to Maui’s clear waters.
8 Arms of Aloha: Discover the Hawaiian Day Octopus
Aloha! Let’s dive into the vibrant underwater world of the Hawaiian Day Octopus. Known as “he’e” in Hawaiian and “tako” in Japanese-influenced local culture, this creature is a marvel of the deep.
Listen Up! Maui’s Humpback Whale Songs are Calling You…(Snorkelers, Don’t Miss This!)
If you’re planning a trip to beautiful Maui, get ready for more than just sunshine and stunning beaches. You’re stepping into a world where you can witness – and hear – one of nature’s most incredible symphonies: the Humpback Whale Song.
A Glimpse into the World of Spotted Eagle Rays
Among the many awe-inspiring creatures that dwell in these waters, few captivate snorkelers and divers quite like the spotted eagle ray. Known in Hawaiian as hihimanu, this magnificent ray appears to fly through the ocean with the ease and elegance of a soaring bird. If you find yourself visiting the Valley Isle and have the chance to plunge into Maui’s underwater realm, keep an eye out for these remarkable creatures.
Meet the Hawaiian Monk Seal in Maui: Hawaii’s Endangered Ocean Guardian (2025 Guide)
Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of the Hawaiian Monk Seal, one of Hawaii’s most beloved yet endangered marine mammals. These fascinating creatures, with their soulful eyes and plump, sausage-like bodies, hold a special place in the hearts of Hawaiians and visitors alike. Whether you encounter them while snorkeling with us in Maui or learn about them through conservation efforts, Hawaiian monk seals are a vital part of Hawaii’s natural heritage.
Maui Sea Urchins: Spiky Stewards of the Reef
From the rock-boring urchins that meticulously carve their homes in coral reefs to the venomous long-spined urchins that warn predators with their striking appearance, Maui’s sea urchins are anything but ordinary. Let’s dive into the world of Maui’s sea urchins and uncover their significance and beauty.
Maui Tropical Fish Guide: 14 Colorful Species + Where To See Them!
Maui, a name that conjures images of lush landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and serene beaches, also hides a world heaving with color and life beneath its crystal-clear waters. This hidden world is a paradise for enthusiasts of tropical fish and snorkeling alike.
The Best Time To See Marine Life & When To Visit Turtle Town Maui
Welcome, adventurous families! Ever wonder when is the best time to see marine life in Maui? You’re about to find out! Maui is a paradise not just for its beaches and sunsets but for its vibrant marine life that captivates both young and old. Planning a trip with your little explorers to witness the underwater magic? You’re in the right place!
5 Must-See Spots for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle Encounters
Maui, with its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, is not just a paradise for sun-seekers, surfers, and snorkelers, but also a sanctuary for one of the ocean’s most enchanting creatures: the Hawaiian green sea turtle, known locally as “Honu.”
