Oneloa Beach — Attraction in Maui

Bar none, the best snorkeling we've found on Maui. A short, half-hour snorkeling trip brought us a couple of sea turtles, a big, black eel, a couple of interesting sturgeons, and a whole host of other interesting aquatic life on display.

Also a nice plus is the 5 minute walk from the trailhead to the beach, which takes you through some amazing greenery down to the beach. Make sure to keep an eye out for coconuts and falling tree branches on the walk down!

The downside:

We came on a weekend day, and finding parking was amazingly difficult. Parking is on the road, with a small lot next to some port-a-johns on the trailhead.

The beach itself is extremely difficult to navigate. In fact, calling it a beach is rather generous-- it's a collection of rocks of various sizes stacked in inconvenient ways. If you have flimsy ankles or are accident prone, jump in from the middle of the bay-- as soon as you can. If you're willing and able to traverse the myriad of unhelpfully shaped rocks, wander over to the right side of the beach, where the snorkeling is...

Oneloa Beach is a hidden gem in Maui that feels like a secluded escape, perfect if you’re looking for a quieter spot away from the busier beaches. The beach has a beautiful stretch of soft, white sand and a rugged coastline with some rocky areas, which add to its charm. The waves here can be a bit stronger, making it great for those who enjoy bodyboarding or simply watching the waves crash.

Oneloa is also a good spot for snorkeling, especially near the rocky parts where you can catch glimpses of vibrant marine life. It’s a bit more exposed to the wind, which keeps it cooler on hot days and adds a refreshing element to your beach experience.

The surrounding area is gorgeous, with luxury resorts and well-maintained paths that give you a scenic walk down to the beach. It feels both wild and refined, with stunning views and a peaceful vibe. Oneloa Beach is perfect if you want to explore a beautiful, less crowded slice of...

After reading through the reviews we decided to check this beach out. Most of the reviews indicated that snorkeling would be possible. Upon arrival we sow that the surf was quite high. As we got closer it was apparent that snorkeling would not be possible. Instead of returning to our car, we decided to body surf as other comments said this was good beach for that. When we got in the water we where met with lots of rocks. With the added high surf and rock we called it a day after 15 minutes.

I would not recommend this beach. If you want good body surfing and no rocky bottom check out DT Fleming up the road. For prime snorkeling check out Honnoula Bay further...