Wear Mineral-Based Sunscreen
Everything you put on your skin eventually washes into the ocean. Some sunscreen ingredients have been shown to harm coral reefs and other marine life.
Hawai‘i banned the sale of sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate in 2021; Maui County went further in 2022, banning the sale, distribution, and use of any non-mineral sunscreen.
For the best coverage look for mineral-based sunscreen made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, or better yet, wear a long sleeve rash guard and other sun protective clothing to reduce the amount of sunscreen you need.
Learn more about Hawaii sunscreen laws and mineral sunscreen
Give Wildlife Space
One of the best parts of snorkeling is seeing Maui’s incredible marine life in its natural habitat. Help keep it that way by observing wildlife from a respectful distance,
Never touch, chase, ride, or feed marine wildlife. Give sea turtles at least 10 feet of space, and at least 50ft from Hawaiian monk seals or dolphins. If an animal changes its behavior when you’re nearby, you’re too close.
Many of Hawaiʻi’s marine animals are protected by state and federal law. Giving them space helps reduce stress and allows them to feed, rest, and behave naturally.
📸 Take Photos Responsibly
Great wildlife photos are taken with patience, not by gettinge closer. Never swim after, surround, or corner wildlife for a better picture or video. Use your camera’s zoom and enjoy the moment without disturbing animals.
Coral is Alive: Please Don’t Touch
Coral may look like colorful rock, but it’s actually made up of thousands of tiny living animals called coral polyps. Some coral colonies on Maui have been growing for hundreds of years.
A single step, kick of a fin, or accidental touch can break fragile coral and leave damage that may take decades to recover.
Help protect the reef by:
- Never standing or walking on coral.
- Keeping your fins and gear away from the reef.
- Maintaining good buoyancy while snorkeling.
- Entering and exiting over sandy areas whenever possible.
When we treat coral with care, we’re protecting the foundation of the entire reef ecosystem.
Leave only Bubbles
One of the simplest ways to care for the ocean is to leave it exactly as you found it.
- Take all of your trash with you, even small items like food wrappers or bottle caps.
- Don’t feed fish or other wildlife as it can disrupt their natural behaviors or make them sick.
- Never collect coral, shells with living animals inside, or other marine life.
- Respect protected areas and posted signs.
By leaving only bubbles behind, you help keep Maui’s reefs healthy for everyone to enjoy.
Meet Maui’s Reef Residents
Maui’s reefs are home to an incredible variety of marine life. Every snorkel is different, but you may encounter some of these amazing residents.
Hawaiian Monk Seal
ʻĪlioholoikauaua
If you’re especially lucky, you may spot a Hawaiian monk seal resting on the beach or swimming offshore. With fewer than 1,700 individuals remaining, they’re one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world.
They sometimes rest on Maui’s beaches or swim near shore, so if you’re lucky enough to see one, enjoy the moment from a respectful distance.
Stay at least 50 feet away, keep pets clear of the area, and respect any posted signs.
If a monk seal appears injured, entangled, or is being disturbed, report it to the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at 1-888-256-9840.
Hawaiian Sea Turtles
Honu
Seeing a honu glide effortlessly through the water is often the highlight of a Maui snorkel. These gentle reptiles spend much of their day grazing on algae or resting near shore, and healthy coral reefs provide important habitat for them to feed and thrive.
Honu are protected by state and federal law.
Always stay at least 10 feet away, never touch or chase them, and allow them to surface for air, feed, and rest without disturbance.
To report illegal or suspicious activity, call 1-800-853-1964 or (808) 643-DLNR (3567). Email photos and videos to [email protected].
Reef Fish
Healthy coral reefs are home to hundreds of species of reef fish, each playing a unique role in keeping the ecosystem balanced. Here are a few of the colorful residents you may encounter while snorkeling around Maui.
Uhu
Parrot Fish
Parrotfish scrape algae from coral with their powerful beaks, creating space for new coral to grow. As they feed, they also produce much of Hawaiʻi’s white sand.
Lauʻīpala
Yellow Tang
These bright yellow fish spend their days grazing algae from the reef, helping keep coral healthy.
Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa
Rectangular Triggerfish
Hawaiʻi’s state fish is known for its colorful markings and curious personality. Look for it swimming close to the reef or searching for food among the rocks.
Manini
Convict Tang
Manini are one of the most common fish you’ll see on Maui’s reefs, often swimming together in large schools. Like yellow tang, they spend much of their day grazing algae, helping support a healthy reef ecosystem.
Maui Nui Marine Resource Council is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Your donation is US tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
EIN: 47-2509441
Maui Nui Marine Resource Council
P.O. Box 331204, Kahului, HI 96733
(808) 707-5056