Planning a family snorkeling trip to Maui? Snorkeling Kahekili Beach with kids, also known as Airport Beach, is one of the best spots for snorkeling with kids on the island. Located in North Ka’anapali, Kahekili Beach offers families easy water access, a healthy offshore reef full of colorful fish and turtles, free parking, and clean facilities. With calm morning conditions and convenient amenities, it’s an ideal choice for parents looking for a stress-free snorkeling beach where young children and beginners can enjoy Maui’s underwater life safely.
Parents planning a family snorkeling adventure in Maui will appreciate Kahekili’s free parking, clean amenities, and large shaded areas. For more kid-friendly beaches in Maui, see Best Family Beaches in Maui.
Have you seen our ranked lists?
Top family friendly Maui hotels
Beaches: Amazing Hawaii – here are the best beaches in Maui ranked
Fun kids activities in Maui
What to Expect when Snorkeling Kahekili Beach with Kids
Kahekili Beach, often called Airport Beach by locals and visitors, is part of the larger North Ka’anapali Beach area. It features a narrow sandy beach backed by a grassy park with good facilities, but no lifeguard on duty—important for families to know.
From this beach, families enjoy breathtaking views of Lanai and Molokai islands. On clear days, Molokai’s lush rainforests and ancient volcanic formations are visible, adding to the stunning scenery.
Quick facts:
- Beachfront public park with free parking
- Located directly off Highway 30
- Short, flat walk from parking to beach
- Good facilities but no food vendors on-site
Snorkeling Conditions at Kahekili Beach
Best Time to Snorkel
The best time for families to snorkel Kahekili Beach is early in the morning. Winds typically pick up in the afternoon, making the water rougher and reducing visibility.
Water Entry
Families will find an easy sandy entry in front of the beach pavilion. Barefoot entry is comfortable, but rocks and reef appear just a few steps into the water, so it’s smart for kids and beginners to float and put on fins quickly after getting in.
Where to Snorkel at Kahekili Beach
Main Snorkeling Area
The healthiest coral and most marine life can be found straight out from the beach pavilion. The reef starts just offshore and runs parallel to the beach, dropping off to sandy bottom about 300 feet from shore. Depths range from shallow 2-foot areas near shore to 30 feet farther out.
Expect to see:
- Healthy coral formations
- Colorful reef fish
- Hawaiian green sea turtles
- Occasional larger fish in deeper areas
Visibility improves quickly once families swim slightly away from the shoreline. Near shore, the reef is mostly dead coral but still attracts algae-eating fish, providing good viewing for younger kids closer to shore.
Important Safety Tips
- Avoid swimming too far north along the reef where currents can pick up.
- Always supervise children closely, as there is no lifeguard on duty.
- Stay aware of weather conditions, especially during winter when swells can increase.
Video for Snorkeling Kahekili Beach with Kids
Amenities at Kahekili Beach Park
Kahekili Beach is one of the better-equipped beach parks for families on Maui.
Available Facilities:
- Free parking lot shaded by monkeypod trees
- Restrooms and showers
- Large pavilion with picnic tables and barbecues
- Grassy lawn areas for play or relaxing
- Electric vehicle charging station (Clipper Creek Level 2)
The pavilion area is connected to the Ka’anapali Beach Boardwalk, making it walkable from many nearby resorts. However, there are no food vendors, so families should bring their own snacks, water, and shade gear such as umbrellas.
Parking at Kahekili Beach
Kahekili Beach offers one of the easiest parking situations along Ka’anapali.
- Large public lot directly connected to the park
- Free parking available
- Electric car charging available
Parking rarely fills up except during peak summer and holiday periods. To guarantee a spot close to the beach, it’s recommended to arrive before 10:00 AM. Be aware that if the parking lot fills, there are no nearby alternatives, as surrounding resort lots are private.
Bonus: Whale Watching in Season
Between December and March, Airport Beach becomes a great free spot for families to watch humpback whales. Thousands of whales visit the waters between Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. Families can often spot whales breaching, slapping their fins, or blowing spouts—sometimes remarkably close to the beach.
Whale watching is a great quiet activity for kids when they need a break from snorkeling or beach play.
Final Tips for Families Visiting Kahekili Beach
- Snorkel early in the morning for calmest water.
- Bring shade, snacks, and plenty of water.
- Watch for currents if venturing farther out into the reef.
- Stay close to the pavilion for easiest reef access and best facilities.
- If visiting during whale season, bring binoculars for extra fun!
For more family snorkeling spots in Maui, check out Best Snorkeling Beaches in Maui for Families.
Have you seen our ranked lists?
Top family friendly Maui hotels
Beaches: Amazing Hawaii – here are the best beaches in Maui ranked
Fun kids activities in Maui
For detailed visitor info, check out the Wikivoyage page on Maui.
