Luxury Sniking on Maui’s Wailea Coast

'Sniking' is for adventure fiends who can't decide whether to spend the day hiking or snorkeling: You can do both at the same time! And you won't find a better spot to snike in style than Maui's Wailea coast, where a paved path meanders 2.5 miles past several high-end resorts and a half-dozen sweet snorkeling beaches.

At the far (north) end of Wailea, the path (now the Eddie Pu Trail) continues past the little harbor at Kihei and through that town's trio of family beach parks—Kamaoles I, II & III. Kihei doesn't have the glam of Wailea, but's beaches are at least as good.

A half-dozen Shoreline Public Access parking lots are squeezed in between the resorts (the Grand Wailea is top dog, but the Four Seasons patrons may argue that point). Ulua and Mokapu beaches are among the middle beaches. The easiest spot to park is on the south, at Polo Beach Park, which adjoins the Fairmont Kea Lani Resort. (Maui Trailblazer has details on where to park all along this coast.)

Gear for luxury sniking needn't be excessive. Flip flops are the shoe of choice, an alternative to barefooting the sand. A mask and snorkel are a must, and swim fins much preferred. The Wailea beaches are crescents separated by low-lying points, where most of the fishies hang out. And, a credit card is essential gear for adventuring inland for libation—one of the benefits for sniking on the unwild side of Maui.