Hawaii Snorkeling
Snorkeling in Hawaii
Hawaii is a snorkeling paradise. No matter where you are in Hawaii, you will find excellent snorkeling beaches all over. There are two ways to go snorkeling in Hawaii – on your own or with a snorkeling tour company.
If you are a novice snorkeler and you are unfamiliar with Hawaii’s beaches, you might want to book a professionally guided snorkeling tour. If you want to go on your own, do some research first to find a beach that’s suitable for snorkeling.
If you choose to book a snorkeling tour, you will not only go and snorkel at some of the best snorkel sites in Hawaii, but you for sure will have much more fun than you could expect. Some snorkel tour providers will take you on a boat from where you’ll enjoy beautiful shore views. Some of the island’s best coral reefs are also a little further out or in areas that you can’t easily reach from the land. You’ll get to see plenty of marine life inhabitants, such as dolphins, sea turtles, tropical fish and others. Aboard some boats, you can also do fishing, water-sliding and even a BBQ party. Other tour companies, when you’re done with your snorkeling adventure, will take you to a picnic at a scenic beach, where you can relax under the shade of tropical palm trees.
Snorkeling tour companies will provide you with all necessary snorkeling equipment. Some of them will even give you a free roundtrip ride from your hotel. If you book your snorkel tour during the winter, you will get the chance to see many humpback whales. These majestic mammals come to Hawaii every year during the winter to mate and feed in the island’s warm waters.
Snorkel Sites on Oahu
One of the best snorkel sites on Oahu is Hanauma Bay. Its diverse marine life attracts visitors from all over the world. The bay is home to 450 species of tropical fish. While snorkeling there, you will be able to see many of those fish species, including the famous Humuhumunukunukuapuaa, Hawaii’s state fish. The bay’s coral reef is also fascinating. Other frequently seen marine animals include sea turtles and eels.
Because of its unique environment the bay is now a protected state underwater park and conservation district. There is a fee of $5 to enter the park, which applies only to non-residents of the state of Hawaii. While you are in the water, it’s recommended to either wear reef shoes or fins because there is reef all over the bay.
Another very popular snorkel site on Oahu is Shark’s Cove, located on the North Shore.
Snorkel Sites on Maui
Maui is a home to four marine life preserves – Honolua Bay, Ahihi Bay, La Perouse Bay and Molokini Crater. They are Maui’s most popular snorkel sites. If you are staying in the area near Honolua Bay, Ahihi Bay and La Perouse Bay, don’t miss the opportunity to check them out. Molokini Crater is not accessible from the beach; however, there are many tour companies who will be more than happy to take you there by boat.
Honolua Bay is located north of Kapalua. The best time to go snorkeling there is in the summer when the water is calm. You can find Ahihi Bay south of Makena Big Beach. It is a very secluded bay with an amazing underwater life and a unique mixture of coral and lava.
La Perouse Bay is part of the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve. The area is rocky and covered with lava, but the snorkeling conditions are perfect, especially when the water is calm.
Snorkel Sites on Kauai
Kauai’s warm ocean water is home of hundreds of tropical fish, some of which you can not see anywhere else in the world. Kee Lagoon is a popular snorkel site on Kauai. It is located on the north end of the island near Haena Beach Park. Another favorite snorkel destination on the north coast is Tunnels Reef. The beach has spectacular underwater sights. It is a great beach for experienced snorkelers. If you are first-time snorkeler, you are recommended to go there with a guide.
If you are on Kauai during the summer, you may want to check out Anini Beach Park. It is another great snorkeling beach. However, don’t go snorkeling there during the winter due to high surf and strong, dangerous currents.
If you are a beginning snorkeler, go to Lydgate Park. There is a rocky wall there that protects snorkelers and swimmers from strong currents and high surf. Other good snorkel beaches to explore are Salt Pond Park, Beach House and Poipu Beach Park.
Snorkel Sites on Big Island of Hawaii
The Big Island’s most popular snorkeling destination is Kealakekua Bay, located on the Kona Coast, about 12 miles (19 km) south of Kailua-Kona. It is a Marine Life Conservation District reachable only by boat or kayak from Napoopoo. The bay is inhabited by diverse tropical fish and there’s a spectacular coral reef. The water at Kealakekua Bay is warm and good for snorkeling year round.
Another prime snorkeling location on the Big Island is Pawai Bay. The bay is within the Queen Liliuokalani Trust lands at Kaiwi Point and is only accessible by boat. The bay is perfect for both first-time and experienced snorkelers.
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