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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