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Snorkeling in Hawaii

The state of Hawaii has more coastline than any other state, because the whole state is a group of islands.  The big island of Hawaii, Lanai, Kauai, Oahu, and Maui are the largest islands, and there are other islands that most people never visit.  Each island has its own geography, and climate can change drastically from island to island.  Oahu is large enough to have three distinct climates of its own – one on the south side and center, where Honolulu is, another one on the north side, near the town of Haleiwa, and still another on the east side, near the city of Kaneohe. 

Each island has mountains of sharply different elevations, and different arrangements of vegetation, and beaches of varing sizes.  All of these factors affect the weather patterns of each island.  Unless you mind the rain, you will want to stay out of Hawaii between September and February, because that is when rain is most frequent.

One activity unique to tropical locales like Hawaii is snorkeling.  Just about anyone can take part in this, regardless of swimming skill.  Just a few hundred feet from the beach, you can see an amazing variety of the exotic creatures that live beneath the surface of the ocean. 

You can see where lava has hardened after bursting through the ocean floor, coral reefs, sea turtles, and over 700 species of fish.  The water here is usually between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and it is clear, letting you see hundreds of creatures.  You can snorkel all year round in Hawaii; heavy surf conditions are pretty much the only factor that can make snorkeling dangerous.  You can rent your equipment for $10 to $20 per day, and there are rental outlets at every pier.  Certain resorts in Hawaii offer free snorkeling gear as a promotion to their guests.  All you really need is fins, a snorkel, a mask, and perhaps a flotation device if your swimming skills are minimal.

Molokini is perhaps the most widely known snorkeling site in the islands.  Molokini is actually a crater, the remains of an extinct volcano located a few miles from Maui.  Molokini is shaped like a crescent moon, allowing snorkelers to get up close to an amazing amount of coral shelf.  Kapaula Bay, Makena, and Honolua Bay are other well-known places to snorkel in Hawaii.  The local residents consider Honolua to be Maui’s finest place to snorkel and dive.  Kapalua Bay is known for its wonderful beaches, calm waters, and safe swimming conditions. 

At Makena, you can see the endangered sea turtles and go cave snorkeling.  Hanauma Bay Nature Park on Oahu is a marine preserve, giving you access to some rare species.  Waimea Bay, best known as a haven for surfers, also has some dramatic snorkeling sights, although winter months bring too much surf for snorkeling there.  On the big island, you can choose between Hapuna Beach and Kealakekua Bay.  On Kauai, there is always Ke’e Beach or Po’ipu Beach Park.

There is no bad place to snorkel in Hawaii.  There are a few things to remember, though – do not snorkel without a partner.  Only snorkel where it is permitted – the warning signs are there for a reason!  High surf can catch the novice snorkeler unaware and be highly dangerous.  Do not give in to the fish and feed them snacks!  They have enough to eat in the sea.  Do remember to bring your underwater camera!