Hawaii is among one of the best destinations to go snorkeling thanks to the protected marine areas surrounding the islands. From its crystal-clear waters, its teeming sea life and the tropical, vacation-like weather to all the luxuries a Hawaiian vacation has to offer, there’s almost no place like it.
Snorkeling in Maui offers some of the best opportunities for swimming with sea turtles. If you’re interested in a deeper understanding of the marine biology of Hawaii, join Ocean Ramsey’s research team in Oahu. Anini Beach on the island of Kauai provides snorkelers with access to the Rhe Honoiki reef, the largest coral reef in Hawaii. And if you want to walk away from your trip with a one-of-a-kind experience, swim at night with reef manta rays on Hawaii’s Big Island.
It doesn’t matter which island you choose. If you’re snorkeling in Hawaii, you are sure to enjoy your underwater adventure. Here are the best places for snorkeling around the Hawaiian Islands, plus the specific sea life you can expect to see below the surface.
1. Fringing Reef – Molokai
Get here by boat or kayak and prepare to be wowed by the longest fringing reef in Hawaii, which attracts everything from hawksbill turtles to spotted eagle rays. Plan your trip during whale-watching season (December-March) when thousands of whales show up and serenade each other (and you).
Where is it? South coast of Molokai
Who is it suitable for? All levels
2. Turtle Town – Maui
On Maui’s southern coastline, a series of underwater lava formations, created by eruptions of submarine volcanoes, makes a cozy home for sea turtles. Just remember: look, but don’t touch; these guys are endangered. Angelfish, moray eels and octopus are an added bonus.
Where is it? At Maluaka Beach, south of Kihei, near the Makena Beach & Golf Resort (the resort is closed, but it’s still a good landmark)
Who is it suitable for? All levels
3. Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park – Big Island
Hawaii’s Big Island offers numerous snorkeling spots. Kayak along the calm waters of Kealakekua Bay while keeping your eyes peeled for Hawaiian spinner dolphins; they like to put on a show. Once you reach the protected shoreline of Ka’awaloa, hop out and snorkel alongside turtles, eels, reef sharks and rays. Bring a picnic lunch and sit a spell near the monument of British explorer Captain James Cook. (Note: If you kayak on your own you are not allowed to dock on shore. If you go with an outfitter like Kona Boys, you may.)
Where is it? 12-miles south of Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona) in south Kona
Who is it suitable for? All levels
4. Night Manta Snorkel – Big Island
Tour operators set up waterproof spotlights on the ocean floor to attract plankton, a surefire way to bring giant Pacific manta rays galore. Even though they are closely related to sharks, have wingspans up to 20 feet and can weigh a whopping 3,000 pounds, snorkeling with them is perfectly safe. Their underwater performance has all the theatrics of Cirque du Soleil — back flips and all.
Where is it? Fronting Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay; south of Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona)
Who is it suitable for? Intermediate
5. Poipu Beach Park – Kauai
Tikes will dig the shallow-water lagoon at Poipu Beach, not to mention the wildlife. Shoreside, you’ll often find lounging monk seals. Offshore, it’s common to see humpbacks during whale season. While snorkeling, look for blue parrotfish, sea cucumbers and this tongue-twister: humuhumunukunukuapuaa, Hawaii’s state fish.
Where is it? 25 minutes west of Lihue on Kauai’s south shore
Who is it suitable for? All levels
6. North Shore – Oahu
Oahu’s North Shore is one of the best places for snorkeling in Hawaii. Play marine biologist for the day by hanging out with Ocean Ramsey’s research team. Galapagos sharks, tiger sharks, sandbar sharks, hammerheads and sometimes even whale sharks roams these parts. If you’re not a fan of the apex predator, this trip could certainly change your perspective. Humans aren’t really on the lunch list.
Where is it? Haleiwa Boat Harbor
Who is it suitable for? All levels
7. Tunnels (Makua) Beach – Kauai
Weird rock formations? Check. Large coral heads? Check. This spot in Kauai will keep you entertained with its caverns, channels and tunnels. Look for goat fish, hogfish, filefish, green sea turtles, moray eels, trumpet fish and wrasse. A word to the wise: Avoid winter when the waves can be gnarly.
Where is it? Kauai’s north shore; off Highway 560 about a mile west of Hanalei Colony Resort; near Haena Beach Park
Who is it suitable for? Inner reef (beginners), outer reef (advanced)
8. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve – Oahu
This volcanic crater on Oahu’s east side is a marine life conservation area sheltered from ocean swells and packed full of fish. Needless to say, it’s wildly popular, so be prepared for crowds. Take a peek at crevices and caves while making friends with damsel fish, squirrel fish, porcupine fish and trumpet fish.
Where is it? Oahu’s east side; from Waikiki take the H1 Freeway until it becomes Kalanianaole Highway, continue 10 miles. You’ll find the entrance at the top of the hill.
Who is it suitable for? All levels
9. Honolua Bay – Maui
Located on Maui’s northwest shore, Honolua Bay is a marine life conservation area, so your chances are good of tracking down diverse sea critters. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by rocky cliffs that help shelter the area from wind. Keep an eye out for butterflyfish, snapper, puffer fish, unicorn fish and sea urchins. Afterward, watch the surfers to the right of the boat ramp. This spot happens to be one of the most epic surf breaks in Hawaii.
Where is it? 10 miles north of Lahaina along Hwy 30
Who is it suitable for? Intermediate
10. Hulopoe Bay – Lanai
On the island’s south shore you’ll find this crescent-shaped bay dotted with shallow tide pools that house hermit crabs, sea stars and small fish. Below the surface, you’re in for a treat. Spinner dolphins and sea turtles frolic here frequently. Plus, bandit angelfish, Hawaiian green sea turtles and humpbacks (in the winter).
Where is it? Between the Four Seasons Resort Lanai and Manele Bay
Who is it suitable for? All levels
