By Stephanie Namahoe Launiu
Hawai‘i is the place to be for snorkelers! It doesn’t matter whether you’re experienced or a newbie, I’ll let you know what the best snorkel spots are in Hawai‘i on each of the major islands.
If you’ve arrived on an airplane, it’s always best to allow your body a bit of rest and relaxation before snorkeling or scuba diving.
There are plenty of beaches that offer great near-shore snorkeling. But there are also high quality tours that take snorkelers out into deep waters where you’ll be mesmerized by Hawai‘i’s underwater world.
Maui
What I love most about Maui is that so many of their beaches are kid-friendly. And if you ask experienced snorkelers where the best snorkel spots are in Hawai‘i, they’ll name a lot of Maui beaches.
Airport Beach
This beach is named for the Kaanapali Airport that used to be on this beach until 1986. Nowadays, the Airport Beach Pavilion marks the site of the old airport terminal, and the snorkeling is excellent!
There’s a thriving underwater ecosystem where you’ll see black triggerfish, humuhumunukunukuapua‘a, unicorn-fish, yellow tang, goatfish and eels! You can enter the ocean from the sloping beach sand but get ready to float upon entry so you won’t walk on the coral reef.
Coral Gardens
Coral Gardens is next to Olowalu Reef and down the coast from Lahaina. This snorkel spot is best reached by boat on a Maui snorkeling tour. The Coral Gardens reef was created by a lava flow known as Pu‘u Kukui. It emanated from the West Maui Mountains and as the lava cooled it formed “fingers” that jut out into the sea. They are now covered by coral reef shelves that are home to a magnificent array of marine life.
Honolua Bay
Honolua Bay rests majestically on Maui’s northwest coast. From late spring to early fall, it’s one of the top places to snorkel in West Maui. In the winter, this bay is a hotspot for seasoned surfers, and world-class international surf contests are hosted here.
Kapalua Bay
At this crescent-shaped bay, marine life is plentiful and close to shore. It’s typically calm and a great choice for all ages.
There are two distinct sides to Kapalua Bay, and both sides have underwater lava rock formations housing all kinds of marine life. The left side of the bay (when facing the ocean) is full of sea turtles in the early morning. The right side has a lot of fish, including needlefish, baby parrotfish, several kinds of butterfly-fish and humuhumunukunukuapua‘a, the official fish of the State of Hawai‘i.
I’d recommend getting into and out of the water on the left side of the bay to avoid doing any damage to the underwater reef.
Molokini Crater
Molokini Crater makes every list of the best snorkel spots in Hawai‘i. Just 2.5 miles offshore of South Maui, the Molokini Crater is a rare and fascinating volcanic islet. It’s one of only a few of its kind in the world and is listed by the NOAA as a Marine Life Conservation District Seabird Sanctuary. This partially submerged volcanic crater is formed into a crescent-shaped islet that is unlike any other snorkeling spot you’ll experience.
Napili Bay
Napili Bay on Maui’s picture-perfect west coast is a family-friendly beach known for its calm waters, vibrant marine life, and gorgeous views of the setting sun. About thirty yards from shore, a reef protects the entire bay from crashing waves. Especially in the summer months, the peaceful waters are great for near shore snorkeling.
Turtle Town
If you’re looking for close up views of Hawaiian green sea turtles, then you should head to Turtle Town. Remember that keeping a distance of at least 10 feet from sea turtles is recommended for their safety. Contact with humans can stress them and could affect their feeding or breeding behavior. Thanks to government protection and the Endangered Species Act, a whole stretch of coastline in the southern district of Makena is known as Turtle Town Maui and is a sanctuary for Hawaiian green sea turtles.
The beach along this stretch that is usually considered to be “Turtle Town” is Maluaka Beach. You’ll enjoy snorkeling here with its white sand and calm waters, and it’s not even very crowded on most days.
O‘ahu
The island of O‘ahu, known as the Gathering Place, is true to its name. The biggest crowds and largest number of tourist attractions are on O‘ahu.
This might surprise you, but my advice is to skip the best-known snorkeling spot in Hawai‘i—Hanauma Bay. Take it from a local – it’s over-rated and is a hassle on most days when all you want to do is snorkel! Non-resident adults have to pay $25 per person, and you have to make reservations but no more than 2 days in advance. They only allow 1,000 people to visit Hanauma each day. And after all of that, parking is an extra fee and the beach closes at 4pm!
O‘ahu has some of the best snorkel spots in Hawai‘i. Here are just a few:
Electric Beach
In West O‘ahu in the small town of Nānākuli is Electric Beach. There is an electric plant across the street that funnels warm water into the ocean here, and the sea life seems to love it. It’s a narrow beach with some breaking waves, but once you are past the break it’s usually flat.
This beach is best for snorkeling during summer months, and you’ll see a lot of locals here. During the winter months of November thru February, winds kick up and visibility isn’t good. You can see fish, turtles, squid and rays. If it’s your lucky day, you might see dolphins up close as they swim in groups visible offshore.
Ko Olina
Also in West O‘ahu just outside of Kapolei are the four man-made lagoons at Ko Olina. The lagoons are calm and protected, so this is a good area for beginning snorkelers. You will see tropical fish and this is a good safe area for children.
Sans Souci Beach
Sans Souci Beach in Waikiki right past the Aquarium and Natatorium is part of the Waikiki Marine Life Conservation District. Since fishing isn’t allowed here, the fish don’t seem fearful of humans. This area is good for spotting tropical fish and turtles.
Shark’s Cove
This cove was named because its reef is shaped like a shark and not because sharks are commonly seen here. But the snorkeling here is awesome. Located on the famous North Shore, Shark’s Cove is part of Pūpūkea Beach. The tidal pools here are great for children and beginner snorkelers, and you can see young fish in the tidal pools before they leave for life in deeper ocean waters. It’s a good idea to get water shoes for walking on lava rocks.
The waters are usually calm from May to October. During winter months, the ocean currents are stronger. Be aware that there aren’t any lifeguards at Shark’s Cove, so this isn’t the best spot for inexperienced snorkelers.
Turtle Canyon
Sometimes you just want to SNORKEL and forget about parking, sand, swimming out against the waves, and dealing with crowds of people you don’t know. Snorkel tours provide the peaceful enjoyment of snorkeling in deep ocean waters.
Located about a mile-and-a-half offshore from Waikiki, Turtle Canyon is a nature reserve that is accessible only by boat. You’ll have stunning views of sea turtles and colorful tropical fish. With a little luck, you might even spot spinner dolphins, flying fish or humpback whales in season.
Big Island of Hawaii
The snorkeling is better on the Kona side of the island (West) than in Hilo (East). In Kona, the waters are calmer and the visibility in the ocean is better.
Hōnaunau Bay and Two Step Beach
Just south of Captain Cook is Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau, a sacred cultural site operated by the U.S. National Park Service. Just outside this park is Hōnaunau Bay and “Two Step” beach that is a popular snorkeling spot. It gets its name from the two steps you walk down to get into the water.
Since the national park site and Two Step are side by side, please be aware that snorkelers can’t park in their parking lot or change in the public restrooms in the park.
Kahalu‘u Beach Park
Great snorkeling. Lots of tropical fish — eels, boxfish, turtles, yellow tang and beautiful healthy coral as well. You can snorkel for hours here. Water shoes or short fins are helpful for your feet.
Kealakekua Bay
The waters at Kealakekua are glorious and excellent for snorkeling. It’s also a historic bay since this is where Captain James Cook was the first foreigner to land here in 1778 and was later killed by natives.
You can access the water easily from Manini Beach which is on the shore of the bay that you can drive up to. The snorkeling is especially good around the Cook Monument across from Manini Beach, but you can only access it by kayak or by an in-and-out hike that takes about two hours.
Mauna Kea Beach
This Waimea beach is also known as Kauna’oa Beach. This spot is perfect for kids and beginners, as well as experienced snorkelers. The ocean here is almost always calm, and in the mornings the water is especially clear.
Richardson’s Ocean Park
This Hilo snorkeling spot is at the end of the road past Hilo Harbor and is popular with locals and visitors. There are tide pools to explore and lots of grassy spots to enjoy a picnic lunch after snorkeling, swimming or body-boarding.
Kaua‘i
Nā Pali Coast
On Kaua‘i’s North Shore, snorkeling off this famed coastline is an epic experience. Although there are many outstanding snorkeling spots to enjoy, the waters at Lawai Beach are like an underwater forest full of marine life. This beach is also known as ‘Beach House Beach’, and it’s especially great snorkeling during the late spring and summer months.
Ke’e Beach
At the road’s end on the North Shore, this beach is near the entrance to the Nā Pali Coast’s infamous Kalalau Trail. Families with young children and beginning snorkelers will love this calm beach cove. There are freshwater showers, picnic tables, restrooms and a lifeguard.
Poipū Beach Park
Poipū is excellent for snorkeling and swimming and is one of the best snorkeling spots in Hawai‘i. I’d suggest that you wear swim shoes because of a rocky bottom as you enter the water, but a little beyond and there are tons of gorgeous tropical fish to see!
