For any visitor to Hawaii,
snorkeling is and should be taken as a must do activity,
something that just should not be missed. In fact, there is
a whole new world lying in wait beneath the crystal clear
waters of Hawaii. Turtles, fish, dolphins, urchins, eels,
rays, corals and so much more just wait for the pleasure of
the snorkeler at the 10 best snorkeling spots in Hawaii.
A hot favorite is the long, deep Hanauma Bay lying in the
shadow of Koko Head volcanic crater along the south east
shore of Oahu. Its waters are absolutely tranquil, warm and
clear with rock and coral reef spread right across the bay.
Fish are plenty and friendly too, confident enough to swim
very close to snorkelers. Novices at the sport, or old hands
who like stay in low water, will be thrilled to hear that
there are many species of fish and varieties of corals in
the shallows at Hanauma Bay.
Poipu Beach Park, on the southern shore of Kauai, also
provides fantastic conditions for novice snorkelers in a
series of three coves largely sheltered behind an outer
shoal. Locals suggest the best snorkeling is found in waters
to the right hand side of the coves.
Anini Beach, also on Kauai but along its northern shore, is
relatively secluded and offers some shallow water sections.
However, its real strong point is a reef that seems to
stretch endlessly into the distance. This is another great
place for beginners and allows many opportunities to explore
every nook and cranny along the reef.
On the Big Island, Kahaluu Beach is an awesome spot for
snorkeling, boasting many varieties of sea turtles, colorful
tropical fish and corals. Be aware, there is also a Kahaluu
Bay on Oahu and it has less appeal for snorkelers.
The protected, sandy beaches at and near Kapalua Bay on
Maui, are a good snorkeling spot for children. Also known as
Sea Turtle Kapalua, it is located on the north western
section of the island. Kapalua is a golf resort-style
residential development that encompasses several beaches,
each with calm shallow waters.
Kapiolani Beach, near the western rim of Diamond Head crater
on Oahu, is popular spot near the Waikiki War Memorial
Natatorium.
Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island is famous as the spot where
Captain James Cook first encountered Hawaiains and also as
the spot where he was slain. The Bay is one of the best
snorkeling locations to be found throughout the entire
island group. It is protected as a marine sanctuary and is a
true underwater paradise full of many species of marine
life.
During the months of summer, Kee BeachKe'e is always there
for some breathtaking fun at snorkeling. The place is famed
for its towering cliffs and Pacific green sea turtles. It is
very tropical in nature and lies abundant with coconut
palms, guava, and ironwood trees.
Not to be forgotten is the Makaha Beach with its clear blue
aqua waters making for amazing snorkeling especially so in
the summer. The place has numerous arches, underwater
caverns and some tunnels even as deep as forty feet. One can
see many transiting dolphins over here along with octopuses,
green sea turtles, eels and even manta and eagle rays.
Last but not least on the list of the 10 best snorkeling
spots in Hawaii is the Molokini Crater. This is in essence a
partially sunken volcanic crater. The place is simply
awesome in that it provides a clear view up to 150 feet
deep. The best part about the place is that one can see over
two hundred-fifty different species of fish here, many of
which are found nowhere else in the world. |
