Where is the Best Place to Snorkel in Hawaii?

21 years ago

I would like recommendations on the best places to snorkel in Hawaii. Since I am taking my elementary schooler, I want places that are safe as well as scenic. Thanks

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Comments (10)

Meghane
21 years ago
Which island? Or is that still up for grabs?
plantladyco
21 years ago
I can tell you spots on the Big Island
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Thanks for looking and posting! We just love Hawaii and keep returning there. I'd like to live there, but can't convince my husband to move (yet). It is very expensive. Gas was about $3.70, and food is outrageous. I've thought about buying a vacation rental condo, but haven't moved on that either. DH is still kicking himself for not buying a condo when we first visited in 1993. Now those same condos that were $200,000 then are over $500,000 now. Jodi--We didn't go across Saddle Road, because it would have violated our rental car contract. Our friend who lives there said she drives it once in a while and it's quite an experience. She's really beaten up her new 4Runner on that road. We planned to snorkel at both Kahulu`u and Place of Refuge, but never did. Both times we were at Kahulu`u we were just too unmotivated and ended up just sitting on the beach. And at Place of Refuge, by the time we hiked the 1871 trail and walked around the historic site, we didn't feel like changing into our suits. DH doesn't really care if we snorkel; he says he sees the same fish every time. And I won't go in without him... We stayed at Hale Kona Kai, which is a small, 39-unit condo building between Kona Reef and Royal Kona. Got it thru VRBO. I highly recommend it if you just need a 1-bedroom unit and want to be able to walk to town. It was very convenient. We loved watching the turtles from the lanai. Cathyid--How lucky you were to have lived there! When was the last time you visited? flamingo--Yes, we did see whales from our condo and from other points on shore. We also saw a couple when we were on the dinner cruise. One was slapping his tail on the water, which I haven't seen in a long time. DH saw a couple breaching from our condo. When we were on Maui several years ago, we went on a whale watching boat trip. One whale and her baby swam right under the boat and hung out for a long time! It was spectacular and we will likely never have that experience again. So now we don't bother going on a boat to see whales. I'm glad you all enjoyed my photos! Kathy who woke up to snow this morning :(
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momfirst
Original Author
21 years ago
I haven't decided yet on which Island(s) we will be going to. I want to find out were the best snorkel spots are first.
gtsmith99
21 years ago
Maui - snorkeling at Molokini was wonderful. Here is some info...

Here is a link that might be useful: Molokini
plantladyco
21 years ago
Here are 2 beginning snorkeling spots--lots of fish and easy to enter.
Kona(Big Island) Kahaluu Beach
Kauai Poipu Beach

In my opinion, all of Hawaii is scenic!
Blaze
21 years ago
Tunnels Beach on Kauai. By far, one of the best in the Hawaiian Islands for snorkeling and sunbathing. The site is beautiful as well.
cheryl_down_under
21 years ago
If you are on the island of Oahu, go to Hanauma Bay. The snorkelling there is brilliant - I absolsutely loved it and didn't want to get out. There are so many different types of beautiful fish that you can snorkel with and it really was a wonderful experience for me.
tublu
21 years ago
i too would suggest the big island. there is a small little beach on the middle part of the west coast(i forget the name, but the locals can tell you) that was terrific for little kids. the beach is shallow without any rocks and then suddenly gets deeper--but the water is so clear you can see it get deeper. the fish come almost right up to wear you are standing so you don't even really need to swim to snorkle. if you go to the deeper parts, you can not infrequently see green turtles. great novice snorkling pot--lots of kids were there.
Blaze
21 years ago
In addition to Tunnels in Kauai, there is Queen's Bath, on the NorthShore in Kauai. You hike briefly along a lava path that is near the ocean (very well marked and safe), and then come to what looks like a small pond (but sea water) where the lava has encircled this area. The waves crash over the lava and you can swim and have a view of beautiful tropical fish - even without snorkel gear. It's not shallow but is contained - if your child knows how to swim. It's not very large. Very enchanting. I've been to Hanamauna Bay also = a few times - each to his own - but there are much better places if you are in Hawaii to snorkel. H Bay is extremely crowded with tourists - try to find a place to put down your gear, after you have hiked down to the area, is a real chore. Not many fish because of the crowds in the water- IMHO. If you are going to invest in a trip to Hawaii, you might want to see more of what Hawaii use to be. I'd second Maui and then the Big Island.
plantladyco
21 years ago
That's Kahaluu Beach in Kona

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Where is the Best Place to Snorkel in Hawaii?

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Meghane

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momfirst
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Where is the Best Place to Snorkel in Hawaii?

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