After looking for special vacation spots in Hawaii in our previous post, we and of course you got invited by two Hawaii snorkel experts Galen & Nicole to visit with them best spots for snorkeling in Hawaii. Excited to hear about their favorite snorkel spots on each Hawaiian Island? Then keep reading what they have to say:
"Why visit Hawaii? It's got to be for the hot sun and the beautiful ocean. Two essential elements for all kinds of fun. And snorkeling in Hawaii is like slipping between those two wonderful elements. And in the space between you discover a new world, that fills your eyes and your mind with life, fresh color and an expanse of quiet beauty. Sea life.
Graceful Green Sea Turtles fly by. Dolphins click and squeak to each other and break the horizon in acrobatic spins. Schools of bright tropical fish either crowd you for a handout, or are so indifferent you are lucky to catch a glimpse. Not to mention the vast fields of colorful coral life that tries to imitate rock during the day.
Every time we snorkel in Hawaii, it offers something new and interesting. And Hawaii is so accommodating. The state has made all beaches public. So you can get up, watch the sun rise, and jump in at your own pace, just about anywhere. Of course, you can also book an exciting snorkel boat tour, filled with good company, food and music.
Ready to snorkel? But where? Because while it is true that you can get in the water almost anywhere in Hawaii, some snorkeling spots are much better than others. The best spots offer healthy reefs and an abundance of sea life to interact with. So what is our favorite spot on each of the main Hawaiian Islands? Tough question, because we love many spots on each island. Forced to choose, here is a favorite on each island that won't disappoint you:
Big Island (Hawaii) snorkeling
The Big Island has the most healthy coral fields of the islands, and plenty of sea life. It is our top pick for a snorkeling destination in Hawaii. And it is actually pretty easy to say what our favorite spot is on the island, because it is probably our favorite spot in all the Hawaiian Islands.
Two Steps in Honaunau - Our choice for best spot for snorkeling on the Big Island
If Two Steps had a beach, it would be the poster child for world's best snorkel spot. Instead, you get in the water from a solid rock shoreline, stepping down natural steps into the water. Don't let the lack of beach stop you, because this little bay has it all, fantastic corals draped across fields, valleys and cliffs. Turtles and dolphins frequent the bay, along with lots and lots of tropical fish. We have spotted octopus here, and even the elusive seahorse.
Kauai snorkeling
Kauai offers some exciting snorkeling, at the base of it's gorgeous rain shrouded mountains.
Tunnels - When snorkeling on Kauai this is our favorite spot
This is one giant of a snorkel spot. In fact, the curve of the outer protective reef at Tunnels can be seen from space. And it seems that most folks who snorkel here are not aware that with a good swim out farther inside the reef there are some huge healthy coral heads, and schools of tropical fish. So if you are a strong swimmer, explore a bit further inside the reef area for a real treat.
Maui snorkeling
Maui is no slouch. It offers some fantastic snorkeling and wonderful healthy coral reefs. And if you love to snorkel with turtles then Maui is the ticket, having an abundance of Green Sea Turtles.
Po'olenalena Beach - This Maui beach is our favorite for snorkeling on Maui
Po'olenalena may not have the fame of Molokini, but with it's perfect depths for a snorkeler and an abundance of sea life, it is much better in our book. The southernmost rocky point of the beach has stellar snorkeling. If you love seeing families of turtles, gorgeous hard corals, and healthy populations of fish, then this is not to be missed.
Oahu snorkeling
If you are fortunate enough to visit the north shore of Oahu in the summer, there are some great snorkel beaches, like Three Tables, described below. But in the winter and when there is a north swell, those spots favor surfers, so you will find better luck at locations on the west and south sides, like the famous Hanauma Bay.
Three Tables - Great spot on Oahu for snorkeling on a beach day
Just a tiny swim out from this quaint little beach and you will find one of the few spots on Oahu with healthy corals, and lots of fish. We have also found inquisitive reef squid here. The area is not big, but is full of life. But be aware that you need to be cautious of waves and currents at all of the north shore locations on Oahu."
Keoki and I really enjoyed Galen's and Nicoles Hawaii snorkel tour and the beautiful ocean life photos. To our visitors, remember that these photos are copyright and if you would like to use one, please, ask them their permission. We are sure that you have your own preferences about your favorite snorkel spots in Hawaii. Click the comment link and tell us more about your snorkeling in Paradise.
Mahalo Galen & Nicole again and aloha to all of you from Pua & Keoki Kohala Coast Web
p.s.
Galen & Nicole are half salt water, half web geeks who love sharing their snorkeling experiences from around the world at their website and in their eBook snorkeling guides. Drop in and say hi.
