Where Can You Go Snorkeling In Hawaii?

Hawaii offers a variety of underwater adventures, including snorkeling in the islands. The best places to go snorkeling in Hawaii include Kumimi Beach, Murphys Beach, Nāpali Coast, and Molokai. The west side of the islands, known as the drier west side, is known for its better snorkeling. Molokini Crater, located off the shore of Maui, offers world-class snorkeling and diving due to its crystal-clear waters. Oahu, the most visited island, offers sheltered waters and easy-to-access beaches, making it an ideal spot for shore snorkeling. Maui has the most south and west-facing snorkel spots, making it the best snorkeling destination in January. Big waves can be experienced at Turtle Canyons Snorkel Excursion from Waikiki, Hawaii, which is priced at 3,850 86.28. The turtle snorkeling adventure in Waikiki (Boat Tour) is also a top choice for those looking to explore the underwater world.

Is Maui or Kauai better for snorkeling?

Choosing the Right Island for Your Snorkeling Adventure. Choosing between Maui vs. Kauai for snorkeling depends largely on what type of experience you’re seeking. If you prefer easy access, vibrant marine life, and family-friendly spots, Maui is likely the better choice. For adventurers looking for a quieter, more secluded experience, Kauai will be more appealing.

Both Maui and Kauai offer exceptional snorkeling experiences, each with its own charm and unique qualities. Whether you choose the bustling reefs of Maui or the serene waters of Kauai, you’re in for a spectacular underwater adventure.

Are you ready to explore the underwater marvels of Maui? Join us at Hawaii Ocean Rafting for an unforgettable snorkeling adventure. Whether you’re looking to swim with the turtles in West Maui or embark on a snorkel and dolphin watch in Lanai, we have the perfect tour for you.

Is it better to snorkel in Maui or Honolulu?

Maui is the best Hawaiian Island for snorkeling. Maui offers the most protected bays, calm seas, translucent waters, year-round snorkeling, and vibrant sea life. Maui snorkeling allows one to snorkel a crater, travel to nearby islands, and the best opportunities to swim with sea turtles.

We’ve snorkeled in Oahu, Kauai, and Hawaii at all the best snorkeling beaches. They are amazing and all offer their unique advantages. But this was a foregone conclusion. Maui is the best for snorkeling, one of a few reasons why Erica and I chose Maui as our home.

Rub on that reef-safe sunscreen and come to Maui for the best snorkeling in the Hawaiian Islands.

Is snorkeling better in Maui or Kauai?

Choosing the Right Island for Your Snorkeling Adventure. Choosing between Maui vs. Kauai for snorkeling depends largely on what type of experience you’re seeking. If you prefer easy access, vibrant marine life, and family-friendly spots, Maui is likely the better choice. For adventurers looking for a quieter, more secluded experience, Kauai will be more appealing.

Both Maui and Kauai offer exceptional snorkeling experiences, each with its own charm and unique qualities. Whether you choose the bustling reefs of Maui or the serene waters of Kauai, you’re in for a spectacular underwater adventure.

Are you ready to explore the underwater marvels of Maui? Join us at Hawaii Ocean Rafting for an unforgettable snorkeling adventure. Whether you’re looking to swim with the turtles in West Maui or embark on a snorkel and dolphin watch in Lanai, we have the perfect tour for you.

Should I go to Honolulu or Maui first?

It depends on your preferences in the battle of Maui versus Honolulu. Hawaii is a stunning location with plenty of fun things to do, no matter which island you visit.

If you’re in the market for a beachy, relaxing vacation, you may want to head to Maui. Otherwise, consider Honolulu for its abundance of hotels, things to do and plentiful flight connections to other U.S. cities.

Should I snorkel in Maui or the Big Island?

Snorkeling is hands-down better on Maui. The Big Island does have some great snorkel spots, but if you want to get into the water, snorkel easily, and not have to drive far, Maui is your place. Plus, you’ll see turtles everywhere. We love snorkeling in Napili Bay, Kapalua Bay, Honolua Bay, Turtle Town & Maluaka Beach.

Related read: The 17 best beaches on Maui and the best beaches for kids on Maui.

Maui vs. Big Island: Activities. The Big Island wins by a landslide in this category. The Big Island has a large mix of free, low-cost, and paid excursions that are all worth doing. You will have to plan your trip carefully to cover all the bucket list items.

Where is the clearest water to snorkel in Hawaii?

It is the perfect environment for marine life to feed and breed, and it is home to over 250 species of endemic Hawaiian tropical fish. Within its volcanic walls, you will find a host of colorful reef formations and vibrant marine life. There are manta rays, black triggerfish, yellow tangs, raccoon butterflyfish, parrotfish, Moorish idols, moray eels, and so much more. The Pacific waters around the Molokini Crater are home to more than 100 species of algae, and roughly 35 species of hard coral.

The crystal-clear water at Molokini has an average of 150 feet of visibility. It’s what makes this one of the best snorkeling spots on Maui. Molokini is a popular place for both beginners and experienced snorkelers, and it is the top choice for morning snorkel tours in all of Maui. Molokini is also one of the most popular places for scuba diving in all the Hawaiian Islands.

Turtle Town has the perfect name, as it is the best place to snorkel on Maui if your goal is to see the Hawaiian green sea turtles in action! Thanks to government protection and the ESA (Endangered Species Act), this stretch is a safe home to a dense population of the Hawaiian green sea turtle.

Turtle Town can be found on the southern coast of the island, between Nahuna Point and Black Sand Beach. It is best visited on a boat tour, and it is well known as one of the best spots to snorkel in Maui. This is especially true if these large sea turtles are your sightseeing goal. While enjoying a Maui snorkel tour to Turtle Town, guests can expect to see the turtles gently approaching them with curiosity. They can plan to see a wide array of other vibrant marine life as well.

Is snorkeling free in Honolulu?

Once you arrive at Hanauma Bay there is a standard entry fee of $25.00 for each guest. If you live on the island of Oahu and have a valid Hawaii ID card or Hawaii drivers license then there is no charge to enter the park. Also, if you are an active duty military and station in Hawaii then there is no charge if you display you current military ID card.

After you watch the mandatory 9 minute safety video you may walk down the hill to the lower level and start snorkeling. If you need assistance to get down to the beach, there is a tram that is now included with the entry fee.

Hanauma Bay Transportation Package from WaikikiRound-trip Waikiki Hotel Pickup plus your Snorkel Equipment is Included – Pay the $25 entry fee at the parkBook Now.

Is snorkeling better on the Big Island or Oahu?

What Makes Kona Snorkeling So Good?. While some places like Maui or Oahu may have a few good or even great snorkel spots, it’s no surprise that residents of those islands will take a flight to the Big Island for it’s underwater superiority. Especially considering that most of the Kona coastline is fantastic for snorkeling.

Read about the factors that contribute to the great snorkeling Kona has. These factors should answer the question: does Kona have good snorkeling?

Visibility. Visibility is excellent here in Kona snorkeling. This is because the island is so new (geologically speaking) that there isn’t as much sand as you will find in other places. This lack of sand means clear water!

Can you snorkel with sharks in Hawaii?

Yes, you can indeed experience thrilling shark dives in Oahu, Hawaii, thanks to the expert marine biologists and guides at One Ocean Diving. Led by the renowned shark researcher Ocean Ramsey, One Ocean Diving offers safe…

“Hands down the best thing I did in Hawaii and one of the best experiences in my life! Love that this shark dive tour is so educational and more than a dive, going out with One Ocean Diving helps support so many shark conservation efforts too.” -Matt Johnston.

-Read more reviews like this on Yelp, Trip Advisor, and Google Business.

More Than Just A Shark Tour. Some guests join the charter to gain more knowledge on sharks, marine life, and our research program without getting in the water. The charter is very informational in the hopes that all guests learn something new. Sharks can be seen from the boat on the surface of the water and even though some may be nervous about getting in the water, we strongly encourage it and promise the view is much better from below the surface. Most ride-alongs end up getting in the water once they see all the fun that’s being had in the water. Our professionally trained safety divers/biologists will be the first in the water and the last out of the water for your shark snorkel experience. The safety divers on our team are trained extensively by some of the most accomplished divers in the world with experience in working with large marine animals, including sharks. Once in the water with your safety diver, you can hold onto the line that extends along the boat for your convenience. The line makes it easier to view the surrounding sharks and wildlife that may appear on your dive. When your safety diver is ready, they will invite you off the line to swim and dive freely with respect to your comfort and swimming ability. All guests can exit the water at any time if needed to take a break from the shark snorkel. Our Captain on board the boat will help however possible if needed by the guest. Once the charter is over, our guides will provide information about your dive, conservation updates, what our company is doing to aid in conservation efforts, and any new data specific to the research currently being conducted. This is an excellent time for any questions to be asked so they can be answered by our experienced biologists. When on the boat heading to and from the harbor, we are always on the lookout for whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life. (**Seeing other marine life besides sharks is not something that is guaranteed**) We hope that all guests leave our charter with a newfound love and respect for our oceans and the creatures that inhabit them. One Ocean Diving is ranked as one of the best Shark Diving Tours on Oahu, book online and see for yourself!

Which Hawaii island is best for snorkeling?

Pick Your Island or Learn More Below. Which Island Has the Best Snorkeling in Hawaii?. This is pretty easy to answer. Maui and the Big Island far exceed Oahu and Kauai in terms of the amount of snorkeling locations and the quality and quantity of healthy reefs, fish, and other sea life. Maui currently has the healthiest corals and the most Green Sea Turtles, and is our favorite island for snorkeling in Hawaii. But, the Big Island is a close second with lots of fish and some healthy corals to see, not to mention manta rays!

Get All of Our Hawaii Snorkeling Guides in One Resource. Can’t decide on what island to go to, or are you visiting more than one? Get our Hawaii Snorkeling Guide eBook, so that you can easily find the best spots on all the islands.

Easy Free Snorkeling in Hawaii. Snorkeling Hawaii couldn’t be easier. Rent yourself a car, drive to the beach, put your gear on, get in the water and snorkel! That is really the biggest pleasure of snorkeling in Hawaii, no schedules! Of course you can go on a wonderful boat tour too, like Molokini from Maui or Captain Cook from Big Island (both are worth doing).

Can you snorkel anywhere in Hawaii?

Hawaii has an abundance of snorkeling spots throughout the islands. Thanks to its coral reefs and protected areas, snorkeling is a must in Hawaii, as the seabed is rich and full of fish.

In this article, we will review the 4 main islands of Hawaii (Kauai, Big Island, Maui and Oahu) and list the beaches and areas most suitable for observing underwater life. We will end this article with some tips on how to get the most out of snorkeling in Hawaii.

Please note that the ratings of the spots below have been re-evaluated compared to those indicated in the respective articles, in order to compare all the snorkeling sites between them, whatever the islands (the ratings in the articles also take into account the setting, the beach and the frequentation…)