Where To Snorkel In Hawaii In The Winter?

Hawaii offers some of the best snorkeling spots in the world, with Maui being the best during winter due to its well-protected bays and coves. Oahu and Kauai offer unique snorkeling spots during the summer, while the ideal island for snorkeling varies depending on the weather. The diverse underwater world is full of tropical fish, Hawaiian Green sea turtles, eagle rays, manta rays, and sea cucumbers.

The best snorkeling spots in Hawaii during March are Maui, with its well-protected bays and coves. Kuilima Cove is another great spot for snorkeling on Oahu in the winter. The only beaches with good snorkeling are in North Kona and South Kohala, with hotels at the Four Seasons and the Four Seasons. Lanikai Beach is a beautiful snorkeling spot that is generally calm in winter, but it’s best to avoid windy days.

Black Rock Beach in Kaanapali is a good spot for snorkeling on the north end of Kaanapali Beach. On Kauai during winter, Anini Beach, Poipu Beach Park, Lydgate Beach Park, and Koloa Landing are excellent locations for snorkeling. Honolua Bay, also known as The Bay, sits on Mauis northwest coast and is popular for seasoned surfers in the winter. On Oahu, the best place to snorkel in January is Hanauma Bay, a nature preserve on the south shore. Other options include Hanauma Bay and the coves in Koolina, as well as nearby attractions like Natatorium and Kapiolani Park.

Do you need a wetsuit to snorkel in Hawaii in winter?

For those who are paler and prone to sunburn, it does not matter how much sunblock you put on, snorkeling is a great recipe for turning into a lobster. Rashguards with SPF protection are highly recommended.

For those who get cold easily, a spring suit wetsuit is a great solution in the wintertime when the ocean averages around 77 degrees. Although that does not seem too cold to most it may feel colder after floating in the water for several minutes and if there is a persistent breeze. In the summer the temperatures average around 82 degrees making it much more comfortable for simple bathing suit wear.

Also make sure to consider colors and embellishments. There are wild animals swimming around you, some of which may be drawn to sequins or bright colors. Make sure to pack appropriately, with consideration of your circumstances.

Change of clothes. You won’t want to walk around in a soaking wet suit after you’re done having fun in the water. Therefore, bring a change of clothes. We recommend something lightweight and comfortable, with a jacket to protect against the wind. You’ll be thankful to have something dry to change into, trust us!

Is it too cold to snorkel in Maui in December?

Maui Island is near the equator, so the temperatures don’t vary much throughout the year. This means that you will be far from the freezing temperature of the north. December is also one of the months of the year when the water is calmest and clearest, a great indication to witness the sea life while snorkeling. Still unsure how to get the best out of snorkeling in Maui in December? Well, you are in the right place for Sea Maui offers one of the best snorkeling tours on the island. We listed the snorkeling tours you can take while vacationing in Hawaii.

Xpress Snorkel Tour on Maui. Sea Maui offers a short and sweet adventure to those who want to experience other island adventures in a day. The Xpress snorkel is one of the best Snorkel tours to experience Maui’s marvelous waters. You will get a chance to see and be up close to the island’s treasured sea life and ocean creatures! Additionally, Sea Maui has a boat with an open-air layout. It provides a 360-degree view so our guests can see seasonal whale sightings, dolphins, and other grand sightings while at sea. Not to mention, Xpress Snorkel Tour adventure is unique to Sea Maui, and we offer the fastest option to get our guests from the beach and straight to snorkeling in no time.

Afternoon West Maui Snorkel Tour. If your taste calls for a more relaxing snorkeling adventure, Sea Maui also offers an afternoon snorkel tour. You can catch the splendid afternoon sun at sea while admiring the majestic dolphins chasing ocean waves in the wake of Sea Maui’s boat’s path. This tour can also give you a closer scenic view of humpback whales catching their breath on the sea surface after gathering their meal. You can also chill with the turtles while admiring the charm of the corals, fishes, and afternoon sea breeze.

Are there sea turtles in Hawaii in December?

About Our Local Sea Turtles. The two types of sea turtles most spotted at The Ritz Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay are green sea turtles (honu) and Hawksbill sea turtles (honuʻea). Turtle nesting season in Hawaii is typically mid-April through early October, but can sometimes extend into December. And you’re probably wondering when the sea turtles hatch? After about two months in their nests, hatchlings will emerge.

Sea Turtle Etiquette. Before we share where to see sea turtles in Hawaiʻi,make sure to review these guidelines on how to act around our friendly endangered species.

• Keep your distance.Stay at least 15 feet away from honu andhonuʻea,and don’t block their accessto or from the ocean.
• No touching!It is illegal to touch sea turtles.
• Don’t harassthe sea turtles.Don’t chase them, swim directly at them,make loud noises in their presence, or feed them.
• Do not use flash photography. When snapping photos, make sure flash is off. We recommend using aGoPro – which you can rent here at Turtle Bay’s Surf House for free.

Is snorkeling better in Maui or Oahu?

Snorkeling is hands-down much better on Maui. Oahu does have some great snorkel spots, but if you want to get into the water, snorkel easily, and not have the ocean too overcrowded, 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 reads: The 17 best beaches on Maui and the best beaches for kids on Maui.

Oahu vs. Maui: Activities. Oahu wins by a landslide in this category. Living on Oahu for two years, I never ran out of things to do. In fact, now that I live on Maui, I miss being able to head into Honolulu for an evening or pop into a cultural or historical site for the afternoon. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but you’ll find Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, Chinatown, a zoo, an aquarium, parks, waterfalls, pillbox hikes, and more. It is bustling and you absolutely won’t get bored.

Is snorkeling better in Maui or Honolulu?

While these beaches are significantly more crowded than what you’ll find on Maui, Oahu’s beaches are easier for young swimmers, if you’re traveling with family. So that gives Oahu the slight edge for the Hawaiian island with the best beaches. Stick to the south shore of Oahu for the calmest beaches during the winter. See our list of the 10 Best Beaches in Oahu for more details.

Snorkeling is hands-down much better on Maui. Oahu does have some great snorkel spots, but if you want to get into the water, snorkel easily, and not have the ocean too overcrowded, 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 reads: The 17 best beaches on Maui and the best beaches for kids on Maui.

Oahu vs. Maui: Activities. Oahu wins by a landslide in this category. Living on Oahu for two years, I never ran out of things to do. In fact, now that I live on Maui, I miss being able to head into Honolulu for an evening or pop into a cultural or historical site for the afternoon. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but you’ll find Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, Chinatown, a zoo, an aquarium, parks, waterfalls, pillbox hikes, and more. It is bustling and you absolutely won’t get bored.

Where is the best place to snorkel in Hawaii in December?

Best Snorkeling in Hawaii in December. Maui has the best snorkeling in Hawaii in December. As the winter waves pick up on the other islands, Maui’s reefs on the south and west-facing shores are the best December snorkeling in Hawaii.

Enjoy the holiday season on Maui with some epic snorkeling.

Best Beaches to Snorkel at in December. The best beaches for snorkeling in December in Maui are the following:

What month is best to snorkel in Hawaii?

May to September, where you’ll find perfect conditions in snorkeling sites all over the islands.

Protip: If you want to see Humpback Whale migrations while snorkeling in Hawaii, try to plan your trip between November and May (the best months are January and February).

Where is the best place to snorkel in Oahu in winter?

The best time to snorkel in Oahu depends on the beach you wish to snorkel at. During the winter months (November through April) it’s generally a better idea to stick to coves and lagoons that are protected from the waves. This would include Hanauma Bay and Ko’Olina Lagoons.

In the summer months, the north shore is snorkeling heaven. Three Tables and Shark’s Cove are the most incredible snorkeling spots from June through September. Kahe Point and Makaha could potentially be snorkeled all year round, however be sure to check the wave forecast beforehand as these two locations are open water.

In addition, when planning your trip to Oahu, I would highly recommend booking based around the jellyfish influx calendar. Wait…Oahu has a jellyfish influx?! Yep! Monthly! Mostly, this influx affects the southern shores of Oahu. However, it can sometimes wrap around to the sides of the island. Check out the Waikiki Aquarium Box Jellyfish Calendar when choosing the dates for your Oahu trip and snorkel locations.

Is it better to snorkel in the morning or afternoon in Hawaii?

Because so much of snorkeling revolves around enjoying the plants, rock and coral formations, and sea creatures, the reduced visibility will make the experience much less enjoyable. This is why it is much better to go snorkeling when the sea is relatively calm, typically in the morning.

When Is Snorkeling In The Afternoon Possible?. This doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy your favorite activity in the afternoons. There are occasions when the water remains fairly calm even hours after the trade winds should have picked up. If you somehow missed your opportunity to go snorkeling in the morning, or you want to go into the water again, keep an eye out for favorable conditions for doing so.

There are also spots around the islands where the conditions are ideal for snorkeling for most of the day. In particular, coves surrounded by cliffs or hills tend to remain tranquil because of the absence of strong winds to stir up the waves. If you find such a spot, you might be able to enjoy several hours of snorkeling long after low visibility would have been a factor in other places.

Is it worth going to Maui in December?

Weather on Maui in December December on Maui is the perfect escape from cold weather. Daytime temperatures remain comfortable in the low-80’s and rarely drop below 70 at night. Though December is one of Maui’s rainiest months, most rain showers (and large surf) are confined to the island’s north shore.

Maui in December is every vacationer’s dream. While North America is dipping into freezing temperatures and snow storms, Maui remains sunny and inviting. High temperatures reach the low- to mid-80’s, while coastal areas rarely fall below the mid-60’s at night. December tends to Maui’s rainiest month, but most rain showers are confined to the island’s North Shore (Haiku and Paia). Large swells also sweep across the island chain this time of year. Check out Ho’okipa Lookout just past the town of Paia to watch surfers tackle monster waves. Waves are smaller along Maui’s West and South shores, making Maui in December a perfect time for surf lessons, kayak adventures, snorkeling, and Stand Up Paddle Boarding.

On Saturday, December 2(9am-7pm) and Sunday, December 3(9am-5pm), Banyan Tree Park in the heart of Lahaina will come alive with holiday festivities. Families can enjoy cook decorating, face painting, and holiday crafting. Photos with Santa start at 2pm on Saturday. Lighting of the Banyan tree takes place on Saturday at 6:30pm.

Climb aboard for the Holiday Express on the Maui Sugar Cane Train. Enjoy festive decorations and fresh baked cookies. Santa himself will be passing out free toys. Train rides depart from Pu`ukolii every Friday through Sunday through Christmas at both 6:30pm and 8:00pm. Tickets are $30 per person. Keiki under 2 ride free. More.

Is it too cold to swim in Hawaii in December?

The water temperature in Hawaii averages in the 70s, depending on the shore and time of year. Pacific Ocean temperatures on Honolulu shores are warmer than those of Hilo, but both are still swim-worthy at 77 and 73 degrees, respectively.

Ocean temperatures in December all around the Hawaiian islands rest comfortably at about 77 degrees. You will notice slight changes depending on which side of the island you choose for dipping your toes in the water. Take the island itself and your location on the island into consideration when planning a time to visit Hawaii.

Rainfall. The beauty of the weather in Hawaii in December is subjective. December is the wettest month of the year for all of Hawaii’s islands. However, in Hawaii’s case, this means just 1.3 inches of rain that month to take the title.

While other states in the U.S. might see this rainfall total in the course of a few hours, in Hawaii, it will likely come in short bursts of rain over many days. December is the rainiest month on the beautiful island of Maui; however, most of the precipitation is confined to the northern areas with drier times in West Maui.

Are there sharks in Hawaii in December?

The relationship between number of people in the water and number of shark bites is not always as expected. There appears to be an increased risk of being bitten by a shark during certain months, in particular October through December. Early Hawaiians recognized this, and cautioned against going in the water at that time. Although fewer people are in the water from Nov-Dec, some of Hawaii’s most serious shark attacks took place during those months. Analysis of weather/ocean conditions andtiger shark life history is beginning toshed some light on the patterns shown in this graph.

Please feel free to use only with citing the source as:Courtesy of Division of Aquatic Resources, Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources.