Hawaii is a U.S. state, an island in the Pacific Ocean about 3000 km from the U.S. mainland. Hawaii is known for its water sports especially snorkelling, and with more than 2000 km of coral reef fringing the Hawaiian Islands, snorkelling and scuba diving are two of the island’s most popular water activities. Do you know that more than 8 million people come to Hawaii to enjoy the snorkelling experience? Are you interested in exploring the beauty of underwater life? Here are 10 Hawaii Snorkelling spots you can’t miss!
1. Coral Gardens
Coral Gardens is located in Maui and known to be the best place for snorkelling and is reachable by boat. The coral gardens that you can see here place were created by the lava flow from the West Maui Mountains Pu’u Kukui. This place is also the home to a plethora of Hawaiian tropical fish such as angelfish, butterflyfish, triggerfish, and parrotfish.
2. Molokini Crater
Molokini is a destination for scuba diving and snorkelling and is located in the ʻAlalākeiki Channel between the islands of Maui and Kahoʻolawe, within Maui County in Hawaii. The islet is a Hawaii State Seabird Sanctuary and you are sure to have unforgettable experiences here.
3. Kapalua Bay
This is another great place to snorkel and enjoy underwater life and you can see a variety of amazing fishes and even turtles. Kapalua comes from two words ‘kapa’ and ‘lua’ meaning two borders. During the summer this beach is always crowded with visitors but still beautiful to enjoy.
4. Sharks Cove
Sharks Cove is a well-protected area due to the natural rock boundaries. Located on Oahu’s North Shore, Sharks cove is the most popular snorkelling beach on this island thanks to its population of beautiful fishes and the incredibly clear water. This is a good place for kids, they will love seeing turtles, eel, octopus, and fishes of all colors.
5. Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is an stunning place to visit on the Island and for this reason receives over three million visitors per year. You will need to book in advance.
6. Turtle Canyons
If you want to see turtles swimming around you, this place is perfect! Located in the south of Waikiki Beach here you can enjoy snorkelling with plenty of the lovely animals swimming all around you.
7. Kealakekua Bay
Kealakekua Bay is located on the Kona Coast of the island of Hawaii about 19 km south of Kailua-Kona. The bay is a marine life conservation district and home to many interesting fishes, beautiful corals and even dolphins.
8. Ke’e Beach
Ke’e Beach is protected by a reef which makes it a safe place for both snorkelling and swimming. You will see a variety of sea life from fishes to sea lions, and the beach is lovely and clean with facilities such as lifeguards, picnic tables, toilets and even freshwater showers.
9. Lawai Beach
Lawai Beach is actually a resort, also known as Beach House Beach. The view from the resort is amazing and during the spring or summer, this place is full of people looking to snorkel, surf, or just enjoy the beach.
10. NaPali Coast
Spanning 15 km along Kauai’s North Shore, the NaPali Coast is a sacred place defined by extraordinary natural beauty. These emerald-hued cliffs with razor-sharp ridges tower above the Pacific Ocean, revealing beautiful beaches and waterfalls that plummet to the lush valley floor. After snorkelling, you can visit the Manawaiopuna Falls, featured as a backdrop in the film “Jurassic Park.”
