How to Snorkel in Hawaii

Hawaii boasts clear waters, extensive coral reefs and spectacular sea life for snorkelers to enjoy. You can snorkel in Hawaii for little or no cost from many beaches. More elaborate undersea adventures are also widely available.

Instructions

    • 1

      Book your Hawaiian trip. Remember that snorkel experiences and opportunities can vary considerably by island and coastal location. There are safer snorkeling opportunities in spring and summer, because waters are calmer and warmer.

    • 2

      Decide what kind of snorkeling experience you want. Maybe you want to snorkel from a boat in Molokini, a nearly submerged crater off the coast of Maui. Or perhaps you want to explore a calm, shallow lagoon just steps from your hotel and then enjoy a mai tai at the tiki bar.

    • 3

      Reserve tours or charters well in advance of your visit. If you plan to snorkel on your own, go to popular snorkeling areas like Oahu's legendary Hanauma Bay early to be sure you get a parking spot.

    • 4

      Find a pool or safe beach to practice before you snorkel. Get comfortable walking in your fins. Enter the water and attach your snorkel to the mask. Adjust the mask to be watertight but not uncomfortably snug. Start swimming and find a good depth. Regulate your breathing through the snorkel. Kick your fins. Barely use your arms to propel yourself through the water so as not to scare the fish.

    • 5

      Snorkel. Look for green sea turtles, coral and distinctive underwater rock formations. You'll find a varied, colorful population of fish that include angelfish, blennies, parrotfish, needlefish, wrasse, lionfish, scorpion fish, tang and porcupine fish.