Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on earth and everybody who vacations there says\u2014out loud\u2014to at least one other person, \u201cI should move here\u201d. \u00a0The clear blue waters, lush greenery and the excitement of an active volcano are all pulls on your tropical heartstrings. \u00a0We\u2019re not all lucky enough to move to the islands, but when you visit, Hawaii snorkeling is an absolute must.<\/p>\n
Hawaii snorkeling is a great introduction to the underwater world that exists around Hawaii. The marine areas surrounding the islands are protected, so much of Hawaii’s water landscape is untouched.<\/p>\n
You put on a mask, pop in a mouthpiece and a world of color and is, at once, exhilarating and calming. There\u2019s a reason locals snorkel as much as visitors\u2014it\u2019s amazing. It\u2019s easy to do if you have the right gear.<\/p>\n
If you go snorkeling with a tour, they\u2019ll provide you with all the gear you need. Hawaii snorkeling tours can get pricey: $60 and over per 4-hour tour. So if you want to snorkel every day for a week, it might be worth it to look into weekly gear rentals, and they\u2019re everywhere. You can also pick up an inexpensive mask and snorkel just about anywhere.<\/p>\n
The mask creates a suction to your face when you put it on. It covers your nose, so if you\u2019re a nose breather, this will be a change. Make sure it fits tight around your head, you don\u2019t want any water to get in. The mask comes with the snorkel, and it\u2019s attached so you don\u2019t lose the snorkel<\/p>\n
While unnecessary, fins are helpful for Hawaii snorkeling. You want to move around as much as possible without wearing yourself out. Make sure they fit you snuggly. Fins also help with traversing rough or rocky terrain getting in and out of the water. Spiny urchins hid in the crevasses and some rocks are razor sharp.<\/p>\n
Hawaii snorkeling is so good you can almost plop in anywhere and see something exciting. There are \u201chot spots\u201d that offer something unusual or just beat other spots in visibility, a variety of sea life, or ease of navigation. Here are our favorite places for Hawaii snorkeling:<\/p>\n
Um, the name says it all: turtles people, turtles. This is on the southern coastline of Maui where a series of underwater lava eruptions left formations that provide a perfect place for sea turtles to live. You\u2019ll want to touch them, but it\u2019s illegal. These magical creatures are endangered, so take some underwater pictures and just enjoy swimming with them.<\/p>\n
You may just glimpse an octopus or an eel while you\u2019re under. Tons of fish swim around the lava formations, making this a favorite spot. Turtle town is near Maluaka Beach and is suitable for all snorkeling levels.<\/p>\n
The waters here are calm and that makes for perfect Hawaii snorkeling. Spinner dolphins love to make appearances here. You\u2019ll also swim alongside turtles, eels, reef sharks and a rainbow of fish. You can even eat a picnic lunch at the monument for Captain James Cook, so you might learn history while you\u2019re there. Suitable for all levels of experience.<\/p>\n
Take a boat tour or sea kayak to this spot from Maui. This is the longest fringing reef in Hawaii so it attracts just about everything. For a remarkable trip come during whale-watching season (December-March). The whales will serenade you and you\u2019ll be able to see them breach the water\u2014it\u2019ll take your breath away. Fringing Reef is perfect for all levels of snorkelers.<\/p>\n