Thanks to its crystal-clear waters and unique marine life, Hawaii is a snorkelling hotspot for those who are game for an underwater adventure. Snorkelling is one of the most popular things to do in Hawaii since you get to enjoy the sun as you meet and greet heaps of water creatures, from sea turtles to manta rays. The Aloha state has plenty of snorkel spots to dive into. Plus, lounging on pristine Hawaii beaches is another must-do after your snorkelling sesh.
Klook tip: Make sure to pack reef-safe sunscreen and remember the mantra: look, don’t touch.
If snorkelling is on your list of Hawaii things to do, here are 18 of the best snorkelling spots you can visit:
- Waikiki
- Honokohau Beach
- Molokini Crater
- Turtle Town
- Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
- Honolua Bay
- Hulopoe Bay
- Sharks Cove
- Tunnels Beach
- Manta Ray Village
- Mauna Kea Beach
- Kealakekua Beach
- Poipu Beach Park
- Na Pali Coast
- South Kona
- Ke’e Beach
- Anini Beach
- Kuilima Cove
1. Waikiki
Be surrounded by schools of fish in Waikiki. Credits: @codyketchumphotography
Which island? Oahu
Visiting the world-famous Waikiki? Take your trip up a notch with this snorkelling half-day tour that comes with an opportunity to swim with giant sea turtles! Head out to the blue waters of Waikiki aboard a comfy sailing boat that will take you to Kewalo Basin Harbour, where local species of sea turtles reside. Once you’re tired from all the swimming, a delicious buffet lunch is served before you head back to shore.
2. Honokohau Beach
Watch great manta rays at night. Credits: @mort.tician863
Which island? Big Island
Wanna go on a lovely date with manta rays? Add this extraordinary experience to your list of Hawaii things to do when you’re on the Big Island! Snorkel underneath the moonlight on this three-hour Manta Ray Night Dive and get to watch these elusive giants play with each other right before your eyes. No need to pack a lot during this fantastic nighttime adventure—all snorkelling equipment will be provided!
3. Molokini Crater
Snorkel with the whole fam in Hawaii! Credits: @fourwindsmaui
Which island? Maui
Home to over 250 species of native Hawaiian tropical fish, Molokini Crater in Maui is the perfect snorkel spot if you want to gaze upon a variety of creatures! Within its volcanic walls, you’ll be able to set your sights on colourful coral formations and marine life such as the yellow tang, Moray eels, and manta rays. This volcanic crater is also listed as a Marine Life Conservation District Seabird Sanctuary, so expect to see some avian friends while you’re here.
4. Turtle Town
Don your snorkel gear and pose for a wacky pic. Credits: @meg_bone
Which island? Maui
If you love turtles, there’s no need to think twice about visiting Turtle Town, Maui’s best-kept secret. Head over to Maluaka Beach, an isolated beach that’s easy to miss, so there are not a lot of tourists going here and there are times you might even enjoy the beach to yourselves. It’s located adjacent to the Makena Beach & Golf Resort. Watch Hawaiian green sea turtles swimming around and a bunch of other creatures, such as snappers, goatfish, and the Hawaii State Fish, the humuhumunukunukuapua’a (we dare you to say it in one breath!)
5. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Aside from snorkelling, Hanauma Bay is a perfect place to go sunbathing. Credits: @airplaneandie
Which island? Oahu
Snorkelling in Hanauma Bay is one of the things to do in Hawaii’s Oahu. Head to the South Shore to visit the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, a curved bay within a volcanic cinder cone and a popular snorkel spot. The bay is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays to give the marine wildlife some break from guests, so schedule your trip wisely.
6. Honolua Bay
Observe playful green sea turtles. Credits: @julieghooliee
Which island? Maui
Fondly called “The Bay”, Honolua Bay is the perfect spot to go if snorkelling and surfing are on your list of things to do in Hawaii. Located on Maui’s northwestern coast, The Bay has the best surf breaks, making it a popular venue for international renowned surf contests. Reef shelves are also close to its coastline, so you can easily see diverse creatures. Remember to watch out for sea urchins, though!
7. Hulopoe Bay
When in Lanai, visit Hulopoe Bay. Credits: @thisishowwebingham
Which island? Lanai
Looking for a snorkel spot in Lanai can be challenging since most of its coastlines are suited for scuba diving. But Hulopoe Bay is the best Hawaii beach in Lanai for a quick snorkelling session! Expect slopes that go as deep as six to 24 feet, though. On this snorkelling spot, you’ll be able to spot some Morays, yellow tangs, big parrotfish, and Hawaiian spinner dolphins.
8. Sharks Cove
No sharks here—just turtles! Credits: @mao4321
Which island? Oahu
Don’t let its name daunt you—Sharks Cove is one of the most popular snorkelling beaches in Hawaii for beginners! Sharks don’t usually appear in the area since the waters here are mostly shallow. Sharks Cove is a series of tide pools, making it an excellent site for beginners who are not keen on diving into the open ocean. If you swim further out, expect depths of up to 20 feet, though!
9. Tunnels Beach
Spend time by the beach after snorkelling. Credits: @bbyluvp
Which island? Kauai
True to its name, Tunnels Beach in Kauai has heaps to keep you entertained. This snorkelling spot is a network of caverns, channels, and tunnels you can explore as you meet different kinds of fish, including trumpet fish, goatfish, filefish, and species like green sea turtles. We recommend you visit here during the summer because the waves can be more intense in the winter.
10. Manta Ray Village
Manta Rays are also called gentle giants of the sea. Credits: @cosmicalchemistcenter
Which island? Big Island
Can’t get enough of manta rays? If you’re an experienced snorkeller, head over to the Manta Ray Village on the Big Island for an unforgettable snorkel trip. To head to the site, you will depart from Keauhou Bay on a two-hour cruise until you reach the Manta Village. Here, you’ll be briefed on Manta behaviour and safety guidelines before diving. Expect to see three to 25 manta rays as you swim about!
11. Mauna Kea Beach
With crystal clear waters, you can easily spot marine life from above the surface! Credits: @sue_peerson
Which island? Big Island
Wanna let your kids try snorkelling? Mauna Kea Beach is ideal for little kids and novice snorkellers. This Hawaii beach is home to majestic coral gardens, and vibrant marine life tucked into its rock wall crevices. After snorkelling, you can settle on its soft white sands and find shade under its palm fringes.
12. Kealakekua Bay
Pack your mermaid fins and pose for pics. Credits: @finfolkproductions
Which island? Oahu
Feast your eyes upon kaleidoscopic coral reefs at Kealakekua Bay in Oahu! Translating to the “pathway of the gods,” this State Park is truly an underwater paradise filled with hues of purples and pinks, thanks to its clear azure waters. It’s also a marine life sanctuary, so expect to swim alongside eels, rays, and turtles. It’s also the site of the historic Captain Cook Monument, where you can settle and set up a picnic lunch.
13. Poipu Beach Park
Enjoy your day at Poipu Beach Park. Credits: @andr3a88
Which island? Kauai
If watching Hawaiian monk seals is on your list of things to do in Hawaii, pay a visit to Poipu Beach Park in Kauai. Sitting next to the Marriott Beach Club, Poipu Beach Park provides lifeguards, showers and restrooms, and food stalls for your convenience. Aside from the monk seals, you’ll also be able to catch a sight of sea cucumbers and the humuhumunukunukuapua’a, and humpbacks during whale season!
14. Na Pali Coast
Experience a fun summer day at Na Pali Coast. Credits: @agata_rubik
Which island? Kauai
Have you ever visited an underwater rainforest? Visit the sacred Na Pali Coast on Kauai’s North Shore and see emerald cliffs that embrace a lush valley floor where diverse creatures can be found. The best time to visit the Na Pali Coast is during the summer when you can snorkel under hidden sea caves and set foot on remote beaches.
15. South Kona
Watch a diverse array of creatures in the South Kona area. Credits: @_lindsey_k__
Which island? Big Island
If you can’t choose just one snorkel site, visit the South Kona area on the Big Island, where you can visit more than one diving spot. You can go to the Red Hill or Pu’u Ohau and Pali Kaholo, which are home to diverse marine wildlife and natural formations, including vibrant coral cays, underwater caves, lava rock canyons, ridges, and sea arches.
16. Ke’e Beach
Come with your bestie to Ke’e Beach! Credits: @whitneysutherland
Which island? Kauai
Another snorkelling spot in Kauai lies in Ke’e Beach on the North Shore. You won’t have to dive deep to see marine creatures here. Reef fish such as butterflyfish, filefish, saddle wrasse, and surgeonfish are easily spotted near the seabed, so all you need to do is stay near the beach entry!
17. Anini Beach
Anini Beach has tons of small spaces to explore along the reef. Credits: @shotbyjp__
Which island? Kauai
Get lost in the moment when you dive at Anini Beach, a shallow reef that welcomes novice and experienced divers. The three-mile crescent cove is famous for its gentle waves, but watch out for the occasional strong tide. Here, you can explore several nooks and crannies along the edge of the reef, which makes it seem never-ending, and meet hawksbill and green sea turtles.
18. Kuilima Cove
Train your little mermaids and mermen in Hawaii. Credits: @maril_y_n
Which island? Oahu
Still in Oahu and looking for more things to do in Hawaii? Go to Kuilima Cove on the Turtle Bay Resort, where you can observe needlefish, triggerfish, perch, boxfish, damselfish, parrotfish, and Hawaiian spiny lobsters swimming around. After snorkelling, spend time on the beach and get your daily dose of sunshine!
Written by: Elle David
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