Snorkeling on the Hawaiian Shore
Snorkeling in Hawaii can be exciting as in “Look at the size of that turtle!” to a tranquil escape from the outside noises of the world while caressed by crystal blue waters with the warmth of the sun on your back. Hawaii's near-shore waters average 74 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and a little warmer in summer on Hawaii's west shores. Many of the Hawaiian Islands' natural treasures are hidden from ordinary view, including hundreds of species of fish that can be seen for the price of renting snorkeling gear or booking a tour.
Hawaii's coastal waters are home to more than 536 inshore species of fish, 25 percent of which are endemic to these islands. Peering at this underwater world is fascinating. Small and feisty damsel fish dart out from the coral like miniature watchdogs, while puffer fish increase their size when they feel threatened. The curious needle fish, named for its elongated shape, sometimes swim up to snorkelers for a close-up. The water may be calm where you are at but a few yards away near some big rock, the surge moves a school of fish floats back and forth as one. A beakish-mouthed parrot fish, predominantly bright blue, swims among the coral where urchins cling. A shadow underneath catches your eye and is — much to your relief — a turtle. Such is another day snorkeling in Hawaii.
Look Don't Touch
When snorkeling, look don't touch — for a few reasons. Some of Hawaii's marine life, the Hawaiian green sea turtle for example, are listed as threatened under state and federal law. Some are easily injured, such as the fragile coral. Many of Hawaii's sea critters can harm you when touched. For example, the pretty cone shell can deliver dangerous venom. While shark attacks are rare, reduce the risk of one by following the “Do's and Don'ts” provided by the State of Hawaii at Hawaii Sharks (hawaiisharks.com)
More Hawaii Snorkeling Tips
For best visibility, snorkel in the morning when the ocean is at its quietest, before the trade winds pick up. A sandy bottom and waves adds up to murkiness, as do streams entering the ocean. Also, most fish hang out near reefs and rocks, which are often just off shore and accessible via a sandy beach. When unsure of the ocean conditions, ask a lifeguard before entering because Hawaii has strong rip currents. As for mask, snorkel and fins, many hotels and beach concessions rent gear. Local venues such as Snorkel Bob's (snorkelbob.com) rent by day or week. If you're island hopping, you can rent on one island and return on another. Big-box stores in Hawaii sell gear, but only purchase if you can try on the mask.
There are hundreds of places to snorkel off Hawaii's shores. Some of the best snorkeling experiences are found in preserves, waters protected from general fishing and other consumer activities.
Cupped in a shoreline crater on the sunny, south sore of Oahu near Waikiki, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is calm year-round with crystal clear water and broad fingers of sand stretching out between shallow reefs. Amenities include concessions, an educational marine center, free beach wheelchair rentals and a sandy beach. Hanauma charges a small fee and closes on Tuesdays.
A Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD), Molokini Shoal is the partially submerged crater in the blue ocean off Maui often pictured in travel guides. According to the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources, the diversity of marine life here is “among the most impressive in the state.” Besides the coral and fishes, you may even find yourself snorkeling among humpback whales.
In the Big Island's the South Kona District, the pristine marine sanctuary in Kealakekua Bay near the Caption Cook Monument is one of the most protected in Hawaii, but you can get here on a Fair Wind's tour (fair-wind.com) or with one of the few authorized kayaking guides. With visibility up to 100 feet, you have amazing views of coral gardens and an abundance of fish. After a night's feeding and morning play time, spinner dolphins rest in the bay.
- National Oceanographic Data Center: Water Temperature Hawaiian Island Coast
- Hawaiian Encyclopedia: Native Species
- Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources: Marine Life Conservation District
- City and County of Honolulu: Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
- Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources: Molokini Shoal
- Hawaii State Park: Kealakekua State Park
- Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources: Kealakekua Bay
- Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images