There’s definitely
a perfect beach
for you to enjoy
snorkeling
Whether you’re a beginner snorkeler who’s just getting comfortable in the ocean or a mermaid who dives deep for shells, there’s a beach that is just perfect for you in Hawaii! With our local knowledge, we’ve come up with Pride of Maui’s list of the Top 20 Places To Snorkel in Hawaii.
No matter which island you choose to visit in Hawaii, you’re sure to have an excellent time. On each of Hawaii’s main islands (Maui, Big Island, Oahu, Kauai, Lanai & Molokai), guests will have so many chances to see all of the gorgeous marine life. Depending on the time of year, you may see the Hawaiian green sea turtles, Hawaiian monk seals, playful spinner dolphins, and of course, the North Pacific Humpback Whales. These majestic creatures thrive in the waters around Hawaii in the winter, thanks in no small part to the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
Even on the most basic snorkel tour, guests in Maui’s waters can easily see a wide range of colorful tropical fish and other marine life. There are yellow tang, butterflyfish, parrotfish varieties, octopus, manta rays, sea cucumbers, Hawaiian spiny lobsters, Moray eel, and so much more.
Visit Hawaii for a relaxing vacation and revel in the sun and the surf! Make sure that you book a Hawaii snorkel tour, or go beach hopping for a first-rate Hawaii snorkeling adventure!
Maui
Molokini Crater
Just 2.5 miles off of Maui’s south shore, the Molokini Crater is a rare and incredible volcanic islet. It is one of three of its kind in the whole world and it has been listed by the NOAA as a Marine Life Conservation District Seabird Sanctuary. This partially submerged volcanic crater forms a crescent-shaped islet that is like no other snorkeling spot in the world.
Turtle Town
Aptly named, Turtle Town is the best place to snorkel on Maui if your goal is to see the Hawaiian green sea turtles in action! Thanks to current government protection and the ESA (Endangered Species Act), this stretch is home to a dense population of the Hawaiian green sea turtle.
Coral Gardens
Coral Gardens is right next to Olowalu Reef, and just south of Historic Lahaina Town. This in-the-know Hawaii snorkel spot can only be reached by boat on a Maui snorkeling tour. The Coral Gardens reef was created by a lava flow from the West Maui Mountains, aka Pu’u Kukui. The lava created “fingers,” that flow out into the sea and are now decorated by coral reef shelves teeming with a throng of marine life.
Honolua Bay
Honolua Bay, also known as “The Bay,” sits on Maui’s northwestern coast. During the winter, Honolua is one of the most popular places for seasoned surfers, and hosts internationally renowned surf contests. During late spring, summer, and early fall, Honolua Bay is one of the top places to snorkel in West Maui.
Kapalua Bay
Kapalua Bay is one of the most remarkable beaches on Maui. It is the perfect West Maui locale to explore while on your vacation in Hawaii. Kapalua is a combination of the words kapa and lua in the ancient Hawaiian language, and means “two borders.” Kapalua Bay is perfectly positioned right between Oneloa Bay and Honokahua Bay. Its central location shows how aptly it was named.
Lana’i
Hulopoe Bay
Located in South Lana’i right next to Manele Bay, this is a Hawaii beach that guests will truly adore. Hulopoe Bay is the best beach on Lana’i for snorkeling. Other spots on the island are too close to rugged coastlines, and are much better suited for scuba diving than a calm afternoon of Hawaii snorkeling. When you snorkel at Hulopoe Bay on Lana’i, expect some sloping depths between 6 and 24 feet.
Molokai
Kumimi Beach aka Murphy’s Beach
On the east side of Molokai is one of the best places to snorkel in all of Hawaii, Kumimi Beach. Sometimes known as Murphy’s Beach, this beach provides some of the most amazing opportunities for snorkeling on the island of Molokai. Unlike most Hawaii snorkel spots, Murphy’s is best visited at the mid-high tide, because the water is super shallow here. No matter when you choose to visit this beach, though, you will be blown away!
Kuilima Cove
Kuilima Cove is another great place to snorkel on the North Shore of Oahu. This spot is definitely best when visited during the hot, calm summer months. With that said, it’s also a place that you can count on during the winter because of the way the reef line shelters the cove from the larger waves that arrive from Oahu’s winter swells.
Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is just south of Koko Head Crater on Oahu’s South Shore. It is easily the most popular snorkel spot in Oahu, and it has now transitioned into the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. After years of use, and millions of snorkelers, the site has become a conservation zone. It’s closed every Tuesday so that the fish and other marine life can rest and feed in peace.
Turtle Canyons
Just south of Waikiki Beach, Turtle Canyons is one of the top places to scuba dive and snorkel in Oahu. It can only be reached by boat, so be sure to book an Oahu snorkel cruise to this location ahead of time. All snorkel tours to Turtle Canyons depart from Waikiki Beach.
Big Island
Manta Ray Village
Snorkeling at Manta Ray Village on the Big Island is one of the most adventurous and amazing Hawaii activities that anyone could ever experience. Please note that this site is for experienced snorkelers only. Guests must be confident and comfortable swimming in the open ocean during the evening hours.
Mauna Kea Beach
Near the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in Waimea, Mauna Kea Beach aka Kauna’oa Beach is one of the best places to snorkel on the Big Island. This spot is perfect for kids, beginners, and experienced snorkelers. The best thing about this Big Island snorkel spot is that the water is almost always calm, and the ocean clarity in the mornings is unmatched. You will definitely see lots of action here!
Honaunau Bay
Just south of Captain Cook on the Kona side of the Big Island is a spot that will leave every visitor in a state of total bliss: Honaunau Bay! The place is absolutely gorgeous, and the water here is full of marine life displaying the great vitality of the Pacific Ocean.
Kealakekua Bay
In the ancient Hawaiian language, Kealakekua means “pathway of the gods.” Hawaii’s Kealakekua Bay is an underwater State Park, a marine life sanctuary, and the site of the historic Captain Cook Monument. For the best experience at Kealakekua Bay, guests should definitely book a Big Island snorkel tour.
South Kona
There are so many unique snorkel sites to visit in the South Kona area of the Big Island. Two that you must see are Pu’u Ohau aka Red Hill (Coral Gardens, Driftwoods, Nudibranch, Ridges), and Pali Kaholo (Rob’s Reef & Turtle Rock). Those who would like to snorkel in South Kona must book a South Kona Snorkel Tour.
Kauai
Poipu Beach Park
The Island of Kauai has some incredible snorkeling spots. Finding the perfect place to snorkel on Kauai can be challenging to do on your own though, because there are some rough ocean conditions and seasonal inconsistencies. When you plan to snorkel on Kauai, make sure to ask lifeguards about the water conditions and to follow all of the ocean safety rules on the beach signage. If you’re beach hopping on Kauai and looking for the best place for beginners to snorkel, definitely head to Poipu Beach.
Ke’e Beach
Ke’e Beach sits at the end of the road on Kauai’s North Shore, near the entrance to the Napali Coast’s Kalalau Trail. During the late spring and summer months, it’s a calm beach cove that is perfect for beginner snorkelers and families who are traveling with small children. The beach has a lifeguard, picnic tables, restrooms, and freshwater showers.
Lawai Beach
Lawai Beach is also known as “Beach House Beach” because it’s right next to a restaurant that overlooks the bay. During the late spring and summer months, Lawai Beach is an ideal place for beginner snorkelers and families who are looking for some fun in the sun. Snorkeling at Lawai Beach is easy and convenient.
Na Pali Coast
Last but not least, anyone who loves to snorkel in Hawaii should make sure to book a Na Pali Coast snorkel tour in Kauai. The Na Pali Coast is found on the most northern point of Kauai’s North Shore, and Kauai is the top of the Hawaiian Islands chain. Here you can find an underwater forest full of Hawaii marine life.
Pride of Maui’s Top 20 Places To Snorkel in Hawaii
Mahalo for reading Pride of Maui’s Top 20 Places To Snorkel in Hawaii! We wish you an incredible Hawaiian vacation and invite you to share our list and your experiences with your family and friends.