Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
- The best nearshore spot to see tons of fish is Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, located about 20 minutes from downtown Honolulu. More than 250 species of marine life dwell in the crater-formed bay, many preferring the fringe reef-protected shallows. Colorful parrotfish clean coral as they feed, schools of tang dart by in flashes of yellow and curious elongated trumpet fish are known to approach snorkelers. The preserve, which is closed on Tuesdays, charges an admission fee that is far less than what organized tours charge to transport you there. Just remember to arrive early in order to snag a parking space. The preserve’s educational center provides helpful information and fish ID cards. You can rent snorkeling gear at the bay or bring your own.
Sans Souci, Waikiki
- While Waikiki’s main beach doesn’t enjoy good snorkeling conditions, at the far end of Waikiki, on the Diamond Head side of the Waikiki Aquarium -- across from Kapiolani Park -- Kaimana Beach awaits. The beach, a family favorite that features lifeguards, is known locally as Sans Souci. About 15 minutes from Honolulu, the wide swath of white sand fronts reef-protected turquoise and blue waters that contain two snorkeling spots. The best one is accessed at high tide -- just swim straight out and float over the coral reef teeming with colorful fish. The other spot is for strong swimmers only; currents can be powerful here. It's found along a wall where fish dart in and out of crevices and urchins cling.
- Ko Olina Lagoons
- To the west of Pearl Harbor, at the southern tip of the Leeward Coast and about 40 minutes from downtown Honolulu, Ko Olina Lagoons offers a resort atmosphere and calm waters. The water isn’t perfectly clear here, but the sandy-bottomed lagoons are protected by sea walls, making this an ideal year-round spot for children and beginning snorkelers. Yellow and black-striped convict tang, long-nosed butterfly fish and lots of other species, including urchins, hang out at the walls in each of the four lagoons; the green and turquoise water is only about 4 to 5 feet deep. Turtles cruise through the lagoons, too. The four man made lagoons have a steady ebb and flow of seawater. Adding to the comfort level are soft, sandy beaches, lawns, shade, concession stands, wheelchair access, showers, restrooms and lifeguards.
Considerations
- No matter where you snorkel, don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach. Many stores in Honolulu sell waterproof containers for storing wallets, keys and the like.To protect against sunburn -- trade winds make it easy to forget the intensity of the Sun's rays -- reapply waterproof sunscreen after swimming. To help protect the coral, be sure to use reef-safe sunscreen.The best time of day to snorkel is in the morning because this is when the ocean is calmest and parking is easiest to find.Stores such as Longs Drugs sell snorkeling gear. Be sure, however, that the mask you buy fits correctly or else it will leak. Rental venues include Snorkel Bob’s -- with multiple locations -- and diving shops.
