There are all sorts of places to go snorkeling on all the Hawaiian Islands. It’s one of the more popular tourist activities, not to mention popular with the locals.You can snorkel in a wide variety of places, from just outside your hotel on Wiaka Beach, to private boat trips. Some of the better, more reasonable options are group catamaran and island circle tours.
Snorkeling with Manta Rays at night.
This is unfortunately only on the Big Island and typically an affordable group activity. Prices are around $100. Something a little different from typical snorkeling trips.
Captain Cook’s
Captain Cook snorkeling refers to the area in Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii. The bay is named after Captain James Cook, whose monument marks the spot where he died in 1779. You can hike through the wilderness and DIY the snorkeling trip to Captain Cooks without a boat, but it’s supposedly a tough hike. There was no parking the day I contemplated making my daughter do it with me. Boat trips into the area are around $100 person and the better option for this destination.
Hanauma Bay
A state park on the island of Oahu that is an excellent place for beginner snorkelers. You need a reservation and it’s $25 per person plug parking. Located 10 miles from downtown Honolulu. It is one of the most popular snorkeling destinations in Hawaii.
Sharks Cove on North Shore of Oahu
There are several very cool places to go snorkeling on the North Shore. This is one of the better ones. There are places to rent gear and go with a guide on the North Shore, but this is also an excellent DIY place accessible with a rent a car.
Snorkeling in Waikiki beach
You can see reefs and fish 20 yards off of Waikiki beach. For more of an adventure, take one of the snorkeling cruises or circle island tours. The coral isn’t much to look at, the water is a bit murky, but there are still plenty of fish swimming around.
Boat trip from Honolulu or Waikiki Beach
These are affordable options and a great way to get out on a boat for a few horus and enjoy the water. Most of the trips are around $50-$100. Some of the cooler boats have water slides.They take you a little way out off the beach, and drop you right on top of some easy snorkeling.
Circle Trips around Oahu
These circle trips are bus rides, not cool boat rides that circle the island. They are typical all day adventures, and some that have snorkeling, but that is not always the main activity of the circle trip..
Snorkeling in Maui
Maui offers incredible snorkeling opportunities, with some of the best spots being Honolua Bay, Kapalua Bay, Molokini Crater, and Black Rock
Renting Gear vs Brining your own snorkeling gear
I opted to bring 2 sets of gear the past two trips. As we were going to stay over a week each time, and I planned to go out snorkeling at least a few times. I tried a set of full wrap around masks, and they were not the best. I also had the smaller fins with them, those would be nice for a beginner, and in some spots, I like them over the larger more powerful fins. It has been a while since I’ve done much snorkeling, or upgraded the gear. The new snorkels are pretty amazing and don’t let water get into them. You can rent a snorkeling set for about $30 a day, or just buy one while over there.