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Hawaii Diving & Snorkeling

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Whether you’re a seasoned scuba diver or a beginning snorkeler, Hawaii offers a whole other world to explore under the sea.


Hawaii's Big Island, Kealakekua Bay:
This historic bay is a remarkable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. The waters here are calm and rich with marine life. Within the bay you can also kayak or take a boat ride to the seaside memorial of Captain James Cook, the British explorer who discovered the Hawaiian Islands in 1778, where you’ll find more snorkeling.

Hawaii’s Big Island, Honaunau Bay: South Kona is shielded by the mountainous Maunaloa, making the waters on the southwest side of Hawaii’s Big Island and Honaunau Bay calm and clear. The bay is full of fish and honu (green sea turtles). The bay is called “Two-steps”. It refers to a spot on the shoreline where the volcanic rock has been neatly worn away into a convenient “two-step” entry point for snorkelers and divers.

Oahu, Hamauma Bay: Hanauma Bay is located on Oahu’s southeastern tip and is the island’s most popular snorkeling destination. Accessible and family-friendly, the bay’s clear waters are rich with reefs and colorful fish. Visitors must note, this is Hawaii’s first Marine Life Conservation District and visitors are expected to help preserve the bay’s fragile ecosystem by reducing their impact on the environment.

Maui, Molokini: Molokini is a small, island off the south coast of Maui. The waters here offer colorful reefs perfect for snorkeling and diving. The waters here are so rich with life it is a State Marine Life and Bird Conservation District. Molokini is only accessible by boat tour.

Lanai, Hulopoe Bay: Hulopoe Bay’s idyllic golden sands leave a lasting impression. This secluded beach was one named America’s best beach. Excellent snorkeling can be found near the bay’s beautiful tide pools.

Kauai, Kee Beach: This popular and scenic beach features a protected lagoon ideal for snorkeling in the calmer summer months (winter brings rough and dangerous conditions). Offshore reefs also provide a great setting for advanced scuba divers. Makua beach, also known as Tunnels Beach, also provides exceptional snorkeling during the summer months and can be less crowded than Kee.