Article Surfing Archive

Hawaii snorkeling is a fun activity available to almost any skill level of swimmer, where you can discover a breathtaking array of Hawaii's most exotic sea life a few yards from shore. Colorful coral, lava flows, turtles and more than 700 species of fish are found in the clear, high- visibility waters warmed to an average temperature of 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a year-round pursuit on the islands, so there is really no bad time to do this, except when heavy surf is about. Getting yourself outfitted is no problem, as there are dozens if not hundreds of rental facilities around, ranging in price from $10-20 day, and if you're staying at a resort you can possibly score free equipment available to their guests. And you don't really need much in the way of equipment either: fins, mask, snorkel, possibly some flotation aids if you're buoyancy-challenged.

Once you're outfitted and ready for some Hawaii snorkeling, head out to some of Hawaii's best snorkeling venues. Likely the most well-known of these is Molokini. The Molokini crater is what's left of an extinct volcano a few miles off Maui, shaped like a crescent moon. This is s must-see spot! Other great Hawaii snorkeling locations on Maui include Honolua Bay , Kapalua Bay and Makena landing. Honolua is regarded by locals as the best snorkeling and diving spot on Maui, while Kapalua Bay boasts calm waters, safe swimming, and one of the world's best beaches. Makena offers excellent cave snorkeling, and endangered green sea turtles. Other Hawaii snorkeling spots worth getting wet in would be Hanauma Bay Nature Park on Oahu, a marine preserve; and Waimea Bay, best known for it's surfing. In fact, during winter months snorkeling isn't permitted due to high surf. On the Big Island there's Kealakekua Bay and Hapuna Beach. If your Hawaii snorkeling plans take you to Kauai, try Ke'e Beach and Po`ipu Beach Park.

Wherever your Hawaii snorkeling trip takes you in the islands rest assured that there is practically no bad place to dip your feet in! Be safe though; don't snorkel alone, snorkel in safe waters, observe warning signs, and beware of high surf. Hawaii is famous for it! And don't feed the fish! They've survived centuries without Cheezits; don't get them started now!

Your Hawaii snorkeling adventure is waiting just under the warm waters of whichever island you choose. Don't forget the camera!

Copyright 2006 Keith Thompson