Maui is renowned for its snorkelling. The most popular destination is the tiny curved collapsed crater of Molokini off the south west coast of Maui with its colourful and rich endemic marine life and fantastic visibility. Small boat charters shuttle tourists here throughout the day departing from all along the west coast. The island of Molokai also has excellent snorkelling and day charters depart Lahaina Town in Maui.
The best snorkelling spots on the main island of Maui are off the west coast. Mornings have generally better visibility before the afternoon trade winds pick up, particularly around Kihei and Wailua. accessible from the shoreline are at Honokahua where some fine coral reefs can be seen and at La Perouse Bay near Ahihi-Kinau Natural Reserve. Both areas are quite isolated and are therefore free from crowds although both are popular with day cruises. La Perouse is an excellent place to view spinner dolphins, turtles and an unusual pinnacle that rises 65-feet almost to the surface. Several popular resort areas have good snorkelling, notably the rocky prominence around Wailua in the south, Kaanapali in West Maui and the small cove bays of the Napili Coastline a little to the north.
Big Island snorkelling is also excellent in the protected bays off the west coast, in particular at Honaunau Bay and Kealakekua Bay on the South Kona Coast and around the popular Kahaluu Beach Park just south of Kailua Town.
Almost all dive sights in Hawaii are close to the shoreline making snorkelling an attractive alternative. Snorkelling right off the coast is best around Captain Cook on the Big Island, Honolua Bay on Maui and Hanauma Bay on Oahu. Excellent snorkelling is also available further out on the reef and tour activities shuttle tourists to the best spots throughout the day. The best of these is Molokini Island, a short boat ride from the west coast of Maui and .
Oahu has excellent snorkelling right off the coastline. Favourites sites include Hanauma Bay and Diamond Head, both east of Waikiki along the south shore, Rabbit Island on the east coast and at Sharks Cove on the north shore (summer only).
The best snorkelling beaches on Kauai are on the north coast around Haena and Ke'e when the sea is calm and also around Hanalei Bay which is more protected. Other good snorkelling areas include the reefs along the north east coast around Anahola. Beginners will enjoy the gentle waters around Poipu on the south coast.
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