Best places to snorkel in Hawaii: 20 spots by island

Hawaii has some of the clearest, most turtle-filled water in the US, but the best spot on any given day depends on the island, the season and the time of day. This guide covers 20 spots on five islands with the same card for each one: level from 1 (easy) to 5 (experienced), how you get in, depth, best months, facilities, fees and directions.

If you only remember one thing: north and west shores are for summer, south shores are for winter, and mornings beat afternoons everywhere. Trade winds usually pick up after 11 am and stir up the water.

All 20 spots at a glance

Map of Hawaii's best snorkel spots

Maui

Maui is the best all-round snorkeling island. West Maui (Kapalua, Honolua, Kaanapali) is at its best in summer, while South Maui (Wailea, Makena) is good all year in the morning. Molokini Crater, a half-sunken volcanic crater off the south coast, is the island's signature boat trip. For more spots and parking details, see our full Maui snorkeling guide.

Molokini is only reachable by boat, and there are dozens of operators. We compared eight of them by harbor, boat size and time inside the crater in Molokini Crater snorkeling tours.

Big Island

The Kona and Kohala coasts on the west side of the Big Island are sheltered from the trade winds, so the water is often glassy and very clear. This is also where you will find Hawaii's most memorable night trip: snorkeling above feeding manta rays. More spots in our Big Island snorkeling guide.

There are at least seven regular manta ray night snorkel operators. Our manta ray tour comparison explains the difference between the Keauhou and Honokohau sites and which boats offer a free re-ride.

Oahu

Oahu is the easiest island for a short trip: you can reach Hanauma Bay, Turtle Canyon and the North Shore in a day from Waikiki. The catch is crowds and the summer-only North Shore. See best snorkeling on Oahu and our dedicated Hanauma Bay guide for reservations.

If you want guaranteed turtles without driving anywhere, the boat trips from Waikiki to Turtle Canyon are the simplest option. We compared six of them in Turtle Canyon snorkel tours.

Kauai

Kauai's north shore has spectacular summer snorkeling and dangerous winter surf. In winter, head south to Poipu. The Na Pali Coast is best seen on a raft or catamaran tour that stops to snorkel. More in best snorkeling in Kauai.

Lanai

Lanai makes an easy day trip from Maui by passenger ferry. Hulopoe Bay is a marine life conservation district with clear water and spinner dolphins that often rest in the bay in the morning.

Which island is best for snorkeling?

• Maui: best variety. Choose it if you want shore snorkeling every morning plus one standout boat trip (Molokini).
• Big Island: best water clarity and the manta ray night snorkel. Choose it if you are a stronger snorkeler or want something unusual.
• Oahu: best for a short stay or a first visit to Hawaii. Hanauma Bay and Turtle Canyon are easy for beginners.
• Kauai: best scenery, but the best snorkeling is seasonal. Choose it in summer if snorkeling is a priority.

When to go

Hawaii has two snorkeling seasons rather than one.

• Summer (May to September): north and west shores calm down. Honolua Bay, Shark's Cove, Tunnels and Ke'e are at their best.
• Winter (October to April): big north swells arrive. Stick to south and west-facing spots such as Kahaluu, Two Step, Makena, Hanauma and Poipu. Winter is also humpback whale season, and you can sometimes hear whales singing underwater.

Whatever the month, plan to be in the water by 9 am. To check conditions on the day, see our Maui snorkel report guide; the same sources work on every island.

Shore snorkeling or a tour?

Most of the spots above are free and reachable from shore. Book a tour when the spot is boat-only or when you want a guide in the water. These are the trips that are worth paying for:

Rules you need to know

Reef-safe sunscreen is the law. Hawaii bans the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, and Maui County goes further and allows only mineral sunscreens. Use a non-nano zinc oxide sunscreen and a rash guard. See best reef-safe sunscreen.

Give turtles space. NOAA's guidelines ask snorkelers to stay at least 10 feet (3 meters) from sea turtles and 50 feet (15 meters) from Hawaiian monk seals. Never touch or chase them.

Reservations. Hanauma Bay (Oahu) and Haena State Park, home of Ke'e Beach (Kauai), need advance reservations. They sell out, so book as soon as your dates are fixed.

Do not stand on coral. If you need to rest, float on your back or hold onto a flotation device. A snorkel vest makes this much easier.

Full face masks. Many Hawaii tour operators do not allow them. Bring a traditional mask and snorkel, or check with your operator first.

Safety first: Snorkeling is one of the leading causes of visitor drownings in Hawaii, according to the state Department of Health. Snorkel with a buddy, check conditions, stay inside the reef on rough days and get out if you feel tired or short of breath. Read our snorkeling safety rules before your trip.

What to pack

• A mask that fits your face and a dry-top snorkel. See best snorkel sets.
• Short travel fins, especially for Molokini and Kealakekua.
• Mineral sunscreen and a long-sleeve rash guard.
• Reef shoes for lava entries such as Two Step and Shark's Cove.
• A flotation vest for anyone who is not a confident swimmer.