Snorkeling
13 guides
Best Snorkeling Spots on Oahu 2026 — Where to See Turtles, Reef Fish & More
Best Snorkeling Spots on the Big Island 2026
The Big Island's clear, calm leeward waters and volcanic reef systems make it one of the best snorkeling destinations in Hawaii. Here are the top spots and what makes each one worth going.
Hawaii Tide Charts Explained — How to Read Them for Beach Days
Tide charts tell you when the water is safe, when the snorkeling is best, and when the tidal pools are exposed. Here's how to read them for Hawaii beaches.
Snorkeling Tours vs DIY in Hawaii — Is a Boat Tour Worth It?
Do you need a boat tour to snorkel in Hawaii, or can you do it yourself? The honest answer depends on where you're going and what you want to see.
Best Beaches on Kauai: Poipu vs Hanalei vs Ke'e and the Ones Worth Finding
Kauai beaches range from calm south-shore swimming spots to dramatic north-shore bays. Here's how the main ones compare and which to choose for what you want to do.
Kona Town: Where to Eat, What to Do, and How to Use It as a Base
Kailua-Kona is the Big Island's main tourist hub on the dry west coast — snorkeling, coffee country, and a walkable waterfront that rewards exploring on foot.
Best Snorkeling on Maui: Molokini, Honolua Bay, and the Rest
Maui has some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii. Molokini Crater gets the attention but Honolua Bay and a few less-known spots are just as good — and sometimes better.
Hawaii Kai and Koko Head: The East Oahu Guide
East Oahu beyond Diamond Head offers some of the island's most dramatic scenery, best snorkeling, and a residential neighborhood that most visitors skip entirely.
Best Beaches on Oahu: Families vs. Couples vs. Snorkeling
Not all Oahu beaches are equal. The right one depends on what you're there for — here's how to match beach to purpose.
Hanauma Bay vs. Shark's Cove: Which Oahu Snorkel Spot Is Right for You
Hanauma Bay and Shark's Cove are both world-class snorkel spots on Oahu, but they're completely different experiences. Here's how to choose.
Best Snorkeling Spots in Hawaii 2026 — All Islands Locals' Guide
Sea turtles at Hāpuna. Manta rays off Kona. Dolphin pods in Kealakekua. The best snorkeling spots across all four Hawaiian islands, ranked by what you'll actually see.
Hanauma Bay 2026 — Reservations, Times That Don't Suck, What to Bring
Hanauma Bay reservation system explained — when slots release, the times locals book, and whether the snorkel is still worth it. April 2026 update.

Best Maui Beaches 2026 — A Local's Picks From Wailea to Hana
From the calm sands of Wailea to wild Hamoa beyond Hana — 11 Maui beaches ranked by what they're actually best at, and one I'd skip in summer.