Snorkeling

Hawaii is a snorkeler's paradise. Public beaches with off-shore reefs ring the islands, literally everywhere you turn. And the best beaches offer clean, warm and very clear water.


Any reef can offer decent snorkeling. Just check out the local surf conditions, put on your face mask and fins, and go. Heck, we've even seen people snorkeling out among the surfers at Waikiki beach. But some snorkeling spots trump the rest- it's just a matter of finding them.

So thank goodness for my handy Lonely Planet guide to Diving and Snorkeling in Hawaii. It gives excellent descriptions of many good snorkeling spots around the islands: the shoreline access, water depths, warnings about local currents, and what kind of sea life to expect in each spot. It's like a Zagat rating for snorkeling enthusiasts.

The best snorkeling beaches for novices like us are enclosed reefs. They're shallow and safe from waves, currents and big fish with sharp teeth. The bottom is sandy and the reef close to shore. My favorites are the famous Haunauma Bay, on Oahu; Kee Beach on Kauai; and Kahaluu Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii. All are perfect for beginners and just loaded with fish. And the occasional sea turtle (or honu, as they're locally known) too.

It's kind of like swimming in a giant aquarium.