Big Hawaii Island Snorkeling

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. 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.

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. 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!

The Best Scuba Dive- Snorkeling in Hawaii

Scuba diving and Snorkeling at Sharks cove on the North Shore of Oahu is one of the more pleasant dives in all the state of Hawaii. Located less then 1 mile east of Waimea Bay Sharks cove is unique in its landscape with a rocky entry (lots of rocks to climb over) before submerging into the water. The cove like shape with an outer wall protecting the inner shallow tide pools make it safe snorkeling for family, children and entry-level students.

However the main attraction for divers would be to venture out over the outer wall into deeper waters, entry is best on the right side of the cove where you descend from the parking lot on a rocky ledge and into the water. At immediate entry you can see a few rocky formations however 50 yds out from the shore is a good place to start descending where caverns and lava formations are breath taking.

Because of its popularity its recommended that you arrive early because parking can fill up real quick, Scuba tours often circulate here too so you may not be the only one in the water at any given time. Unless you go in the winter time when the waves pound the beach and diving is strongly discouraged. But don’t get the wrong idea this is a very safe spot to dive when conditions are good which is in the summer time.

Sea life on this dive range from Massive sea turtles, lobsters, hermet crabs, octopus, the typical puffer fish and eels and occasionally a school of dolphins, sharks and manta rays. To the far right of the cove turtles like to feed off the algae on the rocks and just beyond that where the protective area ends fisherman like to cast from shore so if you do end up in that area caution is recommended.

There are facilities which are excellent such as restrooms, showers, a supermarket just walking distance away and a Fire station next door. Rating this dive depends on what you compare it to and the criteria you use.

But when all is said and done sharks cove will not disappoint, Sharks Cove is recognized as a State Marine Sanctuary thus future generations will be able to enjoy the variety of life found here for years to come.