Snorkeling in Hawaii

[CHuntMD]

Just got back from RCCL southern Carib. Cruise and went snorkeling for the very first time at Trunk Bay St. Johns USVI. Wow!!!!

 

So next vacation/cruise is next fall a week on land in Hawaii then a week cruise to the various islands.

 

1) Any must see places?

 

2) Any snorkeling operators? I've read about several scuba operators but I'm not ready for that... yet!

[bruce-r]

I suggest getting the book for the island you are visiting from http://www.wizardpub.com/main/home.html They produce some excellent guide books.

[10X]

There are so many "must see" places in Hawaii that you would have to a hundred cruises to Hawaii to see them all. It's also very difficult to give you list because the list would contain those places that I would like and they might not fit your interests at all. For example, if I said you should climb Diamondhead and it turns out that you are afraid of heights, that wouldn't work at all.

 

In February, we are taking our second cruise, and 4th trip overall, to Hawaii. I am a scuba diver/snorkeler and my wife only snorkels. We try to get in the water at every port we visit.

 

For snorkeling I would recommend the folllowing:

 

Oahu - Hanauma Bay - but remember that it's closed on Tuesdays.

http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/parks/facility/hanaumabay/welcome.htm

 

Maui - Molokini and/or Turtle Town; which is usually done in conjunction with Molokini

http://www.hawaiiweb.com/maui/html/sites/molokini.html

http://www.prideofmaui.com/

 

Kona - Kealakekua Bay

http://www.coralreefnetwork.com/reefs/hawaii/kbay/kbay.htm

[Lionesss]

There is a snorkling excursion on the Island of Oahu, called Captain Bob's. It has been running for over 20 years. It is great. They take you out on a boat, BBQ, Games such as Volley ball on a sand barge, and of course snorkling. They have a Web page, I will try to find the link. Highly recommend.

[CHuntMD]

Thanks everyone for the tips.

 

CH

[stp-d]

The best snorkeling by far has been at the following: http://www.letsgo-hawaii.com/beaches/kahaluu.html

 

beach park in Kona, HI. It's free of charge and has beat out tours we have gone on in Oahu, Maui, Kona, Cozumel, Belize...etc

 

When you swim around and see thousands of fish, and several turtles everytime you go, you are just amazed that it's completely free. We loved it so much, we got married in 2006 in the hotel next door to this great park. Small snack stand and rental facilities on location. The hotel next door is the Outrigger Keahou Resort, and their is a small eating establishment between the hotel & park for sandwiches and such.

 

Kona isn't for everyone and neither is the Big Island. Personally I hated Oahu, it felt like a commercialized mainland city with palm trees. maui is a bit more laid back with no large buildings but commercial nonetheless. The Big Island, Kona is very laid back, quiet and great for adventurers as well as the lazy snorklers. Good luck.

[Middleager]

Just got back from RCCL southern Carib. Cruise and went snorkeling for the very first time at Trunk Bay St. Johns USVI. Wow!!!!

 

So next vacation/cruise is next fall a week on land in Hawaii then a week cruise to the various islands.

 

1) Any must see places?

 

2) Any snorkeling operators? I've read about several scuba operators but I'm not ready for that... yet!

Where will you be on land in Hawaii? If it's Oahu, then Pearl Harbour, Pali Lookout, and the Polynesian Cultural Center are a must, then add on Hanauma Bay, and of course Waikiki itself. In Kauai a helicopter ride to see the Napali Coast (and also Waimea Canyon) is a must. In the Big Island, a trip to the see the volcanos is good. I also liked the tour to a Kona coffee farm. In Maui we drove the road to Hana, round the circle.

 

If it's the Big Island you'll be staying, then you'll have time to go to the K-bay for the best snorkeling/diving in Hawaii. Well, the night Manta Ray diving is amazing, but snorkeling on top, watching the divers and Manta Rays underneath should also be good. You could also take a boat trip out to see spinner dolphins jump up and spin (dance) for you.

 

You'll be in paradise, and you'll enjoy no matter where you go.

[ceejay_San Angelo]

Another vote for Kealakekua in Kona. You'll pay for the excursion, but well worth the $100. I could have gone there every day for our week in Kona and not been bored.

[2tomtoms]

Consider this organization for your snorkeling adventure http://www.pacificwhale.org/ , had an excellent experience, very educational. We are now snorkeling fanatics.

[emeraldkaren]

Snorkelling in Hawaii is awesome!! Big Island - Kealakakua Bay (Cook monument) and Maui (Molokini crater) are both great!