Over two-thirds of the Earth is covered by water yet few of us ever explore the remarkable beauty beneath its surface. With just a snorkel, mask and fins, thousands of species of fish and a smorgasbord of other aquatic life await.
The most popular site to snorkel is Hanauma Bay on the eastern side of Oahu. The bay was formed thousands of years ago when an extinct volcano sank into the ocean, creating a sheltered inlet. Today, the area is a designated nature preserve where fishing is strictly prohibited. As a result, the fish and other bay inhabitants have no fear of humans and are blissfully indifferent to approaching swimmers. Some of the creatures in the area include manini (tang), uhu (parrotfish), Palani (surgeonfish), Honu, (turtles), and the state fish of Hawai'i, the humuhumunukunukuapuaa.
Another easily accessible snorkeling spot is off Queen's Beach in Waikiki. Numerous stands along the beach rent snorkeling equipment, where access from the sand to the reef can be accomplished in mere minutes. Of course, since Waikiki is such a heavily trafficked area, be aware of surfers or boogie boarders.
Farther from Honolulu, Makaha beach on the western shore of Oahu offers a pristine diving area. Numerous underwater caverns are waiting to be explored, along with several reef species including octopi and eels. Dolphins and manta rays also make an occasional visit to Makaha, ensuring a memorable dive.
While these are just a few of the common diving spots, virtually every beach on Oahu offers something to see for those with a mask and fins. So get in the water and get a taste of a strange and wondrous underwater world.
Snorkeling Resources
- All around guide to Snorkeling in Hawai'i:
- www.hawaiisnorkelingguide.com/oahu_snorkeling
- Popular snorkeling spots:
- www.shorediving.com/Earth/Hawaii/Oahu/
- www.bestplaceshawaii.com
- Snorkeling Basics:
- www.snorkeling.info/snorkeling-basics
- Snorkeling Shops:
- www.snorkelbob.com
