It’s not really a surprise that Forbes Magazine lists a Hawaii beach as one of the world’s top snorkeling spots. However, you may be surprised to learn it is not an expensive resort location or even the spot where the First Family went snorkeling on their recent vacation. No, it’s a public beach on the leeward side of Oahu: Makaha Beach Park.
This is what Forbes says about it in the online version of the article:
"One of the best snorkeling sites in the Hawaiian Islands is the very accessible Makaha Beach Park, located on the leeward side of Oahu. Visibility runs 100 feet or more. Whether snorkeling at the park beach or at some of the outlying reefs, you’ll spot plenty of fish, sponges and corals, with a chance to see spotted eagle rays, green sea turtles (which grow up to 400 pounds) and resident spinner dolphins. (Beware that in winter, surf may prevent swimming.)"
I second the warning about winter weather – waves are much higher and more unpredictable in all areas, especially the leeward coast. I also agree with the article’s description of
snorkeling in Hawaii as easy and cheap. My boyfriend snorkels often and has bought his own gear at a local dive shop. However, I went for the first time when my sister visited. We rented masks and fins from a tour that included a ride to and from the hotel. (We could have caught the bus but she was on a quick visit so time was valuable.) Another option is to buy an inexpensive set at a dive shop, or almost every grocery or drug store has cheap ones available year-round. You could use it a couple of times and not worry about whether it fits in the suitcase back home.
It is easy to paddle around, not very physically demanding, and you can set your own pace. It’s also easy to see colorful and unusual fish. No matter where you take your
Hawaii vacation, you should be near a snorkeling spot – slip on in!
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
Entry Filed under: Fun Stuff,Oahu
February 16th, 2010
3 Comments Add your own
1. turk fontaine | April 16th, 2011 at 8:43 am
snorkeling is what i live for in HI. i've been a scuba diver since i was 14. i don't dive deep now, just free dive. my life has been a progression to ever warmer ever clearer seas.
2. Jake Barefoot | May 8th, 2011 at 9:18 am
I've been on almost every commercial snorkeling trip in the entire state of Hawaii taking pictures and I still think it is hard to beat the diving off of the coast of Lanai. Look at some of the videos from my last trips there. Clear water and amazing wildlife!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vISXPHWhIU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iui7hQd7lt
3. Monika | July 18th, 2011 at 8:41 pm
There are many factors that affect your snorkeling location and the number of fish that you will see. These can change on a day to day basis. These days, I snorkel with a 4 year old, so look primarily for easy entrance and exit and lots of fish. Locations like Lawai Beach resort on Kauai, or baby beach or Salt Pond give us tons of wildlife sans crowd. And if you do snorkel with kids may I recommend a great kids snorkel guide..The Complete Hawaiian Reef Fish Coloring Books is great for the littlest snorkelers. Enjoy!
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