Hawaii Snorkeling
They say that some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii is available on Kauai. Here's why: it's the oldest island, so the reefs have had a lot more time to build up.
| Snorkeling is a snap--just buy a
simple mask and snorkel at Wal-Mart in Lihue, and put your face in the
water. Or use your swimming goggles. The colors you see will amaze you.
You'll be glad you did! Or, you can rent more substantial equipment (mask, snorkel, and fins) from vendors on the island, or bring it from home, which is what we did. Here you see a picture of Hannah snorkeling at Poipu Beach, watching those little yellow Tangs in the water.
|
Here are some great snorkeling spots on Kauai, moving clockwise around the island starting at the north side:
- Ke'e Beach on Kauai's north shore, at the end of the road. The Na Pali cliffs are visible here. Not only can you snorkel (in the summer), but you can walk the gorgeous Kalalau trail westward at the foot of the Na Pali cliffs, for about a mile.
- Tunnels Beach on Kauai's north shore, west of Hanalei. Snorkeling there, you find yourself above a shallow reef intersected with undersea pathways, or roofless tunnels, between the rocks. There are plenty of turtles and other reef life at this large reef as well. Because of the surf, young swimmers should probably stay at Poipu. Also, in the winter, the sea is too rough on the north shore.
- Anini Beach on Kauai's north shore. This beach has the largest reef on Kauai, with underwater canyons. Be sure to swim here only on an incoming tide, because the outgoing tide can drag you out with it.
- Lydgate Park on Kauai's east shore, near Wailua. This is a protected man-made lagoon with plenty of fish.
- Poipu Beach on Kauai's south shore. Poipu is a sheltered, shallow beach, a great place for kids and beginning snorkelers. It's not just a great sandy beach--it's a great sandy beach with lovely colored fish in the water!
Boat Tours
One thing you should definitely consider is taking a boat tour that includes snorkeling. There are boat tours that head for the Na Pali cliffs on the northwest side of the island, from a port near Waimea on the southwest side. On the way, they stop to allow those who want to to snorkel for a while at an otherwise-inaccessible reef a ways from shore. We saw plenty of beautiful fish here, and recommend it to anyone!
Other boat tours go towards Ni'ihau, the Forbidden Island southwest of Kauai. Though tourists are forbidden on this privately owned island, tour operators are able to take snorkelers most of the way there.
Advice
Food for thought: Don't feed the fish! Even though the fish will come to you in a lovely swarm, don't do it. You will mess up the ecological balance, foul the water, and possibly sicken the fish. Instead, bring something shiny or colorful for them to investigate, such as a cherry. Put it in a ziploc bag. Let the bag float near you. You will be surprised how curious they are!
Don't stand on the reef, either. Just float above it.
And don't bother the seals and turtles! That is against the law.
So, have a great time!
Return from Hawaii Snorkeling to Kauai Activities
Return from
Hawaii Snorkeling to Kauai Treasure Island home
page