Illustrated maps of Hawaiʻi's top snorkel spots — where the reef, entry points, and deeper water sit. Tap any map to zoom in, or open the full spot guide.
Name the fish you just saw — the reef fish guide covers nine snorkel-spot regulars, and the kai guide rounds out the ocean icons. Tap to zoom or download the print-ready PDF.
Reef Fish of Hawaiʻi Illustrated Field Guide
Illustrated guide to nine reef fish snorkelers commonly meet in Hawaiʻi, from the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa to the saddle wrasse.
Use this browser when you want to compare snorkel spots instead of taking a quiz
The Snorkel Spots Finder is the open-ended version of the snorkel quiz. It helps visitors remove poor seasonal fits, then compare shore entries, boat-tour options, skill levels, regions, marine-life goals, and family fit before checking the current ocean read.
Use this tool when
You want to browse by trip month, island, region, and skill level.
You need to compare shore access against boat-tour options.
You care about lifeguards, reservations, free access, or family fit.
How to choose
Start with trip month, island, and skill level, then filter by region and access. The month filter uses a conservative seasonal fit; it does not predict the ocean. Beginners should also use the family-friendly and lifeguard filters where appropriate and check current conditions before making the final call.
Where it connects
Use the statewide snorkeling guide for broader context, the quiz for a shorter recommendation list, Ocean Report for water conditions, and Jellyfish Calendar when south-shore timing matters.
Use it to browse snorkel options by trip month, island, skill level, region, shore or boat access, marine life, lifeguards, fees, and family fit.
Should beginners use the snorkel quiz or this browser?
Use the quiz when you want a short personalized list. Use this browser when you want to compare many snorkel spots and filters yourself.
Does this page tell me whether snorkeling is safe today?
No. Use it to choose possible spots, then check Ocean Report, Jellyfish Calendar, lifeguard signs, posted warnings, and tour operator guidance before entering the water.
Showers are ending Saturday, with trade winds picking up through the weekend. A high surf advisory covers north and northwest-facing shores until 6 PM today. A medium swell arrives late Saturday into Sunday and could bring surf back to advisory levels early Sunday morning. Rough seas and choppy conditions will persist through Sunday, so hold off on water sports and exposed beaches. Saturday afternoon onward is best for outdoor activities once showers clear and the swell eases.
0:000:58
Voice
Read the transcript
Showers are heavy this morning on Maui's windward side and mountains—some spots picked up 2 to 5 inches overnight. Expect rain to continue through Saturday morning, then gradually clear out.
Trade winds are strengthening through the weekend with rough seas in all channels. A High Surf Advisory is in effect until 6 PM today on north and west-facing shores—conditions are dangerous right now. Surf should ease below warning levels by evening, but a medium swell arrives late Saturday into Sunday and could push surf back to advisory levels early Sunday. A tropical disturbance tracking far south of the islands will keep trade winds elevated through early next week but won't bring rain to Maui.
Wait until Saturday afternoon to plan your beach time and water activities—that's when showers end and conditions start to settle.
0:000:57
Voice
Read the transcript
Heavy showers are hitting the Big Island's windward slopes this morning, with some areas getting 2 to 5 inches overnight. Rain continues through Saturday morning, especially on mountains and windward exposures, then gradually clears. A few isolated thunderstorms are possible this afternoon on the windward side if clouds break midday.
North and northwest-facing shores have dangerous high surf today under advisory until 6 PM—it eases by evening but a medium swell arrives late Saturday into Sunday, potentially bringing advisory-level conditions again early Sunday. Trade winds stay gusty through the weekend with rough seas and choppy conditions in the channels. Better conditions arrive Saturday afternoon and hold through Wednesday.
Plan water activities for Saturday afternoon onward once the rain clears and surf settles. Avoid water sports and exposed beaches through Sunday.
0:000:46
Voice
Read the transcript
Showers are moving through this morning, with heavier rain on windward Big Island and Maui through Saturday morning. Trade winds are strong across the islands through the weekend, and a high surf advisory is in effect until 6 PM today on north and northwest facing shores—dangerous conditions if you're planning to get in the water. By Saturday afternoon, showers taper off and conditions settle into typical dry trade wind weather, though a medium swell could bring surf back to advisory levels early Sunday morning. Beach time is best Saturday afternoon onward; avoid water sports and exposed shores through Sunday due to high surf and rough seas.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out