Skip to main content
Planning Tools
Snorkel Finder

Hawaii Snorkel Spots

Compare curated snorkel options by island, region, skill level, access, marine life, and family fit.

We may link to trusted Hawaiʻi resources at no extra cost to you.

Oahu map with spot markers

Tap a gold pin to see the spot and read our guide

Browse Snorkel Spots

Start with an island tab, then narrow by conditions, access, marine life, or family needs.

Take the Quiz

Illustrated Snorkel Maps

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.

Oʻahu Best Snorkel Spots Map
Oahu

Oʻahu Best Snorkel Spots Map

Maui Best Snorkel Spots Map
Maui

Maui Best Snorkel Spots Map

Big Island Best Snorkel Spots Map
Big Island

Big Island Best Snorkel Spots Map

Kauaʻi Best Snorkel Spots Map
Kauai

Kauaʻi Best Snorkel Spots Map

Hanauma Bay Snorkel Map
Oahu

Hanauma Bay Snorkel Map

Molokini Crater Snorkel & Dive Map
Maui

Molokini Crater Snorkel & Dive Map

Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Map
Big Island

Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Map

Two Step Snorkel Map
Big Island

Two Step Snorkel Map

Tunnels (Makua) Beach Snorkel Map
Kauai

Tunnels (Makua) Beach Snorkel Map

Illustrated Reef & Kai Field Guides

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

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.

Hawaiʻi Icons: Kai Illustrated Guide

Hawaiʻi Icons: Kai Illustrated Guide

Illustrated guide to ocean-centered Hawaiʻi icons, useful for beach, snorkeling, and ocean-safety planning.

See all illustrated field guides

Want a Shortlist Instead?

The quiz ranks these same spots around your skill level, group, preferred island, and what you most want to see.

Find My Best Spots
Snorkel spot comparison

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 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 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 island and skill level, then filter by region and access. Beginners should be especially conservative, using family-friendly and lifeguard filters where appropriate and checking current ocean 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.

Questions This Tool Answers

What is the Hawaii Snorkel Spots Finder for?

Use it to browse snorkel options by 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.