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.
Snorkel Finder
Hawaii Snorkel Spots
Compare curated snorkel options by trip month, island, region, skill level, access, marine life, and family fit.
We may link to trusted Hawaiʻi resources at no extra cost to you.
Tap a gold pin to see the spot and read our guide
Tap a gold pin to see the spot and read our guide
Tap a gold pin to see the spot and read our guide
Tap a gold pin to see the spot and read our guide
Browse Snorkel Spots
Start with your trip month and island, then narrow by skill, access, marine life, or family needs.
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.
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.
Want a Shortlist Instead?
The quiz ranks these same spots around your skill level, group, preferred island, and what you most want to see.
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 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.
Questions This Tool Answers
What is the Hawaii Snorkel Spots Finder for?
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.
Need help planning?
Search & Planning Chat →
Hawaiʻi Weather Forecast
Today’s Weather Brief · Audio · ~45s
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Read the transcript
Dry conditions on Oʻahu today, with breezy wind in exposed areas. Drier weather continues through Wednesday as moisture clears out.
A medium-sized northwest swell will bring elevated surf to north and west-facing shores tonight through Sunday morning—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. Winds remain breezy through Sunday, easing slightly Monday and Tuesday before picking up again Wednesday. A Small Craft Advisory is active through Monday morning for most coastal waters due to wind and sea state. Scattered showers arrive Thursday into Friday.
South and west shore beaches work well through Sunday for calmer conditions. North shore is worth watching tonight and Sunday morning if you're drawn to bigger waves.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out
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Temperature
Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Current Time in Hawaiʻi
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