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.
Trades are breezy right now with scattered showers on the windward side and mountains; the leeward coast stays mostly dry. Tomorrow stays breezy with the same pattern.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The exact track is still uncertain. If it comes closer, expect heavier rain over a longer stretch; if it stays farther out, impacts will be shorter and lighter. Winds will increase late this week, with potential gusts over 70 miles per hour on the highest summits.
Plan your leeward beach time and snorkeling for today through Tuesday. Save summit drives and offshore water sports for after Saturday, and check updates daily as this develops.
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Trade winds are pushing across Maui right now and staying breezy through tomorrow. Windward slopes and peaks will see scattered showers; the leeward side stays mostly dry. Rough seas mean a Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Tuesday evening.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The track remains uncertain. Late this week, winds will increase across Maui, with summit gusts potentially exceeding 70 mph on Haleakala. The Big Island—especially Hilo and Puna—faces the highest risk of heavy rain and flooding if the storm tracks close.
Leeward beaches and snorkeling work best today through Tuesday. Avoid summit hikes and offshore water sports Thursday through Saturday.
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Voice
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Trades are kicking today with moderate wind and rough seas. Windward slopes will see scattered showers; the leeward side stays mostly dry. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Tuesday evening.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The track remains uncertain, but the Big Island faces the highest risk of heavy rain and flooding, especially in the Hilo and Puna areas. Summit winds could exceed 70 mph late in the week. Check forecasts daily as the situation develops.
Leeward snorkeling and beach time work well through Tuesday. Save summit drives and windward hikes for today or tomorrow, and avoid offshore water sports and high elevations Thursday through Saturday.
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Voice
Read the transcript
Trades are steady now with scattered showers on the windward side and ridges; the leeward coast stays mostly dry. Through Tuesday it stays breezy with rough seas around Maui and the Big Island, where a Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Tuesday evening.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The exact track is uncertain. Winds will increase across the eastern islands late this week, with potential for summit gusts over 70 mph on Maui and the Big Island if the storm intensifies.
Get your beach and snorkel time in today and tomorrow on the leeward coast. Avoid summit hikes and offshore water sports Thursday through Saturday as conditions deteriorate. The track could shift significantly—check updates daily.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out