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.
Mostly dry skies across Oʻahu right now with good visibility. Light showers are holding to the windward side, nothing heavy.
Today and Thursday stay dry on the leeward and south shores. Trade winds are moderate now and strengthen to breezy by Thursday. Starting Friday, moisture increases and showers become more frequent on windward and inland areas — leeward beaches stay mostly dry but winds build noticeably. Small craft advisories are possible Thursday night in windier waters, then conditions get rougher Friday through the weekend. North and west shore swell holds medium through Friday, then rebuilds over the weekend. South shore swell drops back to normal after today.
Leeward beaches and snorkel spots work best Thursday while conditions stay calmer. Plan water sports in the channels for earlier in the week, before Friday's winds arrive.
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Sky's mostly dry with light showers on the windward side. Trade winds are moderate and visibility is good.
Today and Thursday stay dry on the leeward and sunny sides, though windward slopes will see light showers mainly today. Winds pick up to breezy by Thursday, then strengthen further Friday into the weekend. More frequent light showers move into windward and inland areas Friday into the weekend as moisture increases. A Small Craft Advisory is possible Thursday night in windier waters. Leeward beaches stay mostly dry, but conditions turn windy. North and west shores see medium swell today through Friday, then rebuild over the weekend. South shores stay elevated today, then settle to normal. East shores have small chop increasing as winds strengthen.
Leeward beaches and snorkel spots work best Thursday while winds are still moderate. Avoid water sports in the windier channels Friday into the weekend.
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Mostly clear skies on the Big Island right now, with light showers possible on the windward side. Visibility is good.
Today and Thursday stay dry overall—trade winds are moderate now but will turn breezy by Thursday. Come Friday into the weekend, showers become more frequent on windward and inland slopes as moisture builds in, and winds will strengthen. Leeward and sunny-side beaches stay mostly dry through this period. A Small Craft Advisory is possible Thursday night in windier waters. Surf near the north and west shores stays medium today through Friday, then builds over the weekend. South shores drop from elevated to normal conditions.
Hit the leeward beaches and get in the water Thursday while conditions are still calm. Avoid water sports in exposed channels Friday through the weekend when the wind picks up.
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Mostly dry skies and good visibility today on Kauaʻi. Light showers will stay on the windward side.
Trade winds are moderate now but will turn breezy Thursday, then stronger Friday into the weekend. Windward and inland areas will see more frequent light showers as moisture increases, though leeward and sunny-side beaches stay mostly dry. North and west shores will see medium swell through Friday, then rebuild over the weekend. South shores drop from elevated to normal. East shores develop small chop as winds strengthen.
Head to leeward beaches and snorkel spots Thursday while it's calmer. Save water sports in the channels for after the wind eases.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out