Fabulous Kauai Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Kauai’s warm, clear waters offer a fabulous underwater world like no other, and two of the island’s top snorkeling spots are located just minutes from Hanalei Colony. Imagine lava tubes stretching for miles, covered in live coral and inhabited by brightly-colored tropical fish. Dive in to Kauai’s waters!  Snorkel gear is easy to use and inexpensive to rent, and there are beaches around the island that offer incredible snorkeling. Two of Kauai's best snorkeling beaches are Makua Beach, also known as “Tunnels,” and Ke’e Beach (inside a barrier reef)--both located near Hanalei Colony on the island's north shore. For a guided experience, wonderful snorkel tours are available through a number of tour boat companies, and local dive shops offer a variety of scuba diving excursions for the novice to the expert diver. 

Snorkeling Tips

To get the most out of your snorkel adventures on Kauai and to ensure that this Hawaiian paradise remains as beautiful the next time you come to visit, please remember these snorkeling tips:

Since storms and tides can make swimming conditions unpredictable, it is always important to evaluate ocean conditions carefully before entering the water.

• Always snorkel in areas where there are other swimmers and snorkelers.
• Do not snorkel near surfers or body surfers.
• Do not snorkel if the water is unclear, rough or choppy.
• Look up out of the water periodically to keep your bearing. This easy precaution will keep you from drifting off course without knowing it.
• The best snorkeling is in calm clear water. Try mornings.
• Do NOT feed the fish under any circumstances. It fouls the water and sickens the fish, which makes them susceptible to predators.
• A good way to attract fish is to just bring a zip lock bag. Put a leaf or any other colorful object in the bag, fill it with water and allow it to float near you. You'd be surprised at all the curious fish that will swim up to inspect your bag. Just remember to take your bag with you when you leave the water.
• Help protect Kauai's reefs! Coral reefs are marvelous ecosystems that take thousands of years to develop and only seconds to destroy. Float over shallow reefs--do not walk on them. Find a sandy spot to stand instead.
• Admire sea turtles and monk seals only from a distance. Both the Pacific Green Sea Turtle and the Hawaiian Monk Seal are protected under the Endangered Species Act. It is against the law to harass them in any way, including touching them. These laws are strictly enforced in Hawaii. If you are fortunate enough to see one of these rare creatures in the water, enjoy them from a respectful distance.
• REMEMBER ALWAYS CHECK LOCAL CONDITIONS FOR SAFETY BEFORE ENTERING THE SEA. LISTEN TO WEATHER FORECASTS, TALK TO LOCAL PEOPLE, AND PLAN YOUR SNORKEL LOCATION ACCORDINGLY.

Discover other things to do on Kauai.

Hanalei Colony’s concierge staff is available to make personal recommendations and assist with your activity arrangements. Fill out our activity form here.