Is snorkeling in Hawaii cold?

While the water temperature in Kona Hawaii is typically much warmer than waters off of the Mainland United States some people still get cold while snorkeling on the Big Island. and some may be surprised or even shocked by the temperature when they first get in. As you get closer to the equator the water gets warmer.



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What to Bring With You When Snorkeling in Hawaii
  • Bathing suit. You're going to be swimming in the ocean. ...
  • Change of clothes. You won't want to walk around in a soaking wet suit after you're done having fun in the water. ...
  • Towel. ...
  • Swim shoes. ...
  • Reef safe sunscreen or rashguard. ...
  • Waterproof camera. ...
  • Snorkel gear. ...
  • Kauai Sea Tours.


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But not all warm water is created equal. With temperatures that summer between 75 and 80 degrees all year, Maui is by far the most reliable place in the U.S. to dive, dunk, swim, and snorkel in comfort.

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May to September, where you'll find perfect conditions in snorkeling sites all over the islands. Protip: If you want to see Humpback Whale migrations while snorkeling in Hawaii, try to plan your trip between November and May (the best months are January and February).

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Hawaii has warm water all year long. Averaging 77 degrees Fahrenheit, Hawaii is ideal for snorkeling without a wetsuit year-round.

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They are the white reef tip, black reef tip, sandbar and scalloped hammerhead shark. My wife, who has snorkeled several times a week since moving here in 2013, has seen approximately 10 sharks in total, all of the reef tip variety. She has seen them in Lanikai in Kailua and right off the shelf at Ala Moana Beach Park.

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The quick answer is no, you don't have to know how to swim to snorkel in Maui! Although knowing how to swim will make snorkeling easier, it does not mean you need to know how to swim to be able to snorkel in Maui.

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Per the National Center for Cold Water Safety, temperatures below 70°F are considered “dangerous” because most people have difficulty controlling their breathing. As a reminder, Hawaii's water temperatures stay several degrees above 70°F and are warm enough for swimming and snorkeling.

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Don't Touch Coral While Snorkeling
Whenever someone touches the corals with their hands, they unintentionally disrupt the protective mucous layer that contains its microbiome, similar to the one we have in our gut. Inflicting damage or removing the coral's mucous layer can severely hamper its health and well-being.

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However, sharks are not a common sight along the sandy beaches of the Hawaiian islands. Of the 40 species, only 8 shark species are commonly sighted near the state's shore-waters, some of which are the whitetip reef, scalloped hammerhead, and sandbar sharks.

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You'll want to keep a safe distance from the underwater animals (as many of them could be endangered) and never stand on or touch the reef, as it is extremely fragile and can easily cut you. Snorkeling tours are safe, well-organized, and know the best spots for viewing sea turtles and fish.

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Do you need to know how to swim to snorkel in Maui? The quick answer is no, you don't have to know how to swim to snorkel in Maui! Although knowing how to swim will make snorkeling easier, it does not mean you need to know how to swim to be able to snorkel in Maui.

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Is It Safe to Snorkel in Waikiki? Yes, it's usually safe to snorkel in Waikiki, but there are times when the surf and currents are strong, especially with the summer swells. Not only are those times dangerous, but they also have poor visibility, so it's not worth snorkeling when the waters aren't calm.

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In most cases, we don't recommend diving underwater for any more than 2 minutes with a full face snorkel. Even if you are an experienced snorkeler who is going out in perfect conditions, we don't recommend diving for more than 2 minutes.

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At least five days on Oahu is best if you want to spend some days at the beach, hike and explore different coasts of the island. With 7 days on Oahu, you can really slow down and explore a variety of activities around the island. Visiting Maui, too?

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