3 Favorite Snorkeling Sites near Honolulu

People come to visit Oahu for countless reasons – tropical landscapes, ocean sunsets, welcoming locals, breathtaking scenery, and endless beaches, to name just a few. While we love sharing road trip ideas and tips with our customers here at Little Hawaii Rent A Car, we’d be remiss if we didn’t talk about the fantastic snorkeling that you can experience here on the island, just a short drive away from Honolulu and Waikiki.

1. Hanauma Bay

Located on the southeast end of the island, just a 40-minute drive from the Honolulu airport, Hanauma Bay has exceptional fish populations. However, its close proximity to Honolulu also means that up to 3,000 people per day visit the beach and waters here, so you won’t exactly be having quiet time on the reef.

2. Kahe Point Beach Park (AKA Electric Beach)

This spot has excellent water clarity, a wide variety of fish species, and there are frequent sightings of green sea turtles as well as spinner dolphins. Kahe Point is located on the west side of Oahu, about 30 minutes from the airport. There is an electric power plant that discharges clean warm water from two large pipes offshore. The slightly warmer conditions attract large numbers of sea life; just stay clear of the actual pipe openings and discharge.

3. Kaena Point State Park

For those who are looking to get away from the crowds, Kaena Point may be just the spot for you. It’s only an hour’s drive from the airport on the western tip of Oahu, but this white sand beach is usually very quiet. The swells can get pretty strong depending on the wind, and there are fewer fish than some of the other snorkel destinations, but the amazing sand and breathing space make up for it.

Snorkel Tours

In addition to grabbing snorkel gear and heading out on a short road trip in your rental car, you can also choose to take part in a snorkel tour. There are many tour operators, some better than others, so we suggest doing some research before you pick a company.

When you’re done enjoying the water and you need to get around the island, Little Hawaii has just the rental vehicle you need at discount prices. Whether you’re looking for a Jeep rental for an Oahu adventure, a minivan rental to get around with your family, or a convertible rental so you can feel the ocean breeze in your hair, you’ll find it in our fleet. Call us anytime at (808) 347-2886, or use our online reservation system to request a reservation at one of our convenient locations.