EThe editors

Snorkel spots, by season

Hanauma and Waikīkī all year. The North Shore spots only in summer, when the waves drop.

6 placesA full day

1. Hanauma BayA sunken crater full of reef. Book ahead; closed Mondays and Tuesdays.East sidePaid entry
2. Queen’s Beach and Sans Souci, Kapiʻolani ParkCalm water off Kapiʻolani Park, good for a first go.Waikīkī & Diamond HeadFree to visit
3. Shark’s Cove (Pūpūkea)Lava tide pools and reef. Summer only.North ShoreFree to visit
4. Three Tables BeachThree flat reefs off the beach. Summer only.North ShoreFree to visit
5. Kuilima CoveA sheltered cove at Turtle Bay. Easiest on the North Shore.North ShoreFree to visit
6. Electric Beach (Kahe Point)Strong swimmers only: big fish by the power-plant outflow.West sideFree to visit

Started from the pins on Deviating the Norm’s Oʻahu map (the map). Places and notes checked and written by us; opening times change, so check before you go.