Snorkeling and Diving

The underwater world off Oahu might not be as famous as some of the other islands, but it's still Hawaii-caliber… which means it’s pretty incredible. If you’ve never tried it, snorkeling is easy to pick up. From the calm reefs of Kailua Beach to Kuilima Cove, you'll find great snorkeling on almost every beach on Oahu. The most popular is Hanauma Bay, a beautiful marine preserve famed for its abundant sea life—try and spot the state fish, humuhumunukunukuapuaa. Other vibrant fish, green sea turtles and octopuses are other full-time residents. Get here early to avoid the tour buses. Those who forego snorkels for oxygen tanks have access to an even greater deep-water bounty, including sunken ships and aircrafts and the eels and reef sharks that have taken up residence inside. Specialized tours lead snorkelers and divers on expeditions to top sites, while many visitors prefer to buy or rent a snorkel set and fins and explore calm spots on their own.