Snorkeling in Oahu (Hana: rent, live in, price)

[maddie0929]

I need suggestions on the best snorkeling in Oahu. It's me, hubby and 8 year old daughter. Is there any company that doesn't take you out to the middle of the ocean? I know that sounds crazy but I don't do well being waaaay out in the middle of nowhere... did it once in Mexico and never again. Don't think my daughter will do well with it either.. she can swimm good but I think she has just heard me talk about it so I think I have scared her
I would like to do it where you can still touch the bottom.. I'm a big wuss haha!
Who better to ask than locals??
Thanks!

[Sweetbeet]

Hanauma Bay.

[Woody7]

Second vote for Hanauma, You'll love it.

[flowermom]

Hi there,

I totally agree with the other posters recommendation of Hanauma Bay. It is very family friendly. The water is calm and you can rent snorkle equipment right there. The whole area is protected by a coral barrier, so you don't feel exposed or out in the middle of nowhere, even if you venture quite a ways offshore. Also, wanted to suggest that you check out Price Busters in the Koko Marina center (on the way to Hanauma on the left hand side - there is a Foodland there). They sell these small boogie boards for children that have a clear plastic circle in them so the children can see the fish through the boogie board without having to actually float/breath with a snorkle. If your daughter is scared this might work better for her. Enjoy!

[oawho]

Yep, like everyone said Hanauma Bay is THE place for you and your daughter. It's beautiful, very family-friendly - just be a little careful as there is a lot of coral in some places and it can be very shallow.

I personally like what's known as 'electric beach' (Kahe Point) off the leeward coast (I live in Makakilo) more than Hanauma - it's much more 'wild', just lots and lots of fish - it's just that you can only go when the waves are calmer.