Abundant Marine Life

Have a Look at Hawaii’s Abundant Marine Life
Undoubtedly, Hawaii is renowned around the world for its beautiful and unusual beaches. Since most of the travelers in this state make it a point to stop by at a local beach when they are in the Hawaiian Islands, visitors would most likely come across some of its magical underwater beings. There are roughly 680 fish species that commonly inhabit the Hawaiian waters. Out of those varieties, around 450 species of fish actually remain close to both the inshore areas and the reefs. Listed below are some of the sea creatures that tourists might stumble upon while they are relaxing in the beach:

 

A sea life that is very familiar to Hawaii is the coral. The corals that are regularly seen in the Hawaiian Islands are solid, rock-like formations that are aptly named for their recognizable shapes such as cauliflower, plate, antler, finger, as well as razor coral. There are a few corals that seem soft like the tube coral and tourists would be able to find them in the ceilings of some caves. The black coral, which bears a resemblance to the winter-bare shrubs, could be located at depths of approximately over 100 feet.

 

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For travelers who visit Hawaii starting from November to April would be most likely see the popular humpback whales. These marine visitors drop by the islands in order to mate and give birth to their offspring each year. However, after spring, these whales would settle down in Alaska until it is time to come to Hawaii once again. Every Hawaiian Island offers tourists a chance to take some whale-watching cruises during winter that would let them watch these massive animals up close. People would also be able to observe these incredible leviathans from the shore. They could actually develop up to roughly 45 feet long, so when a humpback whale jumps out of the ocean, one would be able to view it from a distance. Other whales like sperm, pilot, pygmy killer, false killer, melon-headed, and beaked whales could also be seen all throughout the year, particularly in the tranquil waters outside the Kona Coast of the Big Island.

 

There are numerous reef fishes found in the waters of Hawaii. Butterfly fish is one of the most colorful among them all. They are frequently viewed in pairs, and they seem to use up most of their time in feeding. There are approximately 22 butterfly fish species and 3 of them, which are millet seed, bluestripe, and pebbled, are prevalent in the islands.

 

Hawaii is also famous for their big-game fish such as swordfish, marlin, as well as tuna. There are 6 types of billfish that can be found in the offshore waters all over the islands like the sailfish, striped marlin, broadbill swordfish, Pacific blue marlin, shortbill spearfish and the black marlin. The billfish in Hawaii vary in size beginning from the shortbill spearfish weighing 20 lbs. Up to the Pacific blue marlin weighing 1,805 lbs., which is the biggest marlin worldwide that was caught with just a rod and reel.

 

The Hawaiian Islands have plenty of things that they could take pride in such as their flourishing marine life. Their varied sea life is one thing that nature lovers and ordinary tourists alike would truly appreciate. These magnificent under-the-sea creatures would definitely draw a crowd since some of them are solely found in the tropical oasis of Hawaii. 

Hawaii’s Best Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Sites

Hawaii’s Best Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Sites

 All the islands of Hawaii have pretty good scuba diving and snorkeling locations. There is no Hawaiian tropical vacation that is fulfilled without the tourists having to embark on a snorkel or scuba diving adventure. Travelers that are into various ocean activities would be pleased to find out that each of the islands in this state has its own fine coral reefs and mystifying shipwrecks. Here are some of Hawaii’s excellent scuba diving and snorkeling spots:

 

A lot of experienced scuba divers and snorkelers agree that the island of Maui is home to the first-rate underwater opportunities among all the Hawaiian Islands. First on the list is the Wailea luxury resort site. It has an easily accessible shoreline that offers the greatest off-the-beach snorkeling experience. Its waters are so calm that plenty of young children get to experience their first snorkeling escapade in Wailea. The best place in the whole of Maui, though, is the extinct Molokini Crater. Tourists would need to get on a short boat ride to get to this volcanic crater, which is acknowledged as among the top scuba diving areas worldwide.

 

In the Big Island, tourists would be able to delight in the Kohala Coast. It is very beautiful and is considered as the best that this island could offer to those who are seeking some scuba diving or snorkeling escapade. The Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, a renowned destination for several ocean activities, is also encompassed by the Kohala Coast. The Sea Caves, which is just off Honaunau and close to the Kona Coast, boast of serene waters that are also ideal for snorkeling. The Big Island’s western shore houses the Kailua-Kona Town. One would be able to find here an extraordinary array of fish and for those lucky enough to visit beginning November to May, they would be able to see some humpback whales settle in the area.

 

Lanai might be the smallest of the state’s main islands, only having one town. However, it still boasts of great under the sea explorations. There are two renowned scuba destinations found in Lanai, which are The First and Second Cathedrals, as well as Fish Rock. The finest scuba diving and snorkeling place in this island is Fish Rock. It is a volcanic cone that has a depth of roughly 75 feet, and it is fantastic to explore the things around this underwater rock. The First Cathedral and Second Cathedrals are undeniably astounding. These are actually ancient lava tubes that hollowed out into a 65-foot depth, with bright lights shining inside from above. It has numerous smaller fish species that seek sanctuary in them plus the wall crevices became the home of varied kinds of crustaceans. The Second Cathedral is the bigger between the two, but either one would be able to offer an unsurpassed scuba diving experience.

 

All of the finest scuba diving and snorkeling places mentioned are definitely beautiful and out of the ordinary. But tourists should also do well to remember that the coral reefs found in these sites are living animals and therefore, should not be removed. It is better to take home another souvenir because it is considered illegal not to mention unethical, to cut off a piece of the corals to take home. All of these spots are among the best scuba diving and snorkeling areas in the whole state, and travelers should cap off a perfect tropical vacation by taking time out to have a scuba diving or snorkeling trip in exotic Hawaii.

Maui Beaches

• 42 miles of beaches, more than any other island
• Western Shore best for swimming, sunbathing, people watching
• Sands: White, golden, black, red sand on Hana Beach (remote)

Awalua Beach
- on Hwy 30, about 5 miles south of Lahaina
- name means “double channel”
- locals’ swimming favorite
- novice surfing

Baldwin Park
- on HIghway 36
- body surfing, long board surfing
- many recreational facilities

Fleming Beach Park
- On Hwy 30, past Kapalua resort
- good for families
- body surfing or boarding
- soft white sand

Hamoa Beach
- 2 miles north of Hana Town
- surfing popular, but some rip currents

Hana
- remote
- black sand and red sand — difficult hike to the red sand beach
- snorkeling good on calm days

Hanaka’o'o Beach Park
- 3 miles north of Lahaina
- used by local canoe clubs
- body boarding, surfing
- 1 mile of sand
- nickname: “Sand Box Beach”

Honokowai Beach Park
- on Honoapi’ilani Highway
- narrow sand strip descending to wide rock double-shelf
- shallow pool below shelves good for kids
- snorkeling good offshore

Ho’okipa Beach Park
- on Route 36, about 5 miles north of Kahului
- advanced surfing (popular)
- windsurfing, pole fishing
- restrooms

Ka’anapali Beach
- fronts the luxurious Ka’anapali Beach Resort
- nickname: “Dig Me Beach” — the place to be seen
- most water activities popular year-round

Kahana Beach
- access at south end of Pohaku Access Park
- shallow, protected by offshore reef
- somewhat isolated

Kahekili Beach Park
- access at north entrance to Ka’anapali Resort
- fine golden sand
- one of the safest swimming beaches
- snorkeling, diving

Kamaole Beach Park
- downtown Kihei
- three beaches in one park
- gentle surf
- white sand
- restrooms, showers
- body surfing, lazy body boarding
- picnicking, grilling, volleyball — playground for kids

Kanaha Beach Park
- next to Kahului airport
- white sand
- good swimming for kids
- windsurfing

Kapalua Beach
- access past Napili Kai Beach Club
- golden sand
- easy body surfing, snorkeling

Keawakapu Beach
- access at Kihei and Kilohana Roads in Kihei
- white sand
- snorkeling, body boarding

Koki Beach Park
- 1 mile North of Hana Town Center
- white sand — wider beach in summer
- body surfing, body boarding, some surfing
- camping allowed

Lahaina
- access on south side of the Hotel Lahaina Shores on Front Street
- snorkeling, shorediving and some surfing

Launiupoko State Park
- on Hwy 30 about 3 miles south of Lahaina
- surfing

Ma’alaea Beach Park
- on Hwy 31 N of Kihei, near Wailea
- nickname: Hay Craft Beach
- winter whale watching
- stretches for miles, good for strolling or jogging
- body boarding, surfing, windsurfing
- next to Kealia Pond bird sanctuary

Mai Poina ‘Oe la’u Beach Park
- on North Kihei Road
- humpback whale watching in winter

Makena Landing Beach Park
- off Old Makena Rd.
- small sandy areas and pebble beach
- good swimming for kids

Maluaka Beach Park
- access via right turn past the Maui Prince Hotel
- pearl white sand

Mokapu Beach
- access south of Stouffer Wailea
- white sand, short & wide beach
- snorkeling, some body boarding and surfing

Napili Bay
- white sand
- advanced swimmers - high surf & rip currents common in winter

Oneloa Beach (”Big Beach”)
- in Makena, north entrance to Kapalua
- white sand
- good view of Molokai
- one of most popular on Maui, local favorite
- diving, snorkeling
- nearby is Little Beach: clothing optional

Oneuli Beach
- dark sand
- exposed reef

Papalaua State Park
- on Hwy 30, about 10 miles south of Lahaina
- long, narrow roadside beach
- nickname: “Thousand Peaks”
- surfing, body boarding, snorkeling

Polo Beach
- access south of Kea Lani Resort
- white sand
- snorkeling, offshore bodysurfing
- some heavy surf and erosion as a result

Po’olenalena Beach Park
- off Old Makena Rd.
- golden sand
- three rocky points along long beach

Puamana Beach Park
- at the south end of Front Street in Lahaina
- nickname: “Hot Sands”
- picnic facilities

Ukumehame Beach Park
- on Hwy 30 about 9 miles south of Lahaina
- yellow sand
- long, narrow roadside beach
- fishing, easy surfing, kayaking
- picnic & grill facilities, restrooms

Ulua Beach
- access south of Stouffer Wailea
- long, wide white sand beach
- snorkeling, body boarding

Wahikuli State Park
- 2 miles north of Lahaina
- picnicking/barbecueing
- snorkeling

Waiehu Beach Park
- heavy surf along offshore reef
- ocean debris — popular for beachcombing and Limu gathering
- rocky sea bottom - not good for swimming
- fishing

Waihe’e Beach Park
- access via Halewaiu Road to Municipal Golf Course parking lot, turn toward ocean on park access road
- rocky bottom, not good for swimming
- shore diving, snorkeling, shoreline fishing
- beachcombing and Limu gathering

Wailea Beach
- access south of Four Seasons
- highly developed area
- long, wide white sand beach
- snorkeling, bodysurfing

Wainapanapa Park
- near the end of the Road to Hana
- black sand
- snorkeling, volcano rock caves, camping
- restrooms, showers

The Best Snorkeling sites

Plunge into Hawaii’s Amazing Snorkeling Sites

     Since Hawaii is known for the sun, surf and sand, activities relating to water are extremely popular in this side of the planet. Snorkeling is one such activity that visitors of this sun-kissed state should not miss. Underneath the sparkling turquoise water lies ahead an entire new world filled with numerous marine creatures like fish, rays, turtles, eels, dolphins, urchins, and much more. A few of this countless underwater species could only be sighted here in the Hawaiian Islands, and a snorkeling escapade in this state would lead you straight to them. Listed here are some of the most breathtaking Hawaiian snorkeling spots, mostly based on their striking views and accessibility:

 

Hanauma Bay

 

This particular bay is located in Oahu and is one of the preferred snorkeling spots in Hawaii. Its waters are clear, temperate, and serene. Dozens of friendly fish would swim alongside the snorkelers. The backdrop is undeniably gorgeous and the bay is not hard to find. Even if tourists are waist deep in the water, countless reef species as well as inshore fish that are common in the Hawaiian seas could be plainly seen here. Beginner snorkelers would enjoy staying in the protected, shallow inner areas. Experienced snorkelers, meanwhile, could take a channel by the reef so that they could enter the Witch’s Brew, a disorderly cove, along with some outer reef sections.

 

Molokini Crater

 

The Molokini is situated in Maui and this is a partly submerged volcanic crater that guests could access by means of a boat. The terrific visibility offers visitors a fantastic viewing of up to around 150 feet deep. There are roughly 250 various species of fish that swim freely in these seas and some of them would be found no place else in the world.

 

Kealakekua Bay   ,  

The Kealakekua is based in Hawaii’s Big Island and this is also where one could find the Captain Cook Monument. This bay is among the prized snorkeling sites in the Hawaiian Islands. The Kealakekua Bay is truly one of the underwater marine havens, teeming with sea turtles and dolphins. Tourists would be glad to know that there are plenty of available boat tours for snorkeling in order to check out this private sanctuary.

 

Ke’e Beach Park

 

Ke’e Beach Park is located in Kauai and actually provides the best snorkeling adventure during the months of summer or when the seas are calm. The renowned lofty cliffs of Na Pali Coast come into one’s view in the nearby distance. The snorkelers would be able to see a vast diversity of multicolored fish and more often than not, green sea turtles from the Pacific. The Ke‘e Beach Park sports a very tropical-inspired look, with its backshore being abundantly vegetated by coconut palms, some ironwood trees, ti, as well as guava.

 

Majority of the sites mentioned above are perfect even for novices, but one thing, they all have in common is that they are brimming with colorful underwater sea life. Since Hawaii is home to some of the world’s most splendid beaches, it is best to try out their water-related activities when visiting this state. Snorkeling is one fun adventure, especially when it is done Hawaiian style.