Hawaii Snorkeling on Lanai

Snorkeling in Hawaii is a must-do, and if you're visiting Maui, taking a snorkeling tour to the tiny island of Lanai is something not to miss. Lanai snorkeling is superb and it has been rated one of the top 10 snorkel destinations in the world, which is why many of the Hawaii snorkeling tour boats on Maui offer Lanai day trips.

With its summit rising about 2000 feet above sea level, Lanai is usually quite sunny, making the snorkeling even better. Once mostly pineapple plantations, Lanai is now gaining ground in tourism, largely thanks to the incredible snorkeling on Lanai (and diving). Lanai snorkeling offers the most crystal clear waters of al the main Hawaiian islands (which is saying a lot), and Lanai's waters are teeming with tropical fish.

Most of the year, the best beach on Lanai for snorkeling is Hulopoe Beach, which has also been designated as on of the United States' best beaches. Located on Lanai's southern coast, Hulopoe Bay is incredibly beautiful with its glimmering expanse of golden sand and deep blue waters.

This protected bay is not only one of the best Hawaii snorkeling destinations, it attracts many spinner dolphins, making Lanai snorkeling even more of a treat.

Lanai also offers many more calm bays for snorkeling as well. A popular snorkeling tour out of Maui is a sailboat excursion to Lanai's Manele Bay (also very popular with dolphins) where you can enjoy excellent snorkeling, followed by a guided tour of the island. You can also find all-day, sunrise or sunset snorkeling tours out of Lahaina Harbor to Lanai.

Whether you are staying on Maui or on Lanai, considering a Lanai snorkeling tour as a perfect way to compliment your Hawaii vacation. As always, book early to ensure your spots!

Island hopping? Check out the snorkeling tours on these islands:

• Kauai Snorkeling– Snorkel on the oldest and most protected reef ecosystems of all the major Hawaiian Islands.

• Oahu Snorkeling– World-famous Hanauma Bay tops a long list of Oahu's excellent snorkeling spots.

• Maui Snorkeling– The top snorkeling attraction here is Molokini Crater, a beautiful underwater sanctuary inside a partially sunken volcanic crater.

• Hawaii Snorkeling (BI)-Snorkel in Kealakekua Bay's marine sanctuary, secluded Pawai Bay or many other optimal spots.
  

• Molokai Snorkeling- This small island near Maui offers some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii.