While summer may be at itʻs tail end, the fun in Hawaii truly never stops, and lucky for us snorkeling is a year-around activity perfect for the entire family. Some parents are quick to regard it as too advanced for keiki (children), but we’re here to prove otherwise. This month on the blog we’re dishing 3 ways children benefit from snorkeling.

1. SNORKELING IS EDUCATIONAL
   We’d argue that children will never receive a better lesson on marine life than taking a front row seat in the actual underwater environment. Snorkeling allows you to to observe the ocean in close range. On top of the close-up education, keiki become familiar with undersea etiquette. It’s vital for snorkelers, both adult and children, to understand that while the marine life may be within reach, one shouldn’t mess with the natural motion of the ocean. Snorkeling allows children to learn to keep their distance, and respect the ocean and its many residents.
2. SNORKELING IS HEALTHY
   Snorkeling is great for strengthening heart muscle and increasing both blood circulation and heart rate — all factors that have proven to benefit cardiovascular health. Snorkeling has also been known to lower your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and high cholesterol. We strongly believe that encouraging outdoor, physical activity — where a child is free to observe at his or her own free will — leads to a lasting healthy lifestyle.
3. SNORKELING DEVELOPS STRONGER SWIMMERS
   Similarly to swimming, snorkeling requires you to use your entire body. While we do suggest wearing a life vest if you feel it necessary for your safety and enjoyment —floaty or not— snorkeling demands total body strength and loads of energy. As a business who cares deeply about families, snorkeling helps to strengthen and develop the same muscles your keiki use while swimming, and we consider that a massive win! Here at Hanauma Bay Snorkel safety comes first, and we believe that strong swimmers equal safe swimmers. In addition, snorkel gear eliminates the worry of not being able to breathe, and instead forces children to redirect that same energy to increase water awareness. Your body begins asking questions that focus on becoming a better swimmer— is the weight of my body evenly distributed? Am I kicking consistently? Is my body aligned?— rather than wondering when your next breath will come.

We hope this month’s blog post has convinced you that snorkeling is an activity for the entire ohana (family). Grab your keiki and head to the ocean, snorkels included. If Hanauma Bay is on your list of family snorkeling destinations, give us a call, we’d love to help you explore Hawaii’s underwater paradise.