Here at Hanauma Bay Snorkel Adventures we are complete snorkel enthusiast, snorkel nerds really. And it’s easy for us to assume that you all love snorkeling as much as we do. But if we’re totally honest, most of the world hasn’t even give two thoughts to giving snorkeling a try. If you’re on the fence on whether you’d even want to try snorkeling, let these six reasons convince you that snorkeling is always a good idea. Who knows – by the time you’re done reading the post, you may have your bags packed and your snorkel face on.

IT’S AN UNDERWATER EXPERIENCE

Ever wondered what it feels like to be underwater? Let us tell you – it feels as if you were flying. Sure, we’ve never flown before, but, being underwater has you feeling as weightless as weightless gets. Once you’ve mastered your breathing and your buoyancy control, you will feel as if your body is levitating.

THE CORAL REEFS ARE BREATHTAKING

Brain-like coral, mushroom coral, noodle coral, fan coral, the list goes on and on. Coral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, housing thousands of marine species! Be prepared to be amazed by the many shapes, colors and textures of coral reefs.

ALL THE FISH

At Hanauma Bay alone you are guaranteed to see more than one hundred different fish species. Some travel in schools and others alone. You will be familiar to some fish while others will complete take you by surprise.

IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH

Yes, snorkeling is a lot of fun, but it also helps to improve breathing patterns and serves as a decent cardio exercise.

NO EXPENSIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

At the very minimum, a face mask and a snorkel are the only two pieces of gear required to adventure underwater. We recommend fins if you plan to snorkel in an area where the currents are strong.

CONNECT WITH NATURE

By the end of your snorkeling adventure, you will have realized how beautiful and peaceful the ocean truly is. We’re convinced that you will fall in love with the ocean and leave with a better understanding of why it’s so important that we take care of it.

There you have it – six reasons to give snorkeling a try. Here at Hanauma Bay Snorkel Adventures, we offer transportation and gear rentals to make your experience that more enjoyable! May the new year bring you a new hobby – SNORKELING! Mele Kalikimaka and Hau`oli Makahiki Hou, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Its calm, blue water, white sands and cocktail of sea life make Hanauma Bay the prime Oahu spot for snorkeling. Although you can expect to see about 110 varied species on your underwater excursion, below are four fish that are guaranteed to make an appearance.

The Kikakapu, known as the Threadfin Butterflyfish, is first on our list. With a black and white body and bright yellow fins, it’s hard to miss in the ocean’s light blue backdrop. Most Kikakapu run about 9 inches long and are seen in ocean depths that run from 1 to 115 feet.

The Na`ena`e comes in a close second. The Na`ena`e, or Orangeband Surgeonfish, is an oval-shaped and brightly colored fish that tends to linger near tropical reefs like our very own Hanauma. These surgeonfish reach lengths from 6 inches to 15.

Kihikihi or Moorish Idol is another brightly colored fish that you are sure to spot. The distinctive appearance, similar to that of an angel fish, has a protruding snout and small fins. Kihikihi prefer shallow waters and flat reefs.

Lastly we have the Ta`ape, otherwise known as the Blueline Snapper. The color of this fish is its most diagnostic feature. Especially when spotted in the ocean, the back and sides of the fish are a bright, almost fluorescent, yellow. They tend to travel in large schools and in shallow waters.

The list of underwater life you are sure to see at Hanauma Bay goes on and on. It’s just another reason why we have the best job in the world. We get to help people discover and experience the beauty that lies under the sea. Give us a call to book your excursion, complete with gear and transportation today!

Snorkeling is a sure way for travelers to experience the best of all worlds. The relaxing hobby offers beautiful, vibrant seascapes without the costly gear and training that scuba diving requires. Naturally, we are huge snorkel enthusiasts and want to ensure everyone’s snorkeling experience goes as smooth as possible. Below are six tips we find are helpful to both beginner and advanced snorkelers.

1. Lather up: Sunburns can be very damaging to our bodies and deliver both immediate and long-term effects. We recommend applying an SPF 30+ before starting your underwater adventure.
2. Floating around:If you don’t have the stamina to stay in the water for a long time, consider using a float jacket. They’re also very helpful in snorkeling spots where currents can be swift.
3. Hydrate:Most snorkeling adventures take route in places where the sun is strong and dehydration is common. Even if you’re immersed in water, its salt content will drain your skin of its moisture. Be sure to bring a water bottle on your excursion.
4. Keep your distance: Give marine life their space, remember you are in their home. Maintain a safe distance from both the animals and the coral reef and do not touch.
5. Steamy moments: Snorkeling masks fog up because there is (usually) more heat on the inside of the mask as compared to the outside. To prevent some degree of fogginess, rub saliva onto the inside of your mask before rinsing and proceed to positioning it on your face.
6. Don’t be touchy:Resist the temptation to pocket a pretty souvenir shell or seemingly dead sea star—it’s not ecologically sound, and it could even be illegal.

We hope these tips help to create a more memorable snorkeling excursion. Here at Hanauma Bay Snorkel we’re advocates for experiencing the underwater world at least once in your life. Be sure to give us a call or schedule a reservation right here on the website to book an adventure with us!

Hawaii is unlike any place in the world. Visitors and locals alike can agree that its culture, lush beauty, and warm beaches keep people coming back for more. Some say that the only thing that keeps them from experiencing the beauty of Hawaii is the potential heavy dent in their wallets. We’re here to let all you naysayers know that with smart research and some local perspective, a Hawaiian vacation is well within your reach. Below are three things to consider when planning to explore the island on a budget.

TRANSPORTATION

Renting a car takes a hefty toll on your vacay budget, and, naturally, the longer the vacation, the higher the cost. Luckily, Oahu’s public transportation stands with the very best in the nation. From Honolulu to Waikiki, North Shore to Kaneohe town, The Bus offers rides to some of the most popular attractions on the island. For those that prefer to let someone else do the driving, adult rides are $2.50 (17+ years), youth are $1.25 (6-17 years) and children ages 0-5 years are free. Paying customers are allowed a transfer, potentially taking them to and from a destination. The best part about riding the bus is that rather than having to keep your eyes on the road, you can instead enjoy the beautiful scenery of the paradise we call Oahu! Keep in mind, if snorkeling at Hanauma Bay is on your agenda we offer transportation (and a full set of gear) to our visiting customers staying in Waikiki.

ACTIVITIES

Oahu is a hot spot for free activities, including beaches and hikes. We’re in paradise after all! Yet the hikes and private beaches that do require payment (Hanauma Bay $7.50/person and Diamond Head Hike $1/person) are a minuscule price to pay for the indescribable views you are guaranteed to see. The free beaches include Waimea, Sharks Cove, Lanikai, Kahana, Kakelas – the list truly goes on and on. Free hikes take into account Maunawili, which ends with a 40-ft waterfall, Makapuu Lighthouse trail also known for its whale watching perks, and the Hanauma Bay Trail. It’s safe to say the island isn’t short on things to do and places to explore.

PEOPLE

The local people of Hawaii are some of the most generous you will ever come to meet and know. It doesn’t hurt to make a friend here on the island. You’ll be presently surprised to find that sharing the aloha spirit will get you that same spirit ten-fold in return. Some locals may recommend a hidden beach, a hiking hint or maybe even lend you their surfing equipment.

The magic of Oahu will be made even more magical when you’re not worried about the toll your wallet will take at the end of your vacation. Be smart about your trip, do your research and ask around, get the most bang for your buck, your family and your bank account will thank you later!

It’s no secret that the ocean is one of our favorite places to be. The water, and everything in it, has a calming effect that allows us to reboot our minds. Many people will take a visit to the beach to escape, relax and surround themselves in a heaven on earth.

Wallace Nichols, a marine biologist and NY Times Best Selling author who has devoted his adult life to studying the ocean and its effects on our brain­­­, says, “we all naturally have a ‘blue mind’ which is a mildly meditative state characterized by calm, peacefulness, unity, and a sense of general happiness and satisfaction with life in the moment.”

Below are three ways Dr. Nichols says the ocean helps our brains.

1. THE OCEAN IS MEDITATIVE

The sight and sounds of the ocean is easy for our brains to process. The ocean’s calming effects make it simple for our minds to go into a state of meditation. Ever notice how time seems almost irrelevant when you sit and watch the ocean? Now you know why.

When your brain switches into a different state of awareness, stress levels tend to lower, mental clarity improves, there is relief from mild anxiety and your mood often perks up. The next time you’re having a hard time relaxing your mind, get near or in the ocean.

2. THE OCEAN INSPIRES CREATIVITY

As your mind relaxes and your stress levels lower, your brain can make new neural connections. With new connections, come new perspectives. And with new perspectives, come moments of inspiration and creativity. In the most literal sense, the ocean grows your brain.

3. EXERCISE BY THE OCEAN IS BENEFICIAL

While exercise has proven to reduce stress, it also rejuvenates our bodies and reinvigorates our minds. Dr. Wallace Nichols says being near or in the ocean during exercise sets up a better environment for your brain than being inside a loud, congested gym. The more relaxed your workout, the better boost your mind receives.

We love the ocean and can’t imagine our lives without it. We hope that all of you can experience it at least once in your lifetime. Here at Hanauma Bay Snorkel Adventures we offer a chance of getting deep, down and personal with the water. Give us a call or book a snorkeling session right here on the website – we promise you won’t regret it.