A flooded volcanic crater on Oahu's south-east corner, Hanauma Bay is nature's own beginner pool: a reef-sheltered curve of turquoise where green sea turtles and parrotfish cruise water that rarely tops shoulder depth. It's a protected nature preserve, so numbers are capped — reserve your slot online two days ahead, arrive early and watch the orientation video without grumbling. Mornings bring the clearest water; the bay closes Mondays and Tuesdays so the fish get weekends too.
Featured in Ten tropical snorkel and dive spots perfect for first-timers · Tropical