Secret Snorkel Spot In Waikiki
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Disclaimer : Our activity suggestions, tips, and Enews articles are based on our experiences and research. The information contained within this site and our Enews letter "Virtual Aloha" is meant to be a guide for anyone who wants to learn more about the islands and for visitors to explore what kinds of activities are available prior to arrival. Prices are listed to use as a guide to help determine what fits in each visitors budget and are subject to change by the activity provider. We are NOT affiliated with any activity provider and do NOT make any money from activity providers our suggestions! We are concerned with the quality of our suggestions and welcome positive and negative feedback about the activities. We, Mike and Kim Crinella, and our company, "A Friend in the Islands", will not be held responsible for any accidents, loss of property, or any other misfortunes associated with activities who's information is provided.
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People
are always surprised to here there is good snorkeling in Waikiki. One of my favorite
snorkel spots on Oahu is at Queens Surf Beach in front of Kapiolani
Beach Park. My parents discovered this spot was good for snorkeling when they
visited us in 1995. Since it's discovery I have snorkeled at this spot dozens of times.
Each experience is very unique with new sightings of tropical fish, live coral colonies,
lobsters, crabs, and eels. There is a rock groin extending out from the shore. Many fish
have made the rock crevices their homes. If you swim out past the end of the groin there
are natural rock arches, caves, and hiding spots for lots of fish and other creatures. The
unique formations are a fun area to explore, but be careful, the current can be strong.
Today I had one of my
best snorkel experiences ever. The weather had been predicted to rain all day but it
actually turned out to be a beautiful sunny day! I decided to head down to my
favorite spot. As I began my snorkel adventure I spotted a large Humuhumunukunkuapuaa
(Picasso Triggerfish) with two small juveniles following close behind. Closer to the rock
groin I noticed lots of juvenile wrasses and parrot fish eating algae on the rocks.
I drifted along side the groin and enjoyed the company of moorish idols, goat fish,
chubb's, several varieties of wrasses, parrot fish, a variety of butterfly fish, large
black spot damselfish, a variety of surgeon fish, and sea cumbers to name a few creatures.
I find I have my best experiences by just floating along and observing the marine
environment in its natural state. 
What made this experience so special is what happened as I was
heading back towards shore after exploring the arches at the end of the groin.
was floating along enjoying all the fish feeding when I drifted face to face with a day
octopus. They are light brown and can change color to blend into their environment. I
noticed a rock had eyes as I was floating by. I backed off and an octopus emerged from the
rock crevice and lifted it's entire head out. I have dreamed of seeing an octopus while
snorkeling and always look for them whenever I snorkel. This was a dream come true. The
octopus was very active and playful. I stayed and watched it for 20 minutes in hopes of
seeing it feed. It just sat perched on top of the rock until I got too close then it
submerged into the rock. Then it would perched again after I backed off. 
Every time I snorkel I encounter a new kind of
creature and see amazing events. I encourage you to explore Hawaii's unique marine life on
any of the islands you visit. Be a good reef visitor and swim, don't walk, when you are in
the ocean. Your walking and standing on the reef can kill hundreds of coral animals
and other creatures. Feeding marine animals is very unhealthy for them. It is best to just
observe them in their natural environment. 
The Waikiki Snorkel Spot is between the bathrooms at the far end of the
Kapiolani Beach Park and the Waikiki Aquarium at the Diamond Head end of the beach park.
The best snorkeling is found around the Waikiki side of the rock groin. There are also
many large coral heads located in the shallow water area heading towards Waikiki from the
groin. This is a marine preserve and it is unlawful to fish or remove anything from this
area.
Unfortunately the day I did this review I did not bring a disposable
camera on my snorkel adventure and the photos featured on this page are not from this day
but do represent creatures that I have seen at this snorkel spot.
PLEASE
NOTE: Prices for island activities featured within our
site are NOT guaranteed. Since we are not
affiliated with any of the activity providers we are not notified if services or prices
change. You will need to contact the activity
provider directly for a current price quote and for availability information. 
