Snorkeling

Snorkeling is the easiest ocean sport available on the island, requiring nothing but a snorkel, mask, fins, and good sense. Borrow equipment from your hotel or purchase some in Lanai City if you didn't bring your own. Wait to enter the water until you are sure no big sets of waves are coming, and observe the activity of locals on the beach. If little kids are playing in the shore break, it's usually safe to enter. To get into the water safely, always swim in past the breakers, and in the comparative calm put on your fins, then mask and snorkel.

Best Spots

The best snorkeling on Lanai is at Hulopoe Beach and Manele Small Boat Harbor. Hulopoe, which is an exceptional snorkeling destination, has schools of manini that feed on the coral and coat the rocks with flashing silver. You can also easily view kala (unicorn fish), uhu (parrot fish), and papio (small trevally) in all their rainbow colors. Beware of rocks and surging waves. At Manele Harbor, there’s a wade-in snorkel spot beyond the break wall. Enter over the rocks, just past the boat ramp. Do not enter if waves are breaking.

Equipment, Lessons, and Tours

Lanai Ocean Sports.

Take in the beauty of towering sea cliffs, playful spinner dolphins, and crystal-clear waters as you sail along Lanai’s coastline, before arriving at Kaunolu, where King Kamehameha challenged his Hawaiian warriors to show their courage by cliff jumping. This intimate trip includes snorkel equipment, wet-suit tops, and stand-up paddleboards, plus a gourmet picnic lunch. Manele Small Boat Harbor, Manele Rd., Manele, Lanai City, Hawaii, 96763. 808/866–8256; www.lanaioceansports.com. From $149.