Hawaii's best snorkeling?
 

Does anyone out there have a favorite place in Hawaii (any island) to snorkel? We loved Tunnels in Kauai. Any other consistently awesome places?

Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay... South of Kailua Kona on the Island of Hawaii. My favorite! Go by boat tour or kayak in.

Are there any great spots that are easier to access? We have a toddler. As it is, my husband and I have to take turns going out. I guess I am asking alot. The best places seem to be harder to get too.

Two places on Maui come to mind. Black Rock near the Sheraton in Kaanapali. If you are not staying ther you can park in the free beach parking they are required to provide. There is signage. We found it pretty easily.

Also in Wailea at Ulua Beach. There is parking and they have bathrooms and a place to shower off the salt and sand. The beach is nice and the snorkeling is great.

Most people think Place of Refuge/Two Steps is almost as good as Capt. Cook Memorial. I snorkeled both places many years ago, but this past trip (last month) only made it to Capt. Cook Memorial. We drove by the Place of Refuge but we were on a schedule that day. It seemed much more crowded from what I could see.

Check out shorediving.com but look under the reviews of Snorkeling for each individual site. This site lists Kealakekua Bay, but only the wharf area... not Capt. Cook Monument which is a mile or so away by boat/kayak.

Thanks Suzie and cawhite for the input. I will check out the website.

We stayed at the Westin Maui last week and walked over to Black Rock. My husband saw a spotted ray and we saw puffer fish and sea turtles there! Awesome.

We're in the same situation, we're going with a 2 1/2 year old. We are planning on taking the Fairwind II snorkel cruise to Kealakekua Bay, http://www.fair-wind.com/fairwind.html

At least according to their website (click on families) it's very child friendly. If you're going after mid-October I'll post back about our experience.

Kahalu'u Beach just south of Kona would be good if you have a toddler. You little one could see turtles and play in the water close to shore. Lots and lots of fish and turtles there, plus a beach, food, shade and walk in entry to the water. One of the four best spots on the Big Island.