Oahu Snorkeling for a 5 yr. old...are we nuts?
 

Is it possible that a 5 yr. old can snorkel at Hanauma Bay? We'll be keeping a VERY close eye and holding his hand. He'll also be wearing his swim vest. Does the bay rent out equipment for that young age?

It's possible. My daughter was 7 when she snorkeled for the first time and she was very successful!

I recommend you buy cheap equipment (Walmart?)and try it out in your own bathroom or at your pool. It's the mouth breathing that kids need to practice. So long as your child is not fearful of putting their face in the water, can float (swim vest) and you're very close by then snorkeling should be fun!

I think it just depends on the child. My FI's son was 5 when we took him and he'd have nothing to do with it, was terrified actually.

On the other hand, we saw a family who had a toddler (4 or 5) and they were holdering her up in the water helping her snorkel, she seemed to love it.

As highflyer suggested, have your child practice in the pool, be sure to get a dry top snorkel to keep water out.

Mine was 10 yrs. old and did well. 5 seems young, but Hanauma Bay is a good place for a young one to try it out.

You can rent boogie boards with masks embedded in them - my son used one when he was 4 and it worked great. I think they call them Lookie Boards and when I checked a couple years back Snorkel Bob's had them for rent.

Kim

Another way is to get a big plastic jar- think mayonaisse size or bigger and he can stand in the water and look thru the jar bottom. Try to get a jar without a big scar on the bottom.

Toy stores sometimes sell sand buckets with clear plastic bottoms as well.

I went on several field trips to Hanauma Bay when our kids were in pre-school and we used this method.

Excellent suggestions. Thank you all.

I love this site!

If he's a good swimmer and comfortable in the water, he should be fine. Be sure to FULLY INFLATE his BC (bouyancy compensator), which should be provided to you if you're on a tour. Check it for leaks. Double-check it.

And use your best judgment. If the water is rough or conditions are difficult, he should stay on the boat (or on shore).

Good luck!