I'm not sure how much snorkeling I'll do on my 5 weeks in Hawaii, but probably a fair amount. I'll be traveling alone and with a car on Kauai, Maui, and Kona each for a week or more, plus a week in Oahu (doubt I'll snorkel there).
How much is rental every time you plan to snorkel? Or do you go somewhere and rent by the week? Would it be worth it for me to buy my own things? I have my own fins by the way which I could take. I threw my mask and snorkel out recently as I hadn't used them in several years and they were all "gummy".

Part of the issue is I'm trying to picture if on the islands, I'd be driving and just want to stop somewhere and snorkel for a bit.

Patrick, when I was in St. Croix, I bought a mask and snorkel for less than $25. When you rent, you pay at least $5 or $10, so it seems to me that in five weeks, you'd get more than enough good out of a relatively inexpensive mask even if you had to pay $40 or so for it. I know you can pay a small fortune for a mask, but if you aren't staying in a resort, I don't think it's worth it to try to rent equipment. (I don't usually use fins anyway if I'm just snorkeling from the beach.)

Thanks, Doug, and that was QUICK -- a three minute answer! I think I can get a pretty decent mask super cheap here in Naples right now. Everything is on super sale. So I think I'll do it.

I must have heavy feet. They tend to sink like rocks when I'm snorkeling unless I have fins.

I always take my own mask and snorkel. I have a smaller face , so most rental masks don't fit well. I also like having a snorkel that has only been in my mouth. Have fun in Hawaii

You can rent gear in HI at several "chain" rental shops that allow you to take the gear from one island to another. [kind of like one way car rentals, pick up in one location on first island and leave off at last island].

Personally,I would buy a mask and snorkel and just rent fins, which are really cheap to rent and that way you don't have to use up valuable room in suitcase. Fins are pretty good as rentals, in fact, they are often fairly newest models.

Boss Frog is one rental chain in HI.

Deb

My fins are quite lightweight and very slim and fit nicely in the bottom of my rolling duffel between the supports for the handle.

Snorkeling by yourself???
Be careful, NP!

We always pack our own towel, mask, snorkel and fins with emergency spare pieces. That way you know they are clean btwn uses. Driving, we always had them with us because -- yes -- you will come across a beach you just want to stop and see. Some places have waves too large to snorkel.

We bought ours at Wal-mart in Hawaii. They had quite a large selection.

Good plan to buy your own mask & snorkel. Using other peoples' is a bit of a turn off for me. We took the whole kit & caboodle with us. Also, you may want a small dry box & clip on to yourself for glasses & wallet or cc & $$. Doing this helped me to enjoy snorkeling without worrying about the security of my valuables. Sometimes, I have used a 'noodle' float to assist with snorkeling so that I could last longer out there.

What's the dates for this wonderful trip?

I have always traveled to the islands with my own mask and snorkel..I leave the fins at home..I bring my own beach towel too...along with a small cooler that folds up.
Please be careful on swimming at dawn and at dusk..its when the tiger sharks feed in the surf.

The dates? I fly out on Sept. 8, just one day after driving back from doing my play in Blue Ridge, Ga. A whole day to do laundry from a month long trip and repack for a 5 week one. It's a rough life, but someone's gotta do it!

Just as important as snorkel gear is reef/water shoes to traverse the lava and rock filled shores. We travel with one set of snorkle gear. The flippers fit mrlou and they fit me with my watershoes. All travels in a nice mesh bag.

That's a good idea, gyppielou - to share & the reef shoes as well.
That way one can look after the valuables & keep a better 'eye' on the the on snorkeling as well. It could be a problem if you're in a time crunch though....naw, not you, but maybe other people.

Patrick: If you ever need a personal snorkel life guard for all expense paid trip, just let me know. (Hey I can scream really loud!). )

:-? Hmmmmmmmmm....<no biting tongue emote>

We travel with our own gear (masks, snorkels, fins, shoes) especially after a dismal purchase at a Mart type store many years ago. The masks leaked and the snorkels cracked. In the recycle they went and into a surf shop we went.

We were lucky enough to be on Oahu, staying at a house near Haleiwa, and ventured in to the Surf n Sea surf shop.
surfnsea.com
We both got fitted for masks by experienced staff and purchased better snorkels. We didn't spend much more than Doug.

We had a fabulous time snorkeling at Shark's Cove and Three tables-all on the North Shore of Oahu. If you are up that way, try to take in the sunset at Laniakea-also known as Turtle Beach. The Green Sea Turtles (honu) hang out on the sand there and are marvelous to observe.

The gear and it's owners have made many happy trips to other island destinations.

R5

If you normally wear glassees for driving, etc, you definitely should buy a mask with corrective lenses! I go snorkeling only rarely at Hanauma Bay, and they rent them there. They are fabulous. I never knew what I was missing!

If I went more often, or was going on a trip that involved snorkling, i'd for sure buy one. You can spend big money and get one based on your actual prescription, or spend a lot less and get a mask with one of about eight levels of correction.

Thanks for behaving yourself, Kal. I was only joking you know (partly!).

You said you doubt you would snork el on Ohau but Hanama Bay is very good although it can be crowded.