What to Do In Hawaii: 12 Ways to Get Wet
By Jeanette FosterInteracting with the Pacific Ocean is an essential part of any Hawaiian vacation. Get the most out of your visit to the islands with our roundup of the best beaches and water sports on Oahu, the Big Island, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kauai.
Annie Brinich contributed to this report.
Pictured above: Kauai's Poipu Beach
Molokini's marine life park is another of Hawaii's top dive and snorkel spots. This crescent-shaped crater has three tiers of diving: a 35-foot plateau inside the crater basin (used by beginning divers and snorkelers), a wall sloping to 70 feet just beyond the inside plateau, and a sheer wall on the outside and back-side of the crater that plunges 350 feet. This underwater park is very popular thanks to calm, clear, protected waters and an abundance of marine life, from manta rays to clouds of yellow butterflyfish.
Two of Hawaii's best-known dive spots are found in the clear waters just off Lanai's south shore. The sun lights up an underwater grotto like a magnificent church, hence the name—some scuba divers say a visit here can be a near-religious experience. The snorkeling is terrific at nearby Hulopoe Beach, which also attracts cliff divers (pictured above).
Maui has Hawaii's best windsurfing beaches. In winter, windsurfers from around the world flock to the town of Paia (pictured above) to ride the waves. Hookipa Beach, renowned for its brisk winds and excellent waves, is the site of several major championship contests.
Pictured: Kepuhi Beach on Molokai