Best Hulopoe Bay Snorkeling

South of Lanai City, the snorkeling at Hulopoe Bay Marine Sanctuary is highlighted by good marine life. There are large tidepools on the left side of Hulopo'e Bay, and there is a shallow reef offshore, making this a good spot for snorkeling. The best time Hulopoe Bay snorkeling is during the summer months when the surf is calm - it is known for rough seas in the winter months.

Hulopoe Bay is part of the Manele-Holopoe Marine Life Conservation District. The marine reserve cover 309 acres spread between Hulopee Bay and Manele Bay. Keep in mind that it is known to be dangerous to snorkel between the two bays.

Pros
• Healthy offshore reef.
• Family-friendly snorkeling spot.

Cons
• Seasonally high surf.
• Close to busy resort.
• Crowded snorkeling spot.

To reach the snorkeling on Lanai by air, you can use one of the inter-island flights on regional carriers into Lanai Airport (LNY). These flights are normally available from Honolulu (HNL) and Maui (OGG).

Alternately, there is a regular passenger ferry service from Lahaina harbor dock (Maui) into Manele Small Boat Harbor (Lanai) provided by Expeditions Maui-Lanai City Ferry.

Once you arrive on Lanai, there is only one rental car company (Dollar Rent-A-Car) and the rates for a jeep are roughly $200 per day. Sometime, the Dreams Come True Bed and Breakfast in Lanai City has a couple less expensive jeeps available.

To reach the Hulopoe Bay snorkeling from Lanai City by car, head south on SR441 for 8 miles. There is parking available at Hulopo'e Beach Park.

If you are not planning to stay on Lanai, then another option is a day snorkeling tour from Lahina, Maui. The challenge is that most of the tour companies are pretty cagey about where they exactly go snorkeling on Lanai. Recently, some of these companies are just doing a single snorkeling spot on the Lanai coast and then returning for a second stop back on Maui, which doesn't make much sense. The most reliable option seems to be Sail Trilogy, but it is recommended to ask a lot of questions prior to booking and then again prior to the cancelation date.

PRO TIP: When planning a trip to the Hawaiian islands, be aware that the State Of Hawaii has banned all sunscreens that oxybenzone. It has been proven to kill coral reefs.

Overall, Hulopoe Bay is the 1st most popular snorkel dive spot of all 4 snorkeling dives in Lanai.