Quote:
Originally Posted by Russic
We were told to go to Hanauma Bay for snorkeling, which turned out to be a really bad decision. Extremely crowded and unpleasant for the most part. There was much better snorkeling in front of the convenience store where I bought my gear and in front of a hotel we stayed at. Hanauma pops up on every "places you must see" list when you google hawaii, but I didn't see the appeal.
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Couldn't agree more, unless you love getting kicked in the face and looking at dead and ruined corral stay away from this place. Molokini Crater on Maui has much better appeal. I've snorkled in some pretty amazing places (koh Phi Phi Thailand, Cabo, the Carribean) and I would say Hanauma Bay was absolutely one of the worst.
I'll contribute to the OP though. We usually go to Maui for Christmas every two years or so and I've been to Oahu a few times as well.
I Maui, as mentioned, Molokini Crater and turtle town for snorkeling were pretty cool. Whale watching is also good but generally the whales aren't around as much at the time you are going but you still may encounter spinner dolphins. Last time we went we went Zip lining in Haleakala crater and that was awesome, you can also do trail rides, and bike down from the top.
In Oahu anyone who says Pearl Harbour is overrated doesn't know what they are talking about. It's an important piece of history and given the opportunity should be seen at least once in a lifetime. Oahu also has the Polynesian cultural center which is interesting and should be seen if you want to see some Fijian women shaking their hips like you've never seen before! If you go to Oahu check out some of the day excursions. We went on an eco tour with a hike, body boarding and snorkelling, normally I stay away from this sort of thing but my wife at the time wanted to go on it and it was great with some hidden waterfalls and off the map snorkeling spots.
Cheers and have fun, Hawaii really does have something for everyone.