Can geezers snorkel in the winter on Oahu?

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Can geezers snorkel in the winter on Oahu?

My wife and I (68 & 66) are going to Oahu in Feb. and are wondering if there are any good snorkeling spots that time of year which might be "senior friendly."

I was stationed at Marine Barracks at Pearl Harbor for 2 years in the 60s, and we had a SCUBA diving club. Our favorite spots were the "coral canyons" of Makaha and beyond the reef out to the mouth of Hanauma Bay, which was practically deserted back then.

I've been back to the islands a couple of times since then, but my wife has never been to Hawaii, and our trip will fulfill a lifelong dream for her.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Regards,

Bob Anderson

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Can geezers snorkel in the winter on Oahu?

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Aug 08, 2011
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Oahu Winter Snorkeling? - Sure
by: Galen & Nicole

Bob, you bet. We always recommend summer as the best time to snorkel in Hawaii, Oahu included, but lots of folks snorkel in the winter. It will all depend on what the weather is doing. One week you could have huge waves and a surf competition on the North shore, and another week it could be flat calm and you will be able to snorkel at Shark's Cove, like one of our site readers told us about here. Just carefully note the conditions, waves, and currents, and don't do anything beyond what you consider to be your "geezer" ability.

If the weather is coming in from the North it is likely that you will be able to get in the water at Hanauma Bay. Although you may not be able to snorkel beyond the protective reef. Another spot that might be possible if the weather is up is at Ko'olina lagoons.

The water temperatures are colder in the winter, so consider getting a thin wetsuit or a neoprene top like we use.

Have fun!

P.S. Before you go we will have updated our Oahu pages on this website, so make sure and check back in to see our most recent recommendations.

Aug 08, 2011
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geezers
by: Anonymous

I think the places you mentioned are the best. Hanauma bay is crowded-depending on the tides-go when it opens if it is low tide. Personally, I did not find snorkeling very good on Oahu. I go every year to surf and stand up paddle. I go snorkeling when surfing wears me out. I am 71. I swim a lot. Hope you do to because even going to the bay will take a lot out of you if you are older. It gets very crowded after 9AM but I still enjoy my time-bring your own snacks because there is no place to buy food at the bay. Hope you get in shape. You should have your own mask, snorkel, and even fins because at our age you don't want to mess around with crap that leaks. You are also going when the winter swells bring the high waves. I usually go in Sept/Oct. There are some places on the North Shore-where you can snorkel and see turtles but check the swells before you go. Last year I ran into early large swells and snorkeling on North shore was impossible. Surfing was ok. Lanakai is only good early in morning if low tide. I had a great time Stand Up Paddling. I rent in Kailua and use the board on the east shores which are protected by reefs. On Oahu it is the swells, tides that seem to dictate where to snorkel. Makaha, most likely will have large swells in winter. Towards Kaena there are some places but risky due to open ocean and homeless people living on beach, who may rob car. My friends went to Big Island and took tours for snorkeling and loved it. It was there first trip to Hawaii. Big question is does your doctor feel you are in shape. I have a good doctor at VA and I work out 4-5 times a week-often swimming half mile and then using training fins, mask, snorkel to swim under water half pool length to three quarters. Take care of yourself and good luck.

Sep 27, 2011
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Geezers can snorkel february Oahu!!!!
by: Joseph McKeown

Sounds like all the responders know their Oahu snorkelling. February can be flat and crystal clear. If you're lucky, you could be snorkelling in twenty feet off Makua beach admiring the wave shadows on the sandy bottom. Visibility can be 100-150 feet. But, probably February will be wavy and rainy with low visibility. I'm a geezer myself, sixty four and cautious. I'm partial to the north shore and west side. Don't be frightened by the homeless. They have strong understandings with the police. If they don't cause the police paperwork, they leave them alone.

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Can geezers snorkel in the winter on Oahu?

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Can geezers snorkel in the winter on Oahu?