Snorkeling in Kauai
Snorkeling in Kauai comes down to warm, calm water. The most comfortable months are May to February, with highs around 82°F (28°C) and the sea at about 78°F (26°C).
Photo: Jim Bahn, CC BY 2.0
Top snorkeling in Kauai
Kauai: Na Pali Raft Snorkel AdventureFrom $185View 
Kauai’s Ultimate Guided Shore Snorkel (NO BOAT) in South PoipuFrom $120View 
Kauai Snorkeling AdventureFrom $123View
Tours from Viator. Good Outing may earn a commission when you book, at no cost to you.
How to pick a good snorkeling trip
- Check whether gear, a wetsuit and reef-safe sunscreen are included or extra.
- Morning trips usually have calmer, clearer water before the afternoon wind picks up.
- If you're a nervous swimmer, ask for a flotation vest and a guide in the water.
- Smaller boats reach quieter spots; big boats often moor at the busiest reef.
Kauai month by month
Averages for Lihue Airport, Hawaii, 1991–2020; sea temperatures offshore, 1991–2020.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 79 (26) | 78 (26) | 78 (26) | 80 (27) | 82 (28) | 83 (29) | 85 (29) | 85 (30) | 85 (30) | 84 (29) | 81 (27) | 79 (26) |
| Low °F (°C) | 66 (19) | 66 (19) | 67 (20) | 69 (21) | 71 (22) | 73 (23) | 75 (24) | 75 (24) | 75 (24) | 74 (23) | 71 (22) | 69 (20) |
| Rainy days | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 18 | 19 | 18 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 18 |
| Sea °F (°C) | 76 (24) | 75 (24) | 75 (24) | 76 (24) | 77 (25) | 78 (26) | 79 (26) | 80 (26) | 80 (27) | 80 (27) | 79 (26) | 77 (25) |
| Sunset (15th) | 6:15 pm | 6:35 pm | 6:47 pm | 6:58 pm | 7:10 pm | 7:23 pm | 7:25 pm | 7:10 pm | 6:42 pm | 6:14 pm | 5:55 pm | 5:57 pm |
Questions
When is the best time for snorkeling in Kauai?
May to February. Expect highs around 82°F (28°C) and the sea at about 78°F (26°C). The least comfortable months are March and April, when the sea drops to about 75°F.
How warm is the water in Kauai?
The sea averages 75°F (24°C) in February and 80°F (27°C) in September. Below about 75°F most people want a wetsuit for a long swim or dive.
Where can I book snorkeling in Kauai?
The tours above book on Viator. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you pick one.
