Snorkeling is well-known as one of Hawaii’s favorite activities — among the residents and the throng of tourists that frequent the islands every year. Some even say you have to go underwater to really, fully appreciate a vacation to Hawaii!

If you’re a beginner, there are plenty of outfits and companies available on the islands to get you fit to hit the water. The necessary accessories and components you’ll need are fins, fin socks, hoods and gloves, masks (very important), bags, and of course, vests, wetsuits, and the snorkels themselves.

It all sounds a lot more difficult than it actually is; snorkeling is so popular in part because it’s a relatively inexpensive sport, and it also allows for independent or group fun. You can explore the underwater life and be “one with nature” — as often as you like, and pretty much pick the “site of your choice” for some absolutely spectacular underwater viewing.

If you are on your own, visit a beach that has a lifeguard on duty. They’ll know the specifics for a particular beach on any given day — remember, conditions can change quickly, so, use caution and general common sense before heading out.

Also, here’s another useful thing to know: fish are attracted to anything “shiny,” so to reduce the incredible odds of getting “nibbled,” take all your jewelry off before getting in the water.

The most well-known places to snorkel on the Hawaiian Islands are Hanauma Bay in southeast Oahu, the islet of Molokini off the coast of Maui, and Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island.

Snorkeling at the Captain Cook Memorial in Kealakekua Bay is perhaps the best in all of Hawaii. For novices, this is the perfect place to start. And, it will keep even experienced enthusiast captivated. It is home to a number of spinner dolphins and the possibility of a close encounter with one of these marine creatures is ever present.

On Maui, trips are offered by many boat operators. The most popular locations are Molokini and Lanai. Molokini, three miles off the coast of Maui is a sunken crater, and now a marine sanctuary– Molokini Marine Sanctuary.

On Oahu, Hanauma Bay State Park is still considered one of the best places to snorkel on the island.

With water temperatures ranging from 75 degrees in February to 80 degrees in September, many people opt for a short, thin wet suit when snorkeling. But, it is also important to keep in mind that you can get sunburned even while in the water, so remember to keep yourself lathered in sunscreen–gel works best in the water.