AboutMalia Expertise Aloha,
I can answer I would say about 99 % of all questions relating to Hawai`i.
Experience I work for tour agencies as a tour guide so have a wonderful island experience especially from the view of travelers and newcomers to the islands. I am also a high school language teacher.
Question QUESTION: My family is coming to Oahu in Dec./Jan. What is the avg. water temperature for this time of year? Will we be able to snorkel and enjoy the water while we are there?
ANSWER: Aloha,
In December and Jan the water temp can vary because sometimes we have windy and rainy days. But it is still around 75 F.
It might feel cooler on an overcast day but people are in the water all year long. For us here, it's cold because we are so spoiled here all year long.
But depending on where you come from, you will laugh at us in Dec wearing sweaters when it's 70 F outside.
So I believe you will be able to snorkel even in the winter.
Let me know if you have any more questions
Malia
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: What are the best snorkel spots on Oahu around Christmas?
Also what are the best snorkel tours and whale watching tours?
Answer Aloha Charlie,
The best snorkeling spot on O'ahu all year long is Hana'uma Bay. You can drive there or take the bus. No need for a tour.
But if you go by car, you have to be there at 7 AM, otherwise the lot is full.
Or you can park down the hill at the shopping center and then walk up 1/4 mile up the hill.
There is a small entrance fee and they make you watch a movie about conservation but that spot is # 1 for snorkeling. It is beautiful and lots of locals go there as well.
FYI: they are close on Tuesdays.
Any other place in and or around Waikiki is good too, less fish, but you can always spot some when you go. North Shore in the winter is out of snorkeling, cause you have huge waves and it's murky then.
So for snorkeling there are not really many tours, most are for scuba diving. But you can check, there is one called "Aqua Zone" in Waikiki, they are i the Marriott Hotel and they are serious.
As for whale watching in the winter, they are many, but be careful. Some charge a lot and make you sign a waiver that they can't guarantee any whale sightings. You can easily take a catamaran in Waikiki for like $ 20 and see just as many whales. It's a matter of luck. You can even see some just walking around if you're lucky and looking out onto the ocean.
Again the same route if you go past Hana'uma Bay you see many many whales from shore, if you have binoculars, even better but no need really to pay $$$ for a tour.
Malia
