With warm water and islands surrounded by magnificent reef ecosystems, Hawaii is a snorkeler’s paradise and while we’re sure you’ve heard of the Aloha State’s most famous snorkeling destinations before – Hanauma Bay, Molokini Crater, and Poipu Beach, to start – the spot we’re featuring today is a little more off-the-radar. 

Before we dive in, we need to issue a short warning: please remember that you are a visitor in the vast Pacific Ocean. You should never disrupt the living coral or bother sea life. Disturbing endangered animals like the Hawaiian monk seal and the honu is illegal and may result in massive fines. As always, we suggest you check out surf conditions before you make any decisions, and heed all warnings posted. 

Despite its namesake, Mahukona Beach is not a beach in the traditional sense – it is an abandoned commercial harbor run by the Kohala Sugar Company. Closed in 1956, remnants of the area’s industrious past can still be found under water here and are, in fact, one of its main attractions.
Dennis Crabtree/Flickr
Calm, clear water makes Mahukona a popular snorkeling destination, and the underwater scene is as unique as they come. Nestled among beautiful coral reefs, you will discover old mill equipment and machinery as well as a shipwreck!
Family Herrera/Flickr
Together, the coral and debris make a peculiar playground for local marine life, and you never know what you might find when exploring here. Just don’t forget your camera – you won’t want to miss capturing unique views like these!
Family Herrera/Flickr

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Though the water is easily accessible from the harbor, the shore is rocky and can be difficult to navigate. We suggest making sure you wear water shoes or a pair of sturdy sandals.
charleschandler/Flickr
This snorkeling spot features excellent visibility, except when ocean conditions are rough during the winter months. When the surf is high, we recommend staying out of the water.
Family Herrera/Flickr
Luckily, there’s a lot to see on land, including a variety of artifcats from the former sugar mill. The harbor’s edge is marked by a rock wall and here, you will find rusted machinery that has been left to rust for decades, which only adds to Mahukona’s rugged appeal.
Bjorn/Flickr
Whether you're a snorkeling enthusiast or trying it out for the first time, there's no denying that Mahukona Beach is a one-of-a-kind slice of paradise that deserves a spot on your Hawaii Island bucket list.
Family Herrera/Flickr

Have you ever snorkeled at Mahukona Beach before? Would you recommend it to a friend? Share your experience and opinions with us in the comments below, then click here to learn all about another unique snorkeling destination in Hawaii.

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