Glittering tropical fish stream through crystalline water here, alongside sea turtles tracing long, slow trajectories past sugar-white beaches. Barrier reefs protect much of the shoreline, but they’re punctuated by channels with swift, powerful currents—stay alert. When winter swells pile up, abandon the North Shore’s really sweet snorkeling spots and take a plunge at Lawai Beach, Koloa Landing or Poipu Beach Park instead. As always, make sure to use reef-friendly sunscreen, and never handle or stand on the living coral.
