Hello wonderful trip advisors. Just a quick question - I am planning on a morning snorkeling trip to Olowalu on an upcoming vacation. I have been reading a lot of interesting stories on the Papalaua Wayside Park coral garden. Would you suggest one over the other? As an aside - I am also plannng to hit a lot of the other great snorkel sites too - I just have not snorkeled the Olowalu area and wanted to check it out. Thanks in advance!
I have only gone to Papalaua by boat, don't know much about from off shore but the coral gardens are wonderful. I don't like Olowalu due to the shallowness of the water. You need to be familiar with the channels in and out of there for a good experience. I wouldn't go to either if it has rained in the last day or two.
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9 helpful votes Ditto MsFuzz..
If you do go to Olowalu beware do not get struck in the sand and the trees drop sharp thorns..wear your slippahs.
Aloha,
It would be a long haul to get to "Coral Gardens" from the shore. I wouldn't rec it unless you are a strong swimmer. Depending on the swells, it could also be more surf conditions than snorkel-there's not much to block the swell from coming straight in.
Olowalu can be tricky, as Fuzz mentioned. They have some signage up there that will help you though.
Gesh! Glad I asked. The articles made it seem like an easy snorkel from shore. I thought it was funny that I had not read much about it on here. Thanks for the info!
Gesh! Glad I asked. The articles made it seem like an easy snorkel from shore. I thought it was funny that I had not read much about it on here. Thanks for the info!
A week ago Snorkel Bob's told us that Olawalu is posted with shark warnings. I don't know how current that is though, so I'd recommend double checking that.
Aloha,
There has been a shark warning sign at Olowalu for about 10 years............when it doesn't get stolen by somebody for a souvenir. Yes, there have been a couple of attacks there over the years...........no, it's not common, nor has it been close to shore. IIRC, the last one was at least 7 or 8 years ago, it's been so long I really can't remember!
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