For snorkeling in Waikiki, wear a comfortable swimsuit, a long-sleeve rash guard, and swimwear that stays in place. Add sunscreen for exposed skin and bring a towel for the boat ride. You don’t need to buy a full set of snorkeling gear if your tour provides it.
The right clothes can make your time in the water much easier. A loose swimsuit can slip when you swim. Bare shoulders can burn while you float face down. Wet clothes may feel cold when the boat picks up speed. If you’re joining a guided trip with Hawaii Ocean Charters, masks, fins, snorkels, and flotation gear are included. That leaves you with a much shorter packing list.
Here’s what works best for a day on the water in Waikiki.
1. Choose Swimwear That Stays in Place
Your swimsuit should let you move without needing to fix it every few minutes. You’ll be floating face down, kicking your legs, and getting back onto the boat. A secure fit makes each step easier.
For women, a one-piece swimsuit is a simple choice. It stays close to your body and offers good coverage. A sports bikini can work just as well if the straps fit snugly. Avoid loose ties that could come undone while swimming. Men can wear fitted swim trunks or board shorts. Choose a pair that feels comfortable when wet. Very loose shorts may bunch up or create drag in the water.
Here’s a quick outfit guide:
| Snorkeling situation | What to wear |
| First-time snorkeling | Secure swimsuit and rash guard |
| Women wanting more coverage | One-piece swimsuit and swim leggings |
| Warm, sunny conditions | Lightweight swimsuit and UPF 50+ rash guard |
| Cooler water or longer swims | Swimsuit with a suitable thin wetsuit |
| Boat snorkeling tour | Swimwear plus a dry cover-up for afterwards |
Try your swimsuit before your trip. Raise your arms, bend forward, and move around. If you keep adjusting it on land, it may become a problem in the water.
2. Wear a Rash Guard to Protect Your Skin
When you snorkel, your back faces the sun for much of the swim. Your shoulders and neck can get too much sun before you notice. Even a cloudy day in Waikiki can leave you with a burn. A long-sleeve rash guard helps cover those areas. Look for one with a UPF 50+ rating. It should fit close to your skin without feeling tight. Loose fabric can bunch up when you move.
For more coverage, you can wear swim leggings. They’re useful if you prefer not to leave your legs exposed. You still need sunscreen on uncovered skin. Choose a water-resistant mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Hawaii restricts the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate without a prescription.
Before you leave for your tour:
- Put sunscreen on exposed skin before boarding.
- Cover your shoulders and back with a rash guard.
- Bring sunglasses and a hat for the boat ride.
- Reapply sunscreen as directed on the product label.
A rash guard also reduces the amount of sunscreen you need. That’s useful when you’re spending the day near Hawaii’s reefs.
3. Pick the Right Snorkeling Gear and Footwear
A mask that fits badly can ruin an otherwise good swim. Water leaks inside, your view gets blurry, and you spend more time fixing the seal than looking at fish. Before entering the water, check that your mask rests comfortably against your face. Keep hair away from the seal. If water keeps getting in, ask your guide to check the fit. Don’t just pull the strap tighter.
Fins should feel snug without pinching your feet. If they hurt before you start swimming, ask for another size. What about water shoes? They’re helpful at some rocky shore entries, but they aren’t usually needed on a guided boat trip. Hawaii Ocean Charters has a barefoot policy aboard its boats. You can wear sandals to the harbor, then remove them when boarding. Medical exceptions are available.
If you’re taking the company’s Turtle Snorkeling Adventure, the following gear is included:
- Snorkel mask and breathing tube.
- Swimming fins.
- Flotation vest or belt.
- Snorkeling instructions.
- An in-water guide.
The two-hour trip includes a visit to Turtle Canyon, an offshore reef near Waikiki. The shared tour accepts guests ages seven and older. You won’t need to buy a mask or fins for this trip. But you do need basic swimming skills. The flotation equipment provides support, not a replacement for knowing how to swim.
4. Dress for the Boat Ride, Not Just the Swim
Your clothing needs to change when you leave the water. A wet swimsuit may feel fine while you’re swimming. Once the boat starts moving, the breeze can make you feel cool. Bring a dry T-shirt or light cover-up. Keep it somewhere it won’t get wet. A towel is also worth the space in your bag.
Hawaii Ocean Charters departs from Kewalo Basin Boat Harbor, near Waikiki. The company asks guests to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Wearing your swimsuit under a cover-up can make getting ready easier.
Pack these items in a small bag:
- Towel: Dry off after you climb aboard.
- Dry shirt: Wear it over your swimsuit on the return trip.
- Waterproof pouch: Keep your phone and small items dry.
- Spare clothes: Useful if you’re heading out after the tour.
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated before and after swimming.
If you prefer a smaller group, the Semi-Private Turtle Snorkel & Catamaran Cruise takes up to six guests. The two-hour trip uses a 30-foot power catamaran. It has shaded seating, a restroom, and a freshwater shower. That shower is handy for rinsing off after snorkeling. The tour accepts guests ages five and older, with basic swimming skills required for those entering the water.
5. Dress for Waikiki’s Water Conditions and Avoid Common Mistakes
Waikiki is warm for much of the year, but ocean conditions can change. Wind can pick up, waves can build, and the water may feel cooler after you’ve been swimming for a while. For many visitors, a swimsuit and rash guard offer enough coverage. If you get cold easily, ask your tour operator whether a thin wetsuit would help. You don’t need to pack a wetsuit just because you’re visiting Hawaii. Think about how long you’ll be swimming and your own comfort in the water.
Some clothing choices are best left at your hotel:
- Cotton T-shirts: They hold water and become heavy.
- Loose bikinis: Straps can shift when you swim.
- Everyday underwear: It isn’t designed for swimming.
- Heavy shorts: They can restrict movement when wet.
- Dangling jewelry: It can catch on gear or get lost.
If you’re wondering what to wear for snorkeling as a woman, don’t feel limited to a bikini. A fitted one-piece with a rash guard works well. Add swim leggings for more coverage. Comfort matters far more than how your outfit looks in photos.
Get Ready for Your Waikiki Snorkeling Adventure
Once you’ve chosen your swimsuit, rash guard, and dry clothes, there’s little else to pack. If you’re joining a guided tour, check what equipment is included before spending money on your own gear.
At Hawaii Ocean Charters, we offer shared, semi-private, and private snorkeling trips near Waikiki. You can explore Turtle Canyon with a guide and look for Hawaiian green sea turtles, known locally as honu. If you see a turtle, give it space. NOAA recommends staying at least 10 feet away. Never touch or chase one. Browse the available Waikiki snorkeling tours and ocean adventures to find a trip that fits your group.
Your clothes should be the last thing on your mind once you’re in the water. Wouldn’t you rather spend that time watching the reef than fixing your swimsuit?
Common Questions About Snorkeling Clothes
Do you need a wetsuit to snorkel in Waikiki?
Not usually. Most visitors are comfortable wearing a swimsuit and rash guard. Waikiki’s water stays fairly warm year-round, though winter can feel cooler. A thin wetsuit may help if you get cold easily or plan to swim longer.
Can you wear a regular T-shirt while snorkeling?
Yes, but a rash guard is a better choice. Cotton T-shirts absorb water, become heavy, and dry slowly. A fitted rash guard stays more comfortable in the water and offers better sun protection when UPF-rated.
What should women wear under a rash guard?
A one-piece swimsuit, sports-style swim top, or secure bikini top works well. Avoid bulky ties or straps that rub against your skin. Choose something that stays in place while swimming and feels comfortable under your rash guard.
Do you need water shoes for snorkeling in Hawaii?
It depends on where you snorkel. Water shoes may help with rocky shore entries, but you should never step on coral. On Hawaii Ocean Charters’ boat tours, guests follow a barefoot policy onboard and use the supplied snorkeling fins in the water.
What should you avoid wearing while snorkeling?
Avoid loose jewelry, heavy cotton clothes, and swimsuits that slip when wet. Long ties and loose fabric can also get in your way. Stick with fitted swimwear, a rash guard, and light clothing that dries quickly.
