Snorkeling in late Dec/early Jan. Maui or Big Island?

[uday029]

We are planning a trip to Hawaii for 10 days during Christmas/New Year holidays and are trying to decide between Maui and Big Island. We are flying into HNL airport so we are planning to spend 3 days inOahu and then spend rest of our vacation either in Maui or Big Island. One of the important activities we are looking to do is snorkeling/diving. We want to hike, relax on the beach and snorkel.
I have read that Maui has great snorkeling but the winter storms may kick up sand and the waves may make it not ideal for snorkeling. Any advice on snorkeling conditions comparison between Maui and Big Island in December-January? Do you recommend one island over other from snorkeling and beach perspective?
Thanks for any help!

 

[DivemasterDennis]

I'd go with Maui, as there are more easy entry and exit places and more snorkel sites ( The Big Island is great too, but dicier entries in most places and less shallow snorkel sites. As to weather, it is something to deal with on either island. But Maui has some nice sheltered areas no matter what direction the wind is from. Focus on the west side- Kaanapali area and south of Lahaina. Olawalu south of Lahaina is a great snorkel site- lots of color and coral. SOuth of Kehei is Ulua Bay, another great snorkel.
DivemasterDennis

 

[DiveMaven]

If you're looking for nice beaches, Maui beats the BI hands down for me. Great places to snorkel and dive too. We're there every Christmas and New Years and rarely get blown out, but it is Mother Nature, so no guarantees.

 

[Iwantsun]

Another vote for Maui. There are tons of places to snorkel and most have excellent/easy access. It's a shore-snorkeling paradise. You don't have to hop on a boat unless you want to (Molokini the exception.) If conditions happen to be poor in South Maui, drive up to West Maui and they're likely better...and vice versa. Whatever you decide, have a great trip! Aloha.