| The waters of the Pacific Ocean off the shores of | | | | snorkeling. |
| Salt Pond Beach Park are a sight to behold. The real | | | | Snorkeling Safety Tips: |
| eyeful, however, is what lies beneath the surf. | | | | * Mornings are the best time to snorkel, as are calm, |
| Salt Pond Beach Park is located near Hanapepe on | | | | clear waters. |
| Kauai's Westside. The area was named for the | | | | * Never snorkel alone; always snorkel in areas where |
| traditional Hawaiian sea salt produced in pools located | | | | there are other snorkelers and swimmers. |
| near the beach. For many generations during summer | | | | * Do not snorkel if the water is rough, choppy or |
| months, Hawaiian families have dug out pans from | | | | unclear. |
| the red soil to evaporate seawater and produce | | | | * Do not snorkel near surfers or body surfers. |
| natural sea salt. After the salt is produced it is | | | | * Scan the area outside of the water periodically to |
| bagged and used not for cooking. The natural sea | | | | keep your bearing. This easy precaution will keep you |
| salt is also used for an Epsom salt-like medicine, | | | | from drifting off course by mistake. |
| offered plain or mixed with red clay. Even now, | | | | * Do not feed the fish under any circumstances, as it |
| traditional Hawaiian salt is still available at some | | | | fouls the water and sickens the fish, making them |
| markets on the island. | | | | susceptible to predators. |
| When you visit Salt Pond Beach Park, you may see | | | | * If you want to attract fish, bring along a zip lock |
| some families at work in their saltpans. The | | | | bag. Put a coloured object like a leaf in the bag, fill it |
| knowledge and skill is handed down from generation | | | | with water, and let it float near you. You'd be |
| to generation, and the art is practiced with pride. | | | | surprised at how many curious fish will swim up to |
| Observing these people as they work, you'll get a | | | | inspect the bag. |
| real feel for the traditional lifestyle of families. Take | | | | * Protect Kauai's reefs. Coral reefs are marvelous |
| care not to walk too close to the saltpans, as they | | | | ecosystems that take thousands of years to |
| provide necessary livelihood and time-honoured | | | | develop but only seconds to destroy. Float over |
| tradition to the people of Hanapepe. | | | | shallow reefs, but never walk on them. Instead of |
| In addition to this charming glimpse of island living, | | | | standing on a coral reef, paddle to a sandy spot. |
| Salt Pond Beach Park offers gentle waves rolling in | | | | * Sea turtles and monk seals should be admired from |
| year-round, making it a popular destination for family | | | | a distance. The Endangered Species Act protects |
| outings. Young body surfers love the gentle rolling | | | | both the monk seal and the Pacific green sea turtle. |
| waves, and snorkelers will find clear water at each | | | | It is illegal to harm or harass these creatures in any |
| end of the crescent beach. | | | | way, including touching. Law officials in Hawaii strictly |
| The time pools fronting the salt ponds are definitely | | | | enforce these rules. If you are fortunate enough to |
| worth exploring. It seldom rains at Salt Pond, so | | | | spot one of these rare creatures in the water, enjoy |
| when it pours elsewhere on your Hawaiian vacation, | | | | them from a respectful distance. |
| visit this piece of paradise and have a fantastic time | | | | * Always check to ensure local conditions are safe |
| on the beach. You don't have to be an accomplished | | | | before entering the sea. Storm surges and high surf |
| swimmer to enjoy snorkeling the waters of Kauai's | | | | can be very dangerous wherever they occur. Talk to |
| Salt Pond Beach. With minimal instruction, even | | | | local residents, listen to weather forecasts and |
| beginners can learn to snorkel in no time. With proper | | | | choose your snorkel location accordingly. |
| floatation devices, even non-swimmers can enjoy | | | | |