Aloha, Cora!
Welcome to planDisney! I am counting down the days to my second visit to
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa this summer! My husband grew up in the tropics and Hawaii is his perfect vacation destination. Snorkeling is also one of his favorite activities so we spent a lot of time on our last trip checking out the local reefs and fish!
At
Rainbow Reef, you can bring your own approved snorkel gear. The cost of the visit to Rainbow Reef includes the gear, so you won't save any money by bringing your own, but you may be more comfortable. You do need to use snorkel gear of some sort, goggles alone would not be considered approved gear.
Disney Vacation Club Members can
show their Membership Card to receive a 10% discount! The gear does need to be approved by the staff at Aulani and do know that if you have the full face mask type of equipment you may not be allowed to use that style as it is increasingly believed to be a possible safety hazard.
If you are a fan of snorkeling, there is a great spot just down the road from Aulani. If you exit the resort toward the street, take the sidewalk north toward the Paradise Cove Luau, and enter the luau parking lot. On the beach side of the lot, you'll see a pathway through the trees and down to the secret beach. This beach is popular with snorkelers and honu (sea turtle) and we made several trips there on our last visit. You could visit this location with just goggles if full snorkel equipment isn't something you are interested in. Please know not to approach or touch the honu as they are a protected species, but if Crush or Squirt swim by you, enjoy the show!
Mahalo for asking your question! Have a wonderful trip, Cora!
Kate