Underwater Viewing in the West

OAHU'S HANAUMA BAY
Striped Hawaiian sergeants, lei triggerfish, and green bird wrasses dart among the coral reefs at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, a popular snorkeling spot on Oahu's South Shore. The bay—formed when the ocean flooded an ancient volcano crater—offers a curving beach, crystalline waters, and a reef that's lively with some 150 species of colorful fish. To protect the pristine marine ecosystem, about 10 miles east of Waikiki, the Honolulu Parks Department lets a limited number of visitors into the preserve. Arrive early to beat the crowds. Admission is $5; snorkel rentals start at $6. Hours: Wed.–Mon. 6 a.m.–7 p.m. (808) 396–4229, www.hanaumabayhawaii.org [2]

MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM
This is your last chance to touch a baby shark or see a four–foot scalloped hammerhead. SHARKS: MYTH AND MYSTERY ends its run at California's Monterey Bay Aquarium on September 4. (831) 648–4888, www.montereybayaquarium.org [3].

BONNEVILLE DAM
Underwater viewing windows at the Bonneville Lock and Dam Visitor Center in Cascade Locks, Ore., showcase migrating salmon as they swim up a fish ladder on the Columbia River. (541) 374–8820, www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/b [4].

Photography by David Schrichte

This article was first published in July 2006. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.