The reef formation in front of Hale Makai causes waves to break from several different directions, which typically creates choppy water conditions inside the reef. It may look uninviting, but at least one snorkel guide rates this area as the equal of Ke'e and Tunnels Beaches as to quality of snorkeling. I don't know that I'd go quite that far, but I snorkeled every day here and didn't tire of it or get bored.