The trick is learning to appreciate that which is unique about each area. The best snorkeling spots on Kauai are inside protective reefs. Kauai, being geologically older than the other inhabited islands, has had more time for these reefs to form. The choice of desination is determined by a variety of factors including the tide, surf, wind and restrictions. Generally, in the winter months, if there is going to be a swell large enough to disrupt snorkeling, it would be coming from the north and or west.
Trade winds create choppy conditions on the east side.
Our primary destination is on the south shore under these conditions. In summer, swells tend to originate south of Kauai, often creating better conditions on the north shore. Spring and fall are transitional periods when there can either be a combination of north and south swells, or ideally, calm waters on all shores. Accurate surf forecasts are available. Sometimes not so accurate weather forecasts are a click away.