My partner and I are experienced enough swimmers. I've gone snorkeling before with another company last year in Waianae, and wanted to mix it up and try snorkeling on the Waikiki beach side. The vendor's communication notes aren't the most clear directions. (we were told to stand/meet in front of a rainbow umbrella.. at midday, arguably one of the busiest beach times of day, on Waikiki Beach) After surviving our mini panic attack and calling the vendor a few times to confirm we were in the right place, we got on a catamaran and rode out into the waters, into Turtle Bay.
The location was surrounded by at least 8 different boats, which of course meant it was too crowded for nature to exist without too much human interaction. Our guides were quick to pretty much advise to not be a turtle toucher (they're protected), require that we wear life vests, and that we shouldn't be out here if we couldn't swim.
I didn't take much offense to it, but my previous snorkeling experience was definitely more memorable and thereby better than this one. While we were out snorkeling, we encountered some turtles and lots of fish, but most of the experience was trying to stay away from everyone to actually get to enjoy nature without being a pariah.