Big Island is home to spectacular snorkeling adventures. With clear water, blue skies and miles of stunning coral reef along the Kona Coast, you can expect to see a beautiful array of tropical fish in their natural habitats. If you are looking to rent gear, check out local gear shops like Kona Boys, Snorkel Bobs, or Jack’s Diving Locker.
Honaunau Bay
Honaunau Bay, also known as Two Step Beach, is one of the favorite snorkeling and scuba dive sites on island. Many say this spot is one of their favorite and most exciting snorkel adventures on island. Access this beach by parking right outside of Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Park and make the short walk to the rocky coast. The name Two-Step comes from one of the access points into the water, two rock ledges or steps that guide you down into the water. While the water is initially quite shallow, the center of the bay reaches up to 100 feet deep.
Kahalu’u
If you are looking for an easy and beginner-friendly snorkel experience close to Kona Town, check out Kahaluu Beach Park off of Ali’I Drive. The beach is protected inside a shallow, wide bay keeping the water calm and perfect for clear snorkeling conditions. You can usually spot, turtles, tropical fish, and bright colored coral while snorkeling here!
Kealakekua Bay
This south Kona bay is one of our all-time favorite snorkeling spots! While visiting, check out the Captain Cook Monument, which marks the spot that European explorer Captain James Cook first arrived to the island and later was killed after a confrontation with the Hawaiians. The bay is lively with marine life and the colorful reefs are simply incredible. The Bay is a Marine Life Conservation District, meaning that the reef, fish, and bay are all protected so fishing is prohibited. To get to the bay you can hike down from the highway, go on a boat tour, or kayak in if you have the proper permit.