Best Snorkeling In Hawaii - The Big Island Snorkeling Guide
Green Sea Turtle in Hawaii
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Snorkeling Big Island Hawaii, The Big Island Snorkeling Guide
Planning to travel to the Big Island of Hawaii? Looking to do some snorkeling? Then you’ve come to the right place. As an avid snorkeler and someone who loves Hawaii, I know where to find the best snorkeling in Hawaii. I also know how great snorkeling can feel. It’s easy on the joints and if you do it in calm waters, it can be peaceful and relaxing. As someone with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and terrible arthritis, I love how being in the water feels. Not a great swimmer? No worries. Check out these great life jackets and vests.
I’ve tried to make this guide as inclusive as possible. As such, this Big Island snorkeling guide will take you through all the best places to snorkel in Kona and Hilo, including some wheelchair-accessible snorkeling tours. So get ready to see a bevy of tropical fish, turtles, and Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins as we explore the cool ocean waters and amazing reef system off the coast of Hawaii. These are the best snorkel spots in Hawaii.
The Best Time To Visit The Big Island
The Big Island is warm and welcoming year-round, but it’s important to consider certain factors if you’re looking to snorkel. For the best time to visit the Big Island, you’ll want to check out the jellyfish calendar and avoid dates where jellies are known to be more prevalent.
Rocks and black sand beach of Waialea Bay
Waialea Bay
Waialea Bay or “Beach 69” as its known was designated a marine life conservation district in 1985. Once named the best beach in America and one of the best island snorkeling spots, the bay is protected and tends to be calmer than nearby Hapuna Beach. Waialea Bay has three different snorkeling spots to explore and some of the best snokeling Kona Hawaii has to offer. The easiest snorkel site is at the south end of the bay on the left side of the beach. Tropical fish frequent the shallow waters close to the rocks. This is generally good advice for snorkeling on any beach as fish tend to hover around the lava rocks.
You can also choose to snorkel in the center of the bay where there’s a rocky middle point dotted with larger coral heads and reefs. As you circle around the left side of the rocks you’ll find yourself in 7-10 feet of water surrounded by a beautiful reef system and dozens of fish.
Another option is to head to the north end of the beach following the rocky point jutting out from the right side of the beach. The waters here reach about 15 feet in depth.
If you happen to visit in winter, look out for humpback whales that sometimes visit the area.
Waialea Bay is some of the best in Kona snorkeling and one of the easiest spots to get to.
Location: Waialea Bay Beach is located 23 miles north of the Kona Airport off Highway 19, past the Waikoloa and Mauna Lani resorts. To get here turn onto Puakō Beach Drive.
A beautiful Manta Ray off the Kona coast
2. Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Swimming with Manta Rays is a must-have Hawaii snorkeling experience. As I mentioned in my Big Island Guide it’s also one of my favorite accessible activities. Big Island snorkeling tours and other water activities are possible through Anelakai Adventures. They’re the best on the island and really go above and beyond to provide a customized experience. Anelakai even supplies specialty equipment so visitors with quadriplegia can snorkel with Manta Rays. They have years of experience and they’re caring, knowledgeable, and willing to work with anyone no matter what their age or mobility to make traditionally inaccessible activities like the ray night snorkel accessible.
If you have physical disabilities please contact them directly at (808) 987-0377 so they can make sure to arrange proper staff and equipment to ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable.
Location: Anelakai Adventures 78-7138 Kaleiopapa St Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Honaunau Bay
3. Honaunau Bay
Honaunau Bay offers some of the best snorkeling in Kona. If you want to spot Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, head out to Honaunau Bay early in the morning. They’re known to frequent this location.
Honaunau Bay is known for its great, sometimes up to 100-foot, visibility. Meaning “City of Refuge” the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park sits on the left side of the bay. The park spans 182 acres and features a preserved ancient Hawaiian village. It’s worth taking a stroll through the park on your visit to see the place that was once a refuge for Hawaiians who had broken the sacred laws.
If you’ve come to do some Honaunau Bay snorkeling, head out to the furthest point of lava rock. It’s highly recommended you wear surf shoes to reach the entrance as the jagged rocks will cut up bare feet. This also makes it one of the least accessible snorkeling spots on my list. If you don’t have good balance and mobility, this beach is not recommended. Once you do reach the water, there’s a great shallow area for beginner snorkelers along the rocks. You’re likely to see lots of people here with their kids.
The area sports a good variety of tropical fish and the occasional octopus. More seasoned snorkelers may choose to head further out into the deep sandy area with a patch of cement blocks. The left side of this area reaches depths of 30 feet and features a wide variety of coral reef canyons. Here you’re likely to find green sea turtles. Be extremely careful exploring this area as the seafloor drops out to 100 feet just behind the reef system and the waves can be rough at times.
Location: Honaunau Beach Rd Captain Cook, HI 96704
Captain Cook Monument
4. Kealakekua Bay
Some of the best Kona Hawaii snorkeling can be found at Kealakekua Bay, the Big Island’s only underwater state park. This is another one of the more difficult snorkeling sports when it comes to accessibility. Parking is just under 2 miles away from the bay, so if you’re not up for a good long walk, you may want to skip Kealakekua Bay snorkeling or choose to access it by boat. Just be advised that if you do choose to walk, it’s not that difficult to get down to the bay, but climbing back up to your car in the hot sun is decidedly more difficult.
The best way to access this amazing snorkeling area is to book a boat tour of Kealakekua from Keauhou Bay. You can find several Big Island snorkeling tours, but I recommend this tour from Sea Paradise Sailing and Snorkeling Tours. This 3 1/2-hour tour will take you to Captain Cook Monument in Kealakehua Bay where you’ll see colorful tropical fish, Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, and awesome underwater lava formations.
Location: located 13 miles south of Kailua-Kona. Parking is available by the Nāpō'opo'o Pier. (But again, save yourself the walk and book the boat tour.)
Beach chairs at The Mauna Lani Resort
5. Mauna Lani Resort
Having stayed at the Mauna Lani Resort on my very first trip to Hawaii, I can safely say it is one of the best places to go for snorkeling Big Island Hawaii. The area is actually made up of three snorkeling spots
Pau’oa Bay - Just north of Mauna Lani towards The Fairmont Orchid Hotel is a protected beach that’s surrounded by massive lava rocks. The area boasts a sandy bottom entry that is perfect for beginners and those with mobility issues.
Honokaope Bay - On the south side of the bay on the far left, there is a small black sand beach named “49 Beach.” To get there you’ll have to walk along a small fisherman’s trail. Visibility is quite good and the waters are calm and easy to navigate.
Makaiwa Bay - To the north of Honokaope Bay, on the Mauna Lani property, is a small bay known as Makaiwa Bay. This area offers deeper reefs that are fun to explore. I also spotted some green sea turtles here along with a floating $10 bill. It was a very exciting snorkeling day for me. Remember, it is illegal to touch or taunt green sea turtles and it can result in a hefty fine. But if you find any floating cash, that’s fair game.
Green Sea Turtle or Honu
6. Mauna Kea Beach
Located along the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Kauna’oa Bay the white sand beaches of Mauna Kea provide some of the best snorkeling on the Big Island. Here you have an excellent chance of running into some manta rays and a variety of colorful fish.
The public beach can be accessed through the hotel gate. Pro-tip: get here early or take a Lyft as parking spaces are sparse and fill up quickly. Another pro tip: if you take a Lyft or Uber you’ll want to arrange pick-up ahead of time as ride-share is severely limited on the Big Island. You’ll be waiting a long time if you try to get picked up last minute.
If you have good weather conditions the snorkeling here is spectacular. If the weather is poor, visibility will be low. To get to the best snorkeling spot, enter the water near the rocky points and swim past the shallow coral reefs to access the main attraction.
At night you have a good chance of spotting manta rays when the hotel shines its lights into the water to attract plankton. Often times the manta rays will come to feed on said plankton. You can hop in the water at sunset at Manta Ray Point to see these spectacular creatures. Make sure you’re snorkeling with a buddy and keep an eye on the shore as it’s easy to get lost at night and head out deeper than you intended.
Location: About 27 miles north of the Kona International Airport on the South Kohala Coast. The beach sits just south of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.
White sand beaches of Hapuna Beach
7. Hapuna Beach
I’ve had great luck snorkeling at Hapuna Beach. As you can see from the picture above, the beach is made up of gorgeous white sand. This is a great Hawaii Big Island snorkeling spot for families because there’s a lifeguard on duty year-round. However, the beach is also known for higher waves and lower visibility in parts. We happened to have great visibility and low waves on the day we visited, but I’m told this is not the case year-round.
Because of the sometimes large waves, Hapuna is not a great snorkeling beach if this is your first time snorkeling or you’re not a strong swimmer. The right side, or north end, of the beach, has the most underwater life. You can usually spot a few turtles and many colorful fish along the corals and rocky walls.
The left side of the beach, or the south end, requires a long swim out to the corals. I had significantly more trouble navigating this side on the day I went and I’m a pretty good swimmer. This side of the beach is also out of sight of the lifeguards, so it’s probably better to stick with the north end unless you’re a very advanced swimmer.
Pro tip: get there early because parking is limited.
Location: Hāpuna Beach is located north of Kailua Kona close to mile marker 70 of Hwy 19 in the south Kohala district.
8. Kamakahonu
Nest up on our Kona Hawaii snorkeling list is King Kam Beach aka Kamakahonu. This is a great beach for kids and beginners because of its calm waters. If you’re looking to see butterfly fish, tangs, puffer fish, and others in some easy-to-snorkel waters, this is where to go.
Beware of the boats that enter the left side of the bay, otherwise, you’re in for some easy-to-navigate waters. Bonus, since you’re in the heart of Kailua-Kona you can stop in the many shops and restaurants.
Location: 75-5660 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI 96740
Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins
9. Kahalu’u Beach Park
When it comes to snorkeling Big Island spots, no list would be complete without Kahalu’u Beach Park. This is another amazing spot for kids and beginners. The waters are easily accessible, shallow, and patrolled by a lifeguard. You’ll also find a delightful assortment of tropical fish as well as some tide pools.
The best side of the bay to explore is the left side. If you’re lucky you may even spot some green sea turtles, or honu, from which the bay gets its name. Again, please don’t touch the turtles. It is highly illegal as they are endangered species. If you are caught touching the turtles it carries a hefty fine.
Location: Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Relaxing on the beach
10. Richardson’s Ocean Park
When it comes to Hilo snorkeling beaches, this is your best bet. It’s tough to find good snorkeling beaches on the eastern side of the island due to the rough ocean conditions and lower visibility, but Richardson’s Ocean Park offers one of the rare sheltered bays on the east side of the island. Here you’ll find a bevy of tide pools, calm water conditions, and a good variety of tropical fish and sea turtles. The water is also pretty shallow making it a great choice for those who feel uncomfortable swimming in deeper waters.
Location: 2355 Kalanianaole St, Hilo, HI 96720
The Best Snorkeling Gear
If you’re looking to do some Big Island Hawaii snorkeling you’re going to need the right gear. If you’d like to rent snorkel gear on the Big Island I recommend Boss Frog’s Kona. The store is located in the heart of Kona at 75-5725 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona HI 96740.
If you’re looking to get your own gear I have some excellent recommendations.
Best Snorkeling Fins
These CAPAS snorkel fins are the perfect travel-size swim fins and come in men’s, women’s, and kid’s sizes. They’re also very highly rated on Amazon and come in 5 different colors.
2. Finis Long Floating Fins are built for speed. The closed heel protects against hyperflexion of ankles and increases comfort. If you’re looking to do a lot of snorkeling, these are a great pick. They’re also a best seller on Amazon with thousands of five-star reviews. They come in 10 different colors. Though with a closed-heel design, it’s important you pay attention to the sizing chart as they are not adjustable. Fins are offered in both kid’s and adult sizes.
Best Snorkeling Mask
When it comes to the best snorkeling masks, never go with full-face masks. I know these may look alluring because they appear to give a wider field of vision, but they are inferior to normal eye masks and are to be avoided. Many tour groups do not accept them for safety reasons. The air seal often leaks on them flooding the user’s face with water. They’re also much harder to breathe in and can be difficult to obtain the proper amount of oxygen. Obviously not ideal for a product that’s supposed to allow you to breathe. But here are some amazing snorkel masks.
Cressi Panoramic Wide View Mask - This mask comes in 16 colors and patterns, has near-perfect reviews on Amazon, and offers full panoramic views.
2. Greatever Dry Snorkel Set with Anti Fog Diving Mask: One of the top-selling and best-rated snorkel masks on Amazon, Greatever’s mask comes in 11 colors and patterns, and offers a good value. However, it has a slightly less wide view than Cressi’s. Though the mask does offer anti-fog protection. It also comes in kids’ sizes.
3. The Body Glove Passage Mask and Snorkel Set comes with a mount for your GoPro so you can easily take videos of your undersea adventures. It’s my favorite way to capture pictures and videos as it helps create less jerky movements than holding a camera in your hand. Plus, it keeps your hands free to swim.
Best Snorkel Set
If you’re like me and want to keep things easy, you could always opt for a snorkel set, complete with a carrying bag. I love my snorkel set. Every time I go to Hawaii I just toss it in my suitcase with some defogging wipes and I’m ready for an undersea adventure. Below are my favorite sets.
Zenoplige makes a perfect panoramic mask and dry-top snorkel with fins and a carry bag. This is a great choice for an all-in-one kit that travels well. This well-reviewed set comes in 15 colors but is only offered in adult sizes.
2. Cressi Italian Design’s Premium Tempered Glass Lens Frameless Scuba Snorkeling Dive Mask, Dry Snorkel, and Palau Snorkeling Fins are pretty much the top-of-the-line in snorkel gear. If you’re looking to splurge a bit on a set that will not fog up and last for years, this is the perfect set. The set comes in adult sizes and is offered in 4 different colors.
3. Finally, if you’re looking for a great set that also comes in kids’ sizes, check out the Tongtai Mask Fin Snorkel Set with dry top snorkel, panoramic mask, adjustable fins, and travel bag. The set comes in 13 colors and is very reasonably priced.
Best Snorkeling Camera Gear
We all want to head back home with some great footage of our time spent snorkeling in Hawaii. There are two ways I recommend doing this. First, with your camera phone and a waterproof case. Second, with a Go Pro and either a handheld mount, which will be shaky, but gives you better close-up shots, or a snorkel mask mount, which will be steadier but your subjects will appear further away. If you opt for a Go Pro, I suggest taking some videos using both methods to get some great coverage of your underwater adventures.
Other Items You Need To Snorkel
I highly recommend 2 other items to pack with your snorkel gear. Lens wipes and defogger. Yes, most of these masks say they’re anti-fog, but I find the longer you use them the more likely they are to fog up. Plus, it’s always nice to give your lenses a good cleaning after all that saltwater exposure.
Enjoy The Best Snorkeling Big Island
I hope you enjoyed this Big Island snorkeling guide. The Big Island has some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii and there really is something for everyone at every level.
Know of a spot I missed? Feel free to drop it in the comments below.
Happy travels!
Waving goodbye at the KOA airport
