The Big Island has some fantastic snorkeling. Go to Kona Boys to get your gear and some guidance on the best places to jump in. The Kona side has most of the best snorkeling, but Puna also has some excellent sites. Go in the morning on the Kona side, and in the afternoon in Puna, for clear and calm conditions.
Two Step, Pu'uhonua O Honaunau (Place of Refuge). Great for beginners and experts alike. Teeming with fish and turtles. �
Ho'okena Beach Park, south of Honaunau. Not as spectacular, but getting in and out of the water is incredibly easy: just walk. Then enter at the left side of the beach for the best snorkeling. Go during the week, if you can (save the weekends for the locals). �
Kapoho Tide Pools, southern Puna coast. Not to be missed. This is some of the calmest snorkeling you will ever see, and the fish will come right up to you. The pools are spring-fed, and some are volcanically heated. There are no dive shops anywhere near here, so bring your gear with you (although a local may take pity on you and loan you theirs). Again, go during the week if you can. Marine scientists frequent this spot, and are usually happy to share their knowledge to make your visit to the tide pools more fulfilling. �
Captain Cook, Kealakekua Bay. Considered to be the best snorkeling on the Big Island. Rent a kayak from Dexter across from Captain Cook's monument. Starting February 2010, you will need a if you want to kayak there. �
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Big Island
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Big Island - updated May 2024
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Big Island Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
