Blog updated by: Tracy S.
Tracy writes for Private Homes Hawai’i, sharing vacation planning tips, travel insights, local things to do, and property highlights to help guests make the most of their time in Hawai’i.
If you want to discover the best Big Island snorkeling spots, you are in the right place. Hawai’i is one of the most famous destinations in the world for snorkeling. With its crystal-blue waters, abundant marine life, and beautiful weather, it draws over 8 million people each year. Every Hawaiian Island has unique snorkeling experiences, but for an epic snorkeling adventure on the Big Island, check out these fantastic tips and frequently asked questions!
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6 Tips on How to Have the Best Big Island Snorkeling Experience
These expert tips will help you have the best and safest time on your snorkeling adventure! Learn where to go, how to be safe, the equipment you will need, tours, and other helpful information. Let’s dive in…
1. Learn Where You Can Snorkel on the Big Island
Is snorkeling better in Hilo or Kona?
Snorkeling is significantly better and more popular in Kona compared to Hilo. Kona’s west-facing coast offers calm, crystal-clear water, abundant marine life, and top-tier spots like Kealakekua Bay and Kahaluʻu Beach Park. Hilo is generally too windy, rainy, and rough, with lower visibility, though it offers unique, sheltered, freshwater-influenced spots.
Can you snorkel on your own in Kona?
Yes. Not only will you find some of the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island in Kona, but you are free to explore them on your own. You don’t have to purchase a tour to enjoy a day in the water. All you need is your gear and essentials, and you can enjoy the entire day snorkeling from shore.
Can you snorkel anywhere on the Big Island?
You can snorkel just about anywhere you want, but not every place is a worthwhile snorkel location. Marine life tends to hang out in areas that provide food and safety, such as coral reefs, rocks, and human-made structures. This is why certain destinations are popular among snorkelers.
2. The Best Big Island Snorkeling Spots
Kealakekua Bay
Kealakekua Bay is a beautiful area to see marine life and have some fun in the ocean. This gorgeous bay is in a secluded area protected from the wind by a 100-foot lava cliff! The natural wind protection makes for calm waters and easy snorkeling for beginners. The area also boasts incredible clarity. You can spot tropical fish up to 100 feet away. Some consider Kealakekua Bay the best snorkeling in Hawai’i.
This location is accessible by hiking the Captain Cook Monument Trail, which offers its own unique history for those interested in learning about Hawai’i’s past. You can also access it by other means, like a boat or kayak, but you will need to pay for a tour or rentals if you choose that option. Because it is a protected zone in the marine life conservation district, dolphins, manta rays, and tropical fish frequent this spot, making it one of the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island of Hawai’i.
Lapakahi State Historical Park
Another marine life conservation park, this location is an extraordinary 3-in-1 adventure. You will have a lovely hike to get there—walking through the Lapakahi State Historical Park. It is a quiet destination with an ancient Hawaiian village site where you can learn about Hawaiian culture. After you have seen the site, follow the signs to the snorkeling entry point.
Honaunau Bay (aka Two Step)
Honaunau Bay offers especially clear waters and is easy to access, hence the nickname “Two Step.” You will need to traverse sharp lava rocks, so it is recommended that you wear water shoes. Additionally, this is a deeper-water experience, so visitors should be extremely comfortable with swimming.
You can also visit Pu’uhonua o Honaunau, a historical site that once served as a refuge for warriors and displaced peoples. Spend a few hours learning about Hawai’i’s rich heritage and then snorkel the rest of the day!
Finding More Places for Big Island Snorkeling
As a rule of thumb, the best snorkeling spots are in locations with less sand. This helps the water stay clearer—making marine life viewing much easier. Expect to use lava rock entries to get into the ocean if you want those more transparent waters. Therefore, proper foot protection will save you from painful injuries.
Other things to look for are calm waters and places where marine life congregates, like underwater structures, rocks, and coral reefs that provide protection and food.
3. Be Prepared for Big Island Snorkeling
Preparing for your adventure and doing a little research ahead of time is a great way to make for a smooth experience. Be sure you have all the right gear for a fun and injury-free day.
It’s also a good idea to learn about the marine life you will encounter. Check out this great Lapakahi brochure that quickly covers aquatic species, safety, and the ancient Hawaiian village in the Lapakahi area.
4. Follow a Few Safety Steps
Safety in Numbers
Never snorkel alone. Always take someone with you or go with a group. If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t plan to be in the water for a while, or take a flotation device with you.
Respect Marine Life
Don’t touch, approach, or feed marine animals. Consider that you are just one of the hundreds of people they see daily. Feeding them too much food or food that isn’t part of their diet could cause harm.
Take Care of Yourself and Watch Out for Your Group
Keep yourself safe by packing adequate essentials for your snorkeling trip. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. It’s also a great idea to have food and snacks to keep your energy up. Always carry a trash bag so you can pack out your trash. This will help protect marine life from dangerous plastics.
Most importantly, please DO NOT wear sunscreen that has oxybenzone. This chemical bleaches coral reefs and kills baby coral. As an alternative, find a “reef-safe” sunscreen and UPF clothing and swimwear to help protect you from the sun.
What to avoid while snorkeling in Hawai’i?
Watch out for sharp coral reefs that could cut your feet or other parts of your body. Also, the coral reef is a living organism that can die if you step on it. To keep you both safe, avoid getting too close or putting yourself in a position where you might step on them.
Pay attention to tides, riptides, and strong currents, so you are not swept out into the ocean. Keep an eye out for weather and tide information. Learn what to do in various emergencies to help yourself and others stay safe.
Lastly, be aware of dangerous shore breaks that could slam you against the beach, even in shallow water.
5. Get the Right Gear for Your Snorkeling Adventure
Snorkeling Gear
You will need a snorkeling mask, a snorkel (breathing tube), fins, or water shoes. You can decide if you prefer to rent or purchase your gear. There are pros and cons to each. For instance, if you only plan to snorkel for a day or two, it’s probably not worth the time and energy to buy your own gear. However, if you think you might snorkel consistently, having your own equipment ensures a proper fit every time you go, which is essential for having a safe and fun experience. Another idea is to buy a mask and snorkel, but rent the fins, so you have less to travel with.
Snorkeling Gear Rental Companies
When looking for a place to rent gear, find a company with good reviews and that meets proper sanitation requirements. Snorkel Bob’s and Boss Frog’s are both great choices.
Best Sunscreen for Ocean Sports
Purchase the proper sunscreen. Reef-safe or reef-friendly sunscreens like All Good and Badger will protect your skin and keep marine life safe.
6. Try a Big Island Snorkeling Tour
If you are new to Hawai’i or have never snorkeled, a tour may be a fantastic option. On a tour, you will have a unique experience with expert guides leading you. Here are a few snorkeling tours on the Big Island for you to consider:
- Night Manta Ray Snorkel Experience
- South Kona Snorkeling and Coastline Exploration
- Kona Half-Day Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch
Where to Stay on The Big Island
After a wonderful snorkeling tour, it’s time to relax and recharge before another day of tropical excursions. Book your stay at one of the best vacation rentals on The Big Island. Private Homes Hawai’i offers beautiful, luxury vacation rentals, perfect for the whole family!
Book an unforgettable retreat in one of our beautiful vacation homes in Kailua Kona! Our properties offer incredible amenities, some of the best views on the island, and easy access to the area’s top activities and attractions. Check out spas, golf courses, beaches, pools, restaurants, and more. Your dream vacation awaits on The Big Island.