The calm waters and coral reef here make this beach a top choice for snorkeling in Kona. The marine life here is varied including octopus, eels and tropical fish. Those new to snorkeling can take advantage of the Kona snorkeling tours services offered throughout the area.
Located within the Mauna Lani Resort this bay gets protected from big swell making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. This is also a great spot to see Hawaiian green sea turtles.
1. Kahaluu Beach Park
Located south of downtown Kona on Alii Drive, Kahaluu Beach Park is one of the most popular snorkel spots in Hawaii. Its sheltered cove and calm water make it an excellent spot for novice snorkelers. The water here is so clear that you can see the ocean floor from your underwater vantage point. The sea life is also very abundant and comfortable with snorkelers. In fact, the fish at this beach often outnumber those you would find in a marine sanctuary.
The sand is of the rough salt and pepper variety on most of the beach, with some finer sand near the North end. The cove is sheltered by a long rock wall which, legend has it, was placed there by King Kamehameha in an attempt to create a safe swimming zone. The beach is often crowded as it is a family-friendly destination with amenities such as picnic tables, restrooms and showers. It is also home to the Kahaluu Beach Education Center whose mission is to promote “reef etiquette” and protect this beautiful bay’s delicate ecosystem.
While the coral is the main attraction, this beach also offers visitors a rare treat — sea turtles (honu). This beach is one of the best places in Hawaii to see these majestic creatures, and they are often tame enough that you can swim right up to them. Keep in mind, though, that it is not safe to touch or feed the animals.
Those who do not bring their own snorkel gear can rent masks and snorkels from a number of local companies at the beach. If you want to be extra sure of a good fit, it is recommended that you try on your equipment in a pool before heading to the beach.
The facilities at Kahaluu Beach are well-maintained, and this beach is a favorite among the locals as well as tourists. During your stay, take a stroll around the beach to enjoy the scenery or visit nearby historic sites and trails. Several hotels are close by to provide comfort and convenience for your Hawaii vacation.
2. Honokaope Bay
Honokaope Bay is a stunning black sand beach, buffered on both sides by lava rocks. This is a fun, small beach and is very popular with local surfers. If the ocean conditions are calm this is a good snorkeling spot. Green Sea Turtles (honu) are frequent visitors to this beach as well. Since the beach has no shade, we recommend that you wear a hat and sunscreen. A good pair of water shoes is also a must as the lava rock can be slippery.
The main attraction here is the reefs teeming with life. Snorkelers can explore coral canyons and channels that extend out from the shore. In addition, the bay offers a great place to observe parrotfish, yellow tang, trumpetfish, and sea turtles in their natural habitat. It is important to exercise caution while snorkeling here as surge waves and a steep water entry can cause accidents, especially for beginners.
Another highlight of this area is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with manta rays at night. Around sunset, boats leave the harbors of Kona and travel to spots dubbed “Manta Village” or “Manta Heaven.” The boat’s floodlights attract the manta rays as they search for their evening meal of plankton.
For experienced swimmers, this is a beautiful bay with stunning reefs teeming with marine life. It is one of the most majestic places to snorkel in Hawaii, and it is home to many different species of fish, including the elusive manta rays. In addition, you can also see sea turtles, dolphins, and other exotic marine animals that use the calm waters of this magnificent bay as their natural habitat. The bay is located in the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau State Historical Park, a fascinating and sacred area of the island. Snorkelers can enjoy this gorgeous bay before or after visiting the park. It is also famous for its two underwater lava steps, which are used to get in and out of the water. Snorkelers can also relax on the sandy beach after their swim in the clear waters of this wonderful bay.
3. Maunalua Bay
A popular beach park with the added attraction of being a marine life conservation district, this spot is known for its shallow snorkeling and gorgeous white sand beach. It is also the site of an incredible reconstruction of King Kamehameha’s personal heiau (temple). The cove in which you enter the water for swimming and snorkeling is protected from high surf by a reef, making it ideal for families with young children or nervous swimmers.
The coral habitat is alive with all sorts of multi-colored fishes like yellow tang and yellow tailed coris, sergeant majors, orangeband surgeonfish, manini, black triggerfish, and raccoon butterflyfish, as well as coral shrimp, rockmover wrasse, and Moorish idol. It’s possible to see sea turtles, as well, but please give them their space if you do – they are wild creatures that should be left alone to swim when and where they wish.
This beautiful bay is a great place to watch schools of fish, as the brightly colored parrotfish flap their pectoral fins to feed, while trumpetfish try to blend in among the clouds of yellow tang. Depending on the season, this area is also a prime spot to see spinner dolphins.
As you swim out from the small boat harbor that resides here, the water gradually gets deeper as you move toward the center of the bay. It is here that you’ll find Skull Cave, a small underwater cavern adorned with coral and sea creatures.
As the name suggests, this area is home to a resort of that same name and is one of the best snorkeling spots in Kona because it’s so close to town yet has a more secluded feel. It’s a great location for watching sea turtles and has good visibility, as well. The reef here is more rocky than at other snorkeling sites, but it’s still rich with marine life. It’s also a great spot to see manta rays at night during the winter months.
4. Kealakekua Bay
Known for both its historic significance and underwater wonders, Kealakekua Bay is one of the most popular places to snorkel by boat in Hawaii. The area is surrounded by awe-inspiring, rocky cliffs and teeming marine life. It is also home to the Captain Cook Monument, a memorial to the death of the famous British explorer.
The ocean waters in this bay are teeming with coral reefs, tropical fish, and Hawaiian green sea turtles. In addition, the waters are calm and perfect for snorkeling. The reef ecosystem of K-bay has been designated a Marine Life Conservation District, protecting the bay from commercial and recreational fishing. This allows the reef to thrive and provides a world-class snorkeling experience.
This part of the Big Island is also rich in Hawaiian history and culture, with many ancient religious temples tucked among the rocky shoreline. It is a spot of great spiritual significance for the people of Hawaii and a reminder of the meeting of Old World exploration with the indigenous Hawaiian culture that would eventually change the destiny of the islands forever.
There are three ways to reach the Captain Cook Monument from the beach at Manini Beach Park: by hiking, kayaking, or taking a boat tour. Hiking to the monument is a long hike and requires some planning, but it offers amazing views of Kealakekua Bay and a chance to explore the pristine coastline in peace. Kayak tours are also available and allow for a more intimate experience of the bay with a guide to point out the most interesting spots.
The easiest way to visit the Captain Cook Monument and enjoy some of the best snorkeling on the island is by joining a tour. The Kona Boys offer an accompanied kayak and snorkeling experience that includes breakfast, lunch, and drinks on the boat. This is a great way to take some of the stress out of planning your trip and to be sure that you will have an unforgettable adventure! This award-winning experience is available year-round. Check out the website to book your experience today.
