Best Snorkeling Big Island, Hawaii
Of course I will be writing about Hawaii and the big Island. It tops out on our top 10 snorkeling destinations in the world and it has so much to offer. I will talk about the best snorkeling in the big island so you can maximize your fun without the hassle of searching and doing the grunt work! I will talk about Kealakekua Bay, Kahalu’u Bay, Honaunau Bay and so much more. What kind of fish, coral and other spectacular marine wildlife that will take you by awe.
The big island is one of a kind, not to say the other Hawaiian Islands are not but it has over 4000 square miles of land surrounding by amazing coral reefs and ocean. It is bigger than all of the other islands combined and third largest island in Polynesia outside of the New Zealand Islands.
The big island is made up from 5 volcanoes in which 3 of them are still active which means that the island is still growing!
Because the big island is larger than all of the other islands combined it is going to have that much more snorkeling adventure and fun. Not to say that the other islands don’t have great snorkeling in which they do in in Maui, Oahu, etc… there is just more options and places to see!
Kealakekua Bay
I would say that is is one of the best and most popular spots to go snorkeling. In south Kona this is the spot where Captain James Cook landed on the island in 1778 and there is a white obelisk where he died at the hands of the natives to remember him.
To and from there are 3 different options that work for everyone.
Hiking - If you plan to get there on your own you need to be in pretty good shape because you will have to park at the top of the hill and it is a 2 mile hike in and 2 mile hike out, give or take a hundred meters or so. Bring lots of water, sunscreen and bug spray because you will need it and some snacks. There is about 1000 meters of elevation so it is quite a trek. Make sure you are in pretty good shape especially if it is hot out.
Kayak - There is always the options of Kayaking. Check out our recommendation for Kayak tour companies that are allowed to use the Napo’opo’o Pier. If you rent your own Kayak and do it by yourself you need to get a landing permit!
Bay Side Adventures
http://www.baysideadventures.com/
Adventures in Paradise
http://www.bigislandkayak.com/
Kona Boys
http://www.konaboys.com/kayak/kayak-tours/
Boat tours - Usually the most popular and easy going. A boat tour company (which there are lots of) will whisk you away with beverages for half, full day and night cruises with drinks, food and an entertaining crew that will keep you laughing for hours. Our favorite is Fair Wind Big Island Ocean Guides.
Now that you are there now its time to tell you what is there besides the beautiful scenery. You will find wrasse, trigger fish, ornate and four spot butterfly fish, maybe a turtle or two, dolphins and so much more. You will see Rice, Lobe, cauliflower coral and again much more once your in the water.
Kahalu'u Bay
On the central west side of the island not only is there great snorkeling but there is so much more to explore and do! Since 1974 it has been recognized as a Historic place it is open from 7am to 11pm with all the amenities close by including restrooms, food vendors, local shops, Historic Ruins of 1860 Helani Church, St. Peter Catholic Church and much more! Good thing that it is only 20 minutes from the Kona Airport by car.
Make sure you have your water shoes as it is quite rocky and your own gear! Because you are in a cove the you do not get the big breaks from the water crashing in on you but there is a small current that keeps the fish happy and quaint. The depth maybe gets to 8 feet at high tide so it is great for the whole family and the bottom is of course more lava rock that has enabled healthy coral to grow and flourish with lots of marine life.
Head into the bay near the sandy entrances that way it is more comfortable on your feet even if you have water shoes. Once you are in the water head the center of the bay to have the most visibility and have that camera ready! In the bay you will see lots of turtles feeding and playing in the water so you can get real close but do not touch as they are protected species on the island. Along with the turtles you will also see damselfish, tang wrasse, parrot fish, a few different kinds of butterfly fish, goat fish, crustaceans and more of course!
Make sure you get there early for parking as it does get quite full year round and there is a lifeguard on duty if you have little ones or just unsure yourself.
Honaunau Bay
Just south of Captain James Cook Beach is Honaunau Bay which is another fantastic spot to go snorkeling. This is a great area for the whole family from new to seasoned pro snorkelers. It is a simple entry on flat lava rock and gets to a depth of 8 feet (roughly, depending on the tide) so easy in and out with gear and other equipment. Be careful though because more towards the middle it can drop quite drastically and quickly, even deeper than your vision can take you!
All over Hawaii you will notice how all of the lava rock creates great coral and marine life. Due to the nutrients and the consistency of the lava it makes coral growth simple and beautiful. You will see most of what you will see in the other snorkeling areas and eels, jacks, parrotfish and of course turtles!
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