Are you planning and trip to the Big Island and looking for the best snorkeling? I have snorkeled throughout the island and today I am going to share with you it’s top two snorkel spots!
Best Snorkel Spot in Big Island Hawaii
2 Step beach, also known as Honaunau Beach, is the perfect spot for snorkeling because it is rich in marine life, has crystal clear waters, flourishing coral and you may even spot dolphins!
I saw dolphins there during one of my snorkel adventures and it was MAGICAL!
If you are wondering if the water is cold, it is actually fairly warm even in the winter.
2 Step Beach is easily accessible by car and there are no long hikes required to get to this popular snorkel spot. It is located just next to the Place of Refuge in a gorgeous bay outlined by black lava rock.
You won’t find much sand here but that is one of the things that makes this beach intriguing to see. Hawaii is one of those rare places in the world where you will find beaches with lava rock shorelines.
Get close-ups of this type of fish at 2 Step. They love posing for the camera!
Look for the ALOHA spelled with bricks underwater.
Why do they call it 2 Step Beach?
There are 2 naturally formed steps that are used by snorkelers and divers to enter the water. Some would even say there are really 3 steps.
The steps are easily found, just look for the many snorkelers entering and exiting the water throughout the day. It is a very popular place to visit!
It can be tricky entering the water so I do not recommend 2 Step Beach for first-time beginner snorkelers. Also, there are sea urchins in the rock steps so please be careful where you put your hands and feet!
One thing you don’t want as a souvenir from Hawaii is a sea urchin sting!
The video presented below will show you the 2 steps and how to best enter the water for snorkeling. Watch before you go so you know exactly what to expect when you get there. The video will also give you a sneak peek at some of the beautiful things you will see underwater.
- TIP: Bring your own snorkel gear. I watched many get into the water with foggy & leaky masks and have a hard time with rented snorkel gear. I always pack my favorite full face snorkel by Tribord. If curious about these new types of masks, I did on a review of the mask that you can read here.
*Disclosure: This post includes Amazon affiliate links which means at no cost to you, I will receive a small commission if you purchase through any of the links.
I never travel without my snorkel gear
Parking at 2 Step Beach
There is a parking lot directly in front of the beach for $5. The parking lot is fairly small so if it is full, you can also park up the road and take a short walk.
Where are other good places to snorkel on the Big Island?
During your research of snorkeling spots on the Big Island, you may hear of Captian Cook. Captain Cook is also considered a top snorkel spot where the snorkeling is as good or better than 2 step beach, however, it is not as easily accessible.
You can reach Captain Cook one of three ways: by paying for a tour, by kayak or with a 2-mile hike (one way).
Any kayaks that enter the bay also have to have a permit by law, so you have to work with a certified tour company to kayak there. Using a kayak with no permit can lead you to a fine. The typical price for a kayak for 2 is $65.
Kahaluu Beach – One of the most popular places to snorkel in Kailua Kona
Kahaluu Bay is the best beach for beginner snorkelers and families. With its close proximity to downtown Kailua-Kona, Kahaluu is very easy to reach for those staying in the resorts and rental properties nearby. Turtles are frequently seen at Kahaluu along with many varieties of fish that frequent the bay.
The cons to snorkeling at Kahaluu is that I have noticed the coral has been damaged by the many people who step on the coral or kick the coral while swimming.
Coral is a collection of living organisms, so it’s fragile to reckless swimming and people who don’t help protect it. Unfortunately, the many visitors who visit Kahaluu each year contribute to the declining coral life at this beach.
Please help preserve the habitat if you visit and do not touch, kick or stand on the coral.
Because of Kahaluu’s proximity to downtown Kailua Kona, it’s still worth checking out if you are staying in the area. I usually see a turtle or two and the water is shallow for beginner snorkelers.
Check out the guide to snorkeling at Kahaluu in this post here.
Kahaluu Beach is a great place to see turtles.
Kailua Kona Pier
In downtown Kona near the left side of the pier, you will notice a small “beach.” It’s so small, I don’t even know if it has a name!
You may see some swimmers entering the water from this tiny beach and on busy days you will see some snorkelers. The snorkeling is surprisingly good and I do recommend snorkeling here if you are staying nearby. I was able to walk to this beach daily and do snorkeling when I stayed in one of the nearby condos on one of my three trips to the Big Island. I enjoyed it a lot!
This beach is also a good option for cruise ship visitors who want to snorkel yet not go too far from the cruise port.
Close to shore, you will see plenty of fish. If you venture out a little farther into the bay, you will see larger mounds of coral and bigger fish. You may even see a large school of thousands of fish swimming in the bay.
Quick Tip: Near the Kailua Kona Pier, you will notice another beach in from of the Mariott hotel that is slightly bigger. I don’t suggest starting your snorkeling from that entry point because the water can be a bit murky more often than not. You can snorkel here but you will want to swim farther out into the bay for clearer waters and more to see underwater. The boats pass by on the left so you will have to stay inside the buoys to the right.
Need More Info?
I discovered the book below while in Hawaii and I found very helpful. It provides a guide to snorkeling at several beaches on the island. My Airbnb host had the book to borrow and while some of the information is outdated, it still has some very good information.
*Disclosure: This post includes Amazon affiliate links which means at no cost to you, I will receive a small commission if you purchase through any of the links.
The Big Island Guide (below) is by far one of the best guidebooks I have read. The authors provide great tips and I found the opinions very honest. It is like reading “insider” info about the island. Amazon sells it for a pretty good price. I highly recommend it to help with your planning.
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