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THE 5 BEST SNORKELING SPOTS ON HAWAI‘I ISLAND IN 2021

HOLD ON TO YOUR SNORKEL BECAUSE THESE SPOTS—ALL WINNERS IN OUR 2021 READERS’
CHOICE AWARDS—ARE BREATHTAKING.

Aug 25, 2021
Taylon Faltas,
The clear blue waters of Kealakekua Bay make for the best snorkeling conditions
on Hawai‘i Island, according to our readers. Photo: Getty Images
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Snorkeling is one of the most enriching ways to see the vast array of wildlife
throughout the Hawaiian Islands—from a safe and respectful distance!—and these
spots were voted the best by our readers for the 2021 HAWAI‘I Magazine Readers’
Choice Awards. If you’re looking to get your feet wet in the world of snorkeling
on Hawai‘i Island, you’ve come to right place.


1. KEALAKEKUA BAY

Aerial shot of Kealakekua Bay. Photo: Getty Images

Warm, calm and clear—the three elements that make for a first-class snorkeling
experience. Kealakekua Bay, both rich in history and in schools of vividly
colored fish, is considered one of the few Marine Life Conservation Districts on
the island. Captain Cook Monument, located on the north side of the bay, serves
as a memorial for Captain James Cook, who was killed on site in 1779 by Native
Hawaiians for the attempted kidnapping of the ali‘i kāne (male chief),
Kalani‘ōpu‘u.

Although unreachable by road, it’s worth the trek. There are three ways to get
there: by swimming or kayaking across the bay (kayakers must obtain a permit),
hiking or by boat (there are companies that provide these tours). Kealakekua Bay
is located 24 miles from Kona International Airport.

Kealakekua Bay, Hōnaunau


2. TWO STEP, HŌNAUNAU BAY

A glassy morning at Two Step. Photo: Taylon Faltas

Two Step gets its name from, well, you guessed it, the two naturally occurring
lava rock steps that lead right into the bay. Convenient, yes, but that’s not
even the best part. This protected bay is teeming with wildlife, from octopus to
moray eel and even the occasional manta ray—there’s never a dull moment in this
South Kona oasis. Pods of Hawaiian spinner dolphin often rest during the morning
in Hōnaunau Bay, too.

This is a great spot for older kids to experience the natural wonders of the
Hawaiian coast; for younger kids, there is a protected area to the left of the
bay that they can safely splash in. Two Step is located next to the entrance to
the Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park parking lot (where parking is
$10), but it’s not affiliated with the park. For front row access to the beach,
there is a small parking lot that charges $5 for per car; otherwise free parking
is limited throughout the area.

Two Step, State Highway 160, Hōnaunau


3. KAHALU‘U BEACH PARK

Gearing up for a snorkel at Kahalu‘u Beach Park. Photo: Getty Images

While typically known as a beginner surf break, Kahalu‘u Beach Park is also a
popular snorkeling spot for visitors and locals alike. It’s located just a few
miles from downtown Kona, in Keauhou, and is perfect for families with kids of
all ages. Kahalu‘u Surf and Sea (located directly across the street from the
beach) and Kahalu‘u Bay Education Center both offer gear rentals, and Kahalu‘u
Bay Education Center even informs visitors about the local marine life, reef
etiquette and reef-friendly sun protection. Parking is located to the left of
the beach (it’s free!) and there are picnic tables to enjoy your lunch at after
a morning under the sea. This all-encompassing snorkeling experience is
certainly a must for first-time snorkelers in Hawai‘i.

78-6702 Ali‘i Drive, Keauhou


4. MAUNA LANI BEACH

The soft white sand and crystal clear waters of Mauna Lani Beach make for an
incredible day of snorkeling. Photo: Getty Images

Located along the Kohala Coast, in the Mauna Lani Resort, Mauna Lani Beach
provides a glassy cove for safe and mellow snorkeling—with luxury dining and
drinks just steps from the white sand beach. This is another beach that’s great
for families with younger children.

68-1292  Kaniku Drive, Kamuela


5. LA‘ALOA BEACH (AKA MAGIC SANDS)

La‘aloa Beach. Photo: Getty Images

La‘aloa Beach—or more commonly known as Magic Sands—gets its nickname from the
“magic” that happens to the sand when the tide rolls in. One moment, the beach
is covered in soft white sand, but as soon as the powerful tide takes over its
shores, the sand disappears to reveal rocks of all shapes and sizes along the
beach. La‘aloa Beach is considered one of the most popular beaches in
Kailua-Kona, so plan to arrive early. Because the swell can get big, this is not
a beginner snorkeling spot. We recommend snorkeling here when the waves are calm
(this usually occurs in the morning) for optimal visibility and safety.

77-6452 Ali‘i Drive, Kailua-Kona

Categories: Adventure, Best of Blog, Best of the Best, Hawai‘i Island, Hawai‘i
Island What To Do
Tags: best of blog, best snorkeling spots, Hawaii Island, honaunau bay, kahaluu
bay, Kahaluu Beach Park, Kealakekua Bay, laaloa beach, magic sands, mauna lani
beach, mauna lani resort, readers choice 2021, snorkeling, two step
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