Are you planning a beach vacation to Hawaii this year? If you are looking for the best snorkeling locations on the big island of Hawaii, look no further! These locations are great for those just starting and offer plenty of beautiful coral and fish to see. So pack your sunscreen and swimsuit, and get ready to explore some of the most amazing underwater scenery Hawaii offers! This article has a compiled list of the best spots for beginners.
PAUʻOA Bay
In all of Hawaii, Pauoa Bay is the most secure. The University of Hawaii’s extensive conservation efforts has aided in recovering the coral reefs surrounding Pauoa Bay. Because of this, you can put on your snorkel mask and see some of Hawaii’s most vibrant underwater scenery regardless of your snorkeling expertise.
You’re unlikely to experience any underwater turbulence because of the bay’s water’s guard, even if you go outside the protected walls. Don’t follow the seasoned snorkellers out past the rocky barriers where the sea becomes rough. The sand on Pauoa Bay is one of the softest, warmest, and whitest on The Big Island. It’s a great place for everyone in your family to have fun together! You’ve got the ideal family-friendly Hawaiian beach with all this beach offers.
Hapuna Beach
Located on the island’s north coast, between Kona and Waikoloa. Snorkeling at Hapuna Beach is good in the vicinity of the rocky outcroppings on both ends, although visibility may not be the greatest. It is, however, one of the gorgeous beaches on the Big Island and is one of the best beaches in the world. For a bonus, The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort is positioned on the beach’s north end if you’re looking for a place.
The water is usually very calm at Hapuna Beach, making it a good choice for families with small children. Keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty, so take all the necessary precautions when swimming and snorkeling here. Thanks to this beautiful sandy beach, you can snorkel right in and out of the water. Walk to the end of the beach you wish to snorkel and hop in. If you’re a beginner and don’t know how to swim well, remember: Don’t snorkel if the waves are high.
King Kam Beach
King Kam Beach is also known as Kamakahonu. Kamakahonu is from the Hawaiian phrase “Ka Maka Honu,” referring to a turtle’s eye. It’s a small beach, ideal for snorkeling and sunbathing in Kailua Kona, on Alii Drive, between King Kamehameha Hotel and Kailua pier. This beach serves as a great ‘in-between’ stop to go snorkeling or enjoy a day of fun with your young family.
It’s not the beach you should schedule your entire day around, but it’s ideal for a quick dip or snorkel before or after your daily routine. Kamakahonu has a lot to offer to young and old tourists, including snorkeling, diving lessons, canoeing, and swimming. The on-site Kona Boys beach shack rents out snorkel gear, so if you are looking to try your hand and snorkeling for the first time, this beach may be one of the best locations!
Kahaluʻu Beach Park
On the west coast of Hawaii, Kahaluu Beach Park is a tiny enclosed cove on the outskirts of Kailua Kona. It’s one of only a few beaches in Hawaii with a huge fish population. Kahaluu Beach is not a marine preserve for lacking fishing regulations. However, it rivals and frequently surpasses the amount of fish you’ll see at a marine sanctuary.
The sheer volume of marine life at Kahaluu Beach Park, sheltered cove, excellent park facilities, and easy accessibility make it one of my top snorkeling spots on the Big Island. The entrance to the water for snorkeling is on the Southside of Kahalu’u Bay. To access the water, you’ll have to trek over some lava rock, which might be slippery and challenging on your feet. Some snorkelers put on water shoes to protect their feet, so if you are new to snorkeling, be careful, and make sure you are mindful when getting in!
Kealakekua Bay
Kealakekua Bay, which measures 1.5 miles by 1 mile from Palemano Point to Cook Point, is the biggest natural bay on the Big Island. Because of the number and variety of marine life in its waters, this bay was designated a Marine Life Conservation District in 1969. The snorkeling spot around the monument is closed to traffic, but you can still visit Kealakekua Bay in several ways: by boat tour or by guided kayak tour. However, once you do arrive, you will find one of the best spots on the Big Island for novice snorkelers.
The reefs to the left and right of Captain Cook’s monument are breathtaking. The deeper you go out from the beach, the more profound the depths get, leading to a profusion of coral and marine life in every direction. The sea becomes considerably deeper and has much rougher tide and channel currents, so keep an eye on the bay and stay closer to land, especially if you are a beginner! The coral shelf begins in a few feet of water immediately next to the beach, so be cautious not to touch the coral.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island of Hawaii, check out the locations on this list! All these locations offer something unique for beginners so that you can find the perfect spot for your skill level. Remember to take care of the environment and be cautious of the waves and currents! If you are unsure how to get started, consider taking a diving or snorkeling lesson from a local instructor. With their help, you can be on your way to enjoying the underwater world in no time!
