Loading...
Dive into Kona's best snorkeling spots on Hawaii's Big Island! Discover must-visit locations, essential reef-safe tips, and gear recommendations for an unforgettable underwater adventure in 2026.
Purchases made through links may generate revenue.
3 Nights, 4 Days Big Island Solo Trip - Part 2 |
In Kona, I indulged in a year's worth of
snorkeling!
In this post, I'll be sharing a comprehensive guide to
**snorkeling spots and reviews**.
✔ Snorkeling Safety Tips & Important Notes ✔
▷ To protect the coral,
always use only Reef-safe sunscreen.
▷ Do not step on coral.
▷ Do not approach sea turtles closely.
▷ Hawaii has a lot of coral, so be sure to bring reef shoes.
**Reef-safe sunscreen and reef shoes**
**—buy them in advance!!!**
**Legally, in Hawaii, only reef-safe sunscreen**
**must be used.**
Also, buy reef shoes in advance!
Contents |
Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour |
Honaunau Beach (Two-Step Beach) |
Kahalu'u Beach |
Kona Surfing Spots Summary |
Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour
↘ Trip.com (~$89) ↘ MyRealTrip (~$116) Currently, Trip.com has a special time-limited offer, making it the cheapest Captain Cook snorkeling tour! I've searched MyRealTrip and ZoomZoomTour, and this is the most affordable option. However, MyRealTrip also has many discount coupons, so applying them cleverly might make it even cheaper. Compare and purchase wisely! (Whisper: all the tours are pretty much the same anyway, there are tons of boats at Captain Cook's!) |
Its official name is Kealakekua Bay, a historic site where Captain James Cook
first landed in Hawaii, and tragically, where he later died in a conflict with the indigenous people.
There's also a Captain Cook monument,
and a small area around it is even designated as British territory.
Right in front of this monument, the water quality is superb,
and as a coral protected area, it's teeming with fish!
✔ Why I Recommend the Captain Cook Tour ✔
▷ Kealakekua Bay boasts some of the best water quality
in all of Hawaii.
▷ The coral is well-preserved,
▷ and there's an incredible variety of fish.
▷ Access by car is nearly impossible, and parking is a challenge.
▷ Snorkeling gear is provided.
▷ If you need a break from snorkeling, you can relax on the boat
and enjoy simple snacks and refreshments.
▷ Plus, on the way back, the crew shares various interesting facts,
making it a truly informative and enjoyable time.
I even saw a pod of dolphins!
They came right up to the boat,
and it was just too cute!
What a lucky moment!
Hōnaunau Beach (Two Step Beach)
✔ Why is it called Two Step Beach?
Because the lava rock formations look like two steps,
allowing you to step directly into the ocean from them,
that's how it got the name Two Step.
Seeing it in person, it truly feels like steps, so the name makes perfect sense!
Even though I had spent endless time floating around on the Captain Cook tour the day before,
I was in Hawaii, where the water is warmer than California,
and I just wanted to enjoy it more, more, more!
While yesterday's Captain Cook snorkeling was definitely better,
this was still a great spot for self-guided snorkeling.
I even ran into the Chinese couple I'd met on the tour
here again at the same time, haha!
Since I was alone, I was worried about leaving my belongings on the rocks,
so I put my essentials in a waterproof bag
and went snorkeling.
My old waterproof bag, which I bought in Laos 10 years ago,
had already served its purpose completely,
so I bought a new one.
If you're planning to snorkel, make sure to bring a waterproof bag!
There were also many dolphins playing around,
and the park rangers were monitoring them,
making announcements not to approach the dolphins.
If they tell you not to go close, please, seriously, don't go close...
✔ Parking
There's a small parking lot right by the ocean.
It costs around $5-$10.
I was lucky enough to find street parking
on the street before the entrance,
and walked a short distance.
✔ Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Right next to Two Step Beach,
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
is located.
In old Hawaii, people who broke the law
would flee here to find protection,
earning it the name 'place of refuge' or 'land of forgiveness'.
Two Step Beach isn't just a snorkeling spot;
it's also a culturally significant place.
Kahalu'u Beach
This is Kona's most famous
snorkeling spot for beginners.
I didn't get a chance to visit this spot,
but I heard it's very popular with families.
The water is shallow and mostly calm,
and there are tons of fish.
Turtles are said to appear frequently,
and reviews I looked up before my trip often mentioned
it's almost like an aquarium; you can see fish right away
even if you just step in a little.
With plenty of coral serving as a natural breakwater,
the waves are calm, making it perfect for kids to play,
a truly suitable spot.
Kona Surf Spot Summary
Honestly... I went there to surf,
but just my luck, there were no waves when I arrived,
so I ended up just wasting the surfboard rental fee,
and couldn't surf at all.
May is a tricky transitional season, moving from winter swells to summer swells,
so you might encounter days with no waves.
After searching several places,
I rented a board from Kona Boys, linked below.
The board condition... well, it was... *ahem* (haha).
That camo-patterned one is my waterproof bag I bought in Laos
over 10 years ago!
The black waterproof bag
is the one I bought specifically for this Hawaii trip.
✔ Surfboard Rental 24 hours: ~$46
Prices vary depending on the rental duration.
▽▽▽ Kona Boys Official Website ▽▽▽
① Kahalu'u Beach - Beginner
② Magic Sands Beach - Intermediate and Up
③ Banyan's Surf Break - Local Spot
① Kahalu'u Beach
A popular spot for beginner lessons.
The waves are gentle and the water is shallow.
② Magic Sands Beach
The waves are strong and fast.
It's known for a tricky shore break, so be careful!
A shortboard spot.
③ Banyan's Surf Break
A reef break, so it can be a bit hazardous.
When the waves are good, the quality is excellent.
Lots of local surfers here.
I decided to try this spot,
but I missed the tide, and by the time I arrived, the locals were already finishing their session and coming out.
They told me it was too dangerous to surf there
so I couldn't even get in the water,
and my surf plans were a bust.
Well, this just gives me another reason to visit the Big Island...
I didn't get to surf properly!
In the next post, I'll be sharing a roundup of amazing eateries
and my review of the Mauna Kea tour.
Stay tuned!
▽▽▽ Big Island Solo Travel Part 1 ▽▽▽
The Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour is currently on a special time-limited discount on Trip.com for ~$89, while on MyRealTrip it is ~$116. Trip.com is currently the cheapest, but MyRealTrip might become cheaper with discount coupons, so it's best to compare before purchasing.
Honaunau Beach earned the name 'Two Step' because its lava rocks are shaped like two natural steps, allowing direct entry into the ocean from them. It truly gives the impression of a staircase.
In Hawaii, to protect corals, only reef-safe sunscreen is legally permitted. This is one of the snorkeling precautions, along with not stepping on corals and not approaching turtles too closely.
Kahalu'u Beach has shallow, mostly calm waters, and the corals act as a natural breakwater, keeping the waves gentle. It's known for an abundance of fish and frequent turtle sightings, making it an ideal spot for children to play.
May is a transitional season as winter swells end and summer swells begin, so there's a chance of encountering days with no waves. During this period, you might end up wasting money on surfboard rental without being able to surf.
Discover more travel stories curated around the same theme.
Discover why the Hawaii Renaissance Hotel in Ala Moana is the perfect blend of quiet luxury, top-tier shopping, and pristine rooms. Find out if this newer hotel is your next Hawaiian escape in 2026!
Searching for a budget-friendly gem in Waikiki? Our 4-night review of Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki covers its prime location, amenities, and value for your Hawaii trip.
Discover the best oceanfront resorts in Waikiki! We compare the Sheraton Waikiki and Hyatt Regency, highlighting pools, resort fees, and parking to help you choose your ideal Hawaiian escape.
Planning a trip to Oahu? Don't miss the Kualoa Ranch E-bike tour! Experience stunning landscapes, famous movie sets, and an unforgettable Hawaiian adventure.
Discover a serene, shaded pool at Hilton Hawaiian Village, perfect for families with young kids in 2026. Enjoy lukewarm waters, free sunbeds, and nearby snacks for a relaxing Waikiki escape.
Is Ruth's Chris Waikiki worth it? We tried their famous 4-6 PM Happy Hour and a massive 16 oz ribeye. Here is our honest review and must-know dining tips.
The Face Shop Natural Sun Eco Super Active Reef-Safe Sunscreen 80mL (SPF50+ PA++++)
Ballop Aqua Shoes Collection
Karnick Premium Waterproof Bag Dry Bag Beach Bag Pool Water Play 5L N Logo
Phone Waterproof Case for Galaxy iPhone Mobile Smartphone Cross Hip Bag
Kona Boys | Snorkel Rental Kona
Hawaii Big Island Kona 3-Night, 4-Day Solo Travel Itinerary Recap (+Costs, Rental Car, Flights)