Hawaii Snorkeling - Big Island Adventures

The Big Island of offers many places for great Hawaii snorkeling adventures, one of them being the the Kahalu'u Beach Park. Many people pass this off as too convenient, but the fact is, it is one of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii. There are many other places as well, places such as Ho'okena Beach Park, Honaunau (Place of Refuge), Kealakekua Bay, Hapuna Beach Park, and Mauna Kea Beach Park.

The Big Island is simply the best spot in Hawaii for snorkeling. Visibility is typically better on the Kona side of the Big Island but is subject to wind and surf conditions. Due to the geography of the Big Island, Kona is known for having the clearest waters in the island chain in addition to calm sunny skies year-round. Kealakekua Bay, is without question one of the most relaxing areas to snorkel - maintaining clear visibility and very calm water throughout the day.

Kahalu'u Beach Park, Kona

Kahaluu is one of the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island. Fed by a fresh water spring, up to 10 million gallons per day. These waters are almost always calm, with colorful corals, rock formations, and 100+ species of fish. Swim with huge schools of colorful fish and green sea turtles in these protected waters; don't forget your underwater camera! The north end of the beach is where the waves break and is best for body boarding and surfing. Check the water conditions; when ocean swells are present, the water can be murky.

Spencer Beach

Spencer Beach is popular with local families because of its reef-protected, gently sloping white-sand beach, and it's safe for swimming year-round. Calm, protected bay ideal for families and snorkelers. Snorkel with the sea turtles here! Close to large shade trees are cooking and camping facilities, showers, abandoned tennis courts, and a large covered pavilion with electrical outlets. You can walk from here to the Pu'ukohola and Mailekini heiaus. Entry road off Hwy. 270, uphill from Kawaihae Harbor. Spencer Beach is located on the Kona side of the Big Island.

Snorkeling from Boat Tours

For the best snorkeling, the Big Island has a number of different boats that offer snorkeling. Many of them cruise the coast off Kona down to Captain Cook. Most of the boats offer morning and afternoon trips and one trip even offers the opportunity to snorkel at night to see the giant Manta Rays. Whichever one you choose you won't be disappointed. The Big Island is simply the best spot on the Big Island for snorkeling and the very best spots are the ones that are found by taking the boats on the Big Island's snorkel fleet. Many of these places are found on the open ocean side of the reefs where the best accessibility is from a boat. This is one activity that is a "must" on the Big Island. Info on Boat Tours