This secluded marine sanctuary is filled with beautiful coral reef, calm water and abundant marine life. It’s only accessible by boat and often quiet, making it a relaxing experience.
There’s a lot to see here from yellow tang to bullethead parrotfish, Racoon butterflyfish and Moorish idol. You can also spot sea turtles and octopi.
1. Kealakekua Bay
Kealakekua Bay is a world-renowned snorkeling spot because of its beautiful reefs and marine life. It is also the site of Captain Cook Monument, where the British explorer first landed in the Hawaiian Islands and put the island chain on the map before his tragic death.
The snorkeling area in the bay is relatively shallow close to shore and then gets deeper as you move further out. Depending on the time of day and ocean conditions, you might see Hawaiian spinner dolphins or pods playing along the surface of the water or schools of tropical fish. The coral reef is lush and vibrant with healthy looking fish, marine plants, and even sea turtles!
If you are looking for a unique way to experience this snorkeling spot, take a kayak or boat tour that takes you across the bay and past the iconic Captain Cook monument. While it may be a bit of a trek to get there, the views from the cliffs and the beach are breathtaking and worth the trip, says Kona Snorkeling Tours!
Another option is to join a manta ray night snorkel tour. On these tours, you will be able to witness the stunning manta rays as they feed on plankton in the dark! It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t want to miss!
The bay is a popular destination for people wanting to avoid the crowds at other snorkel spots on the Big Island, particularly Hapuna Beach. However, it is important to remember that if you are seeing wildlife on your tour, such as sea turtles or dolphins, it’s important to respect their natural habitat and not harass them in any way! This includes keeping a distance of at least 10 feet between you and the animals, as per National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration guidelines.
You can explore Kealakekua Bay on a guided kayak and snorkel tour with Kona Boys or book a private tour for your family or group of friends. Both options provide snacks or drinks, snorkel gear, and a guide who is knowledgeable about the local history and culture of the region.
2. Kahalu’u Bay
One of the most beautiful snorkeling sites near Kona is Kahalu’u Bay. Its waters are clear and the reef is teeming with tropical fish. When snorkeling here, it’s best to swim out into the middle of the bay. This is because there’s more coral and less sand close to the shore, which means the water gets even clearer as you go further out. You’ll also see more colorful fish in the middle of the bay than you would at the sandy entries where the fish tend to cluster around the food and seaweed kicked up by snorkelers.
This beach park, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has a stunning marine habitat with a lot to offer snorkelers. Its name is derived from the way that the beach’s sand seems to come and go, with big storms washing away all of it and leaving only lava rock and coral for the wildlife to call home. This makes it a great spot to go snorkeling on calm days.
The entry to this bay is off the north side of the pier, but you’ll want to avoid swimming out too far because there are signs warning snorkelers that the ocean floor can be hazardous due to rough, swirling currents. It’s also important to remember that the habitat here is made up of coarse black sand and slippery rocks, and standing on the reef harms it. Only swim or float in the water, and always keep an eye out for sea turtles.
Once you get into the water, you’ll find a sandy patch of beach on the left. From here, a path leads down to the snorkeling area. You can also enter from the lifeguard tower at the center of the bay, but if you do, be sure to not go past it, as you’ll be entering into the surf zone.
While you’re in the water, make sure to look for needlefish and yellow tang, as well as parrotfish, saddleback wrasse, threadfin butterflyfish, and racoon butterflyfish. If you’re lucky, you may also see a Moorish idol, orangespine unicornfish, or Hawaiian spotted boxfish.
Another great thing about snorkeling at Kahalu’u Bay is that it’s a wonderful spot for beginners, or for those who are snorkeling with kids. The water is shallow and protected by a fringing reef, so it’s a great place to get comfortable with your gear or introduce someone new to snorkeling. You can also take a break here, as the beach has shade and picnic tables. If you’re feeling hungry, a food truck is often set up at the beach, too! So if you’re ready to experience the beauty and diversity of Hawaii’s underwater world, check out Snorkel Mart’s selection of top-rated snorkeling gear. It’s the only way to truly take in all that Hawaii has to offer.
3. Keauhou Bay
Whether you travel in by boat, kayak, or brave the challenging trail hike down to this unspoiled marine preserve, you’ll be amazed by what lies beneath the surface. This bay is home to a stunning coral reef that is teeming with fish and other marine life. It is a great snorkel spot for beginners to hone their skills in clear, shallow water and for experienced divers to discover a mysterious world that awaits below the crystalline waters.
The easiest way to explore this site is by a kayak or snorkeling tour offered by numerous businesses. You’ll also find a public sandy beach on the north side of the park with a stairway into the water as well as a small, private pier where the Keauhou Canoe Club launches their hand-carried outrigger canoes. You’ll have a much easier time entering the water here as compared to other snorkel spots on the Big Island, where there are boulders and rubble on the bottom of the ocean that can be tricky to navigate for those not accustomed to rough Hawaiian surf conditions.
Another way to visit Keauhou Bay is by hopping aboard Fair Wind’s morning or afternoon snorkel cruise along the South Kona coastline. You’ll get to explore multiple snorkel locations including Kealakekua Bay, Anaehoomalu Beach (also known as King Kam Beach) where sea turtles sunbathe, and Honaunau Bay near Puukohola Heiau National Historic Park. You’ll also enjoy first-class comfort aboard Fair Wind and a fresh island-style breakfast and lunch!
If you’re looking for a more magical experience, book a nighttime manta ray swim in the waters at Keauhou Bay. Witness the luminescent rays as they glide through the illuminated waters and feed on microscopic plankton. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these otherworldly creatures up close in their natural habitat, and it’s a great way to conclude your day on the ocean!
You’ll have the best chance to see these underwater treasures in calm ocean conditions, which is why it’s important to listen to your body, take breaks as needed, and stay hydrated during any snorkel adventure. Snorkeling can be exhausting, especially if you’re not used to the physical activity and your body isn’t conditioned for it. It’s also essential to use sunscreen and a wetsuit that fits your frame, so be sure to pack yours before you head out on the water! It will make your snorkeling trip far more enjoyable.
