Trip Plan
Overview
The Big Island has the youngest coastline in Hawaiʻi, meaning its reefs are still developing, but that youth produces extraordinary clarity and unique geological formations. The best snorkeling concentrates on the dry Kona and Kohala coasts, where minimal rainfall keeps visibility consistently high. This three-day itinerary covers the protected bays, lava rock entries, and boat-access sites that showcase the island's most diverse marine life.
Snorkel gear notes: Bring your own mask and snorkel; rentals at Kohala resorts are expensive. Water shoes are non-negotiable for lava rock entries at Two Step, Kahaluu, and Richardson Beach. A rash guard with full sleeves prevents sunburn during long float sessions. Anti-fog solution keeps your mask clear.
Day 1 — Kohala Coast: Mauna Kea Reef & A-Bay Turtles
7:30 AM
Mauna Kea Beach — The rocky southern point of Kaunaʻoa Bay is the premier snorkel spot on the Kohala Coast. Swim along the lava rock shelf in 5-15 feet of water to find green sea turtles at cleaning stations, large parrotfish, Moorish idols, and the occasional white-tip reef shark resting in crevices. Morning conditions before the wind are best, with visibility often exceeding 60 feet.
Check water quality. Entry is from the sandy beach, then swim south to the rocks.
Parking: 30 free public spots at hotel gate. Arrive by 8 AM to secure a spot.
10:30 AM
A-Bay (Anaehoomalu Bay) — Drive 15 minutes south to this palm-lined bay. Snorkeling is best along the northern lava rock shelf, where sea turtles graze on limu (seaweed) in the shallows. The sandy center of the bay has less marine life but the calm conditions make it good for beginners. Visibility is typically 30-50 feet.
Check water quality. The ancient Hawaiian fishponds behind the beach are worth exploring between snorkel sessions.
Parking: Free lot at Waikoloa Beach resort access. Restrooms and outdoor showers available.
Afternoon
Drive 30 minutes south to
Hapuna Beach for a beach-entry snorkel along the north point of the bay. The reef structure here is more scattered than Mauna Kea, but the crystal-clear water and sandy patches between coral heads make for easy, relaxing snorkeling.
Check water quality. End the day with a swim in the warm, clear water before sunset.
IF BROWN WATER IS ACTIVE
Kohala Coast rarely sees brown water due to its arid climate. If conditions are unusually poor, drive south to Kealakekua Bay (boat charter from Keauhou), which is typically unaffected by coastal runoff.
Day 2 — Kona Coast: Kealakekua Bay & Two Step
7:00 AM
Board a morning snorkel charter from Keauhou or Honokohau Harbor to Kealakekua Bay ($80-150/person for group tours, $200+ for private). This Marine Life Conservation District has some of the highest coral coverage in the state. Spinner dolphins are regularly encountered in the morning. Visibility routinely exceeds 80 feet. The Captain Cook Monument marks the prime snorkeling zone, where the reef drops from shallow coral gardens to a steep wall. Expect to see parrotfish, surgeonfish, triggerfish, moray eels, and occasionally manta rays.
11:00 AM
After the charter, drive 15 minutes south to Two Step at Honaunau Bay (adjacent to Puʻuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park). The name comes from the natural lava-rock staircase entry into the water. The reef begins immediately at the entry point in 5-10 feet of water and is among the healthiest on the Big Island. Expect excellent coral coverage, large schools of yellow tang, butterfly fish, and frequent turtle sightings. The lava rock entry requires water shoes. Visibility is usually 50-70 feet.
Parking: Small roadside lot (free, fills by 9 AM). The entry area has no lifeguard; exit the water if surge increases.
Afternoon
Drive 20 minutes north to Kahaluʻu Bay, the most popular beginner snorkel spot on the Kona Coast. The inner reef is only 2-5 feet deep with abundant fish and turtles. A volunteer reef-education station operates most mornings. The bay is lifeguarded and has restrooms. Visibility is lower here (20-40 feet) due to the shallow, sandy bottom, but the sheer density of fish makes up for it. Return to Kohala Coast (1 hour north).
IF BROWN WATER IS ACTIVE
The Kona Coast is dry and rarely affected by runoff. If conditions are poor, the Kealakekua Bay charter operators will advise on alternate sites. Land alternative: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (2-hour drive).
Day 3 — Hilo Side: Richardson Beach & Tide Pools
7:30 AM
Drive 2 hours from Kohala Coast to Richardson Ocean Park in Hilo. This black-sand beach has some of the best shore-access snorkeling on the rainy east side. Sea turtles feed on the lava rock limu daily and are remarkably tolerant of nearby snorkelers (maintain the legally required 10-foot distance). The water is calmer than Kohala beaches but visibility depends heavily on recent rainfall since the Hilo side averages 130 inches of rain per year. On clear days, expect 30-40 feet visibility. On rainy days, it can drop to near zero.
Parking: Free at Richardson Beach Park. Restrooms and showers available. Entry over smooth lava rock; water shoes needed.
10:30 AM
Explore the tide pools at Carlsmith Beach Park (Four Mile Beach), a 10-minute drive north along the Hilo coast. The shallow, spring-fed pools have unusually calm, clear water compared to the open ocean nearby. Small reef fish, sea urchins, and crabs are visible in the rock formations. The mix of fresh spring water and salt water creates a unique temperature layering effect.
Afternoon
Drive back via the scenic Hamakua Coast route (Highway 19), stopping at Kolekole Beach Park for a dramatic black-sand rivermouth beach beneath a highway bridge. Do not snorkel here due to stream-fed water quality, but the setting is visually striking. Continue to Waipiʻo Valley Lookout for the panoramic view into the deep valley. Return to Kohala Coast via Highway 19 (1.5-hour total drive).
IF BROWN WATER IS ACTIVE
The Hilo side is often rainy and murky regardless. If visibility is poor at Richardson Beach, skip the ocean entirely and explore the waterfalls: ʻAkaka Falls (442 ft) and Rainbow Falls (80 ft) are both better in rain. Return via the Kohala Coast for an afternoon Kohala reef session.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — it is not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health,
any entity mentioned on this page, or any government agency or hotel brand.
Water quality ratings on this site are estimates based on publicly available testing data and geographic analysis.
They are not real-time measurements and may not reflect current conditions.
Always verify current water quality conditions with the
Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch
before entering the water. This site is for informational purposes only and should not be the sole basis for any swimming decisions.
This site does not recommend or advise anyone to swim at any beach. We share government data and geographic analysis so you can make your own informed decisions. By using this site you accept full responsibility for your own safety. See our Terms of Use for full details.
When in doubt, donʻt go out. 🤙