This snorkeling location is a bit tricky to get into – you’ll have to step down through two slimy rocks before you can float. The bottom here is a mix of rough lava rock and slate sand.
Snorkelers here often see sea turtles and dolphins. Just remember to keep a safe distance, as per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration guidelines for viewing sea creatures.
1. Mornings
The morning is an excellent time to enjoy a snorkeling adventure at Kealakekua Bay. Not only does the ocean remain calm at this point in the day, but temperatures are also a bit more comfortable for those who prefer to wear a wetsuit.
Aside from the comfort of the water, another benefit of snorkeling in the morning is that you can avoid some of the afternoon winds that can cause choppy waters. Not only is choppy water uncomfortable to snorkel in, but it’s also difficult to spot the marine life that call the reef home.
For those looking to visit this famous Kona snorkeling location, it’s best to book a tour that departs in the morning. This ensures that you’ll be able to snorkel during optimal conditions for a memorable experience.
If you’re interested in joining a morning snorkeling tour to Kealakekua Bay, you can find a variety of options with Kona Style Snorkel & Sail. We offer a range of different tours to the bay and its surrounding locations, ensuring that you’ll have an unforgettable trip.
Honokohau Beach is an incredible snorkeling destination that offers a unique habitat. This beach is located on the western flank of a volcano and its bottom is covered with lava rubble. This creates a cool habitat that’s home to needlefish, yellow tailed coris, goatfish, and Moorish idol. It’s important to note that sea turtles are known to pass by Honokohau Beach, so be sure to give them plenty of space. For a better idea, check out KonaSnorkelingTours.com.
The ocean is a beautiful sight to behold regardless of the time of day, but the early hours are truly the best time to snorkel at this stunning location. Not only does the morning provide tranquil conditions, but it’s also when the coral reef is at its most vibrant.
The only thing that can take away from an otherwise amazing snorkeling experience is poor visibility. In order to enjoy the sights of the underwater world, you’ll need a clear view of your surroundings. Unfortunately, bad visibility can make snorkeling difficult, even for seasoned snorkelers. This is why you should always check the wind and swell forecast before you go snorkeling, as it’ll tell you what the ideal conditions are for the location you’re visiting.
2. Afternoons
The ocean in Kona is generally calm and clear during the afternoons. That’s why it is one of the best times to snorkel if you want to see more underwater.
As the sun rises, tradewinds pick up and create choppy waters, making it harder to spot fish and other marine life. The choppy water also makes it more difficult to swim and snorkel safely.
Fortunately, many of the top snorkeling spots in Hawaii are on the leeward side of the island, where the tradewinds are usually lighter. This means that you can snorkel during the afternoon even if the weather is not ideal for morning snorkeling.
The beach at Two Step Beach in Honaunau Bay is an especially fun and beautiful place for snorkeling. The beach gets its name from the lava rock that forms two natural steps into the water. The beach is a historically significant cultural site for the Hawaiian people and is adjacent to Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park where you can go on a self-guided walking tour and visit Royal Grounds once reserved for the chiefdom of Kona.
You can expect to see a variety of tropical reef fish off the beach at Honokohau Beach, including needlefish, yellow tangs, spotted tobies, and Moorish idols. Occasionally, you will see sea turtles as well! The bottom of the ocean at this location is a mix of slate and lava rocks, with a small area of sand on the left-hand side of the swimming area.
During the afternoon, you can also choose to join a guided snorkeling tour with a local company such as Kona Style Snorkel & Sail. These tours will be able to take you to some of the most amazing snorkeling locations in the area, as well as point out all of the fishes you are likely to see! You’ll also have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that a local is looking after you. The guided snorkeling tours will provide you with snacks as well, so you can refuel after your time in the water!
3. Evenings
As the sun sets over the ocean around Kona, there is a magical quality to the water that makes it perfect for snorkeling. The winds can calm down and there is a sense of serenity and stillness in the air that is unmistakable. This is a time when you may want to try something a bit different than your usual snorkeling experience. You might be able to see the underwater life that is typically more active at night, especially the migratory species of whales.
Located just south of the Kailua-Kona town center is the popular snorkeling spot known as Kahaluu Beach Park. It has a large shallow area protected by a natural breaker that ensures calm waters. This is a perfect location for beginners and families. You can also find a number of manta rays swimming in the area, making it a must-see for snorkelers of all levels.
The best time to see manta rays is in the evening. This is when they are most likely to be feeding. There are several snorkeling companies in the area that offer late night manta ray tours. They will start around sunset and provide all the necessary snorkeling gear including wetsuits, snorkels, fins, and floatation devices.
They will usually arrive at the snorkeling site and give a briefing as the sun begins to set. They will then take you to one of three known manta ray feeding stations: Manta Village, Manta Heaven, or an unnamed location off the Kohala coast. Once there, you will be given front row seats to witness these majestic creatures gliding gracefully through the water, their massive wingspan casting shadows that are nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Snorkeling with manta rays is one of the most fulfilling experiences in Hawaii. It is like watching your child ride a bike for the first time or finding that winning lottery ticket. There is no other feeling quite like it.
Another reason that the evening is an ideal time for snorkeling is because it gives you the opportunity to see Humpback whales if that is one of your goals. These migratory species come to the Hawaiian islands every winter to breed and give birth.
4. Weekends
The beaches near Kailua-Kona can get busy, so if you’re looking for an uncrowded snorkeling spot try Kealakekua Bay. Listed as one of Hawaii’s major marine life conservation districts this bay is full of vibrant coral gardens and offers the chance to see dolphins and sea turtles. It’s also a great spot to swim with manta rays who are attracted by coastal lighting and gather at feeding stations at night.
To get the best snorkeling experience it’s essential to have calm waters and low winds. Check the wind and swell (surf) forecast for the day before you plan your trip to Kona. Snorkelers want calm conditions for the best visibility underwater, and surfers want high winds and swell.
If you choose to go snorkeling on the weekend, make sure to arrive early at your chosen site. This will help to avoid the crowds and also give you more time in the water.
The most popular snorkeling spots in Kona tend to be the busiest on weekends, so it’s important to plan ahead and reserve your spot ahead of time!
If your budget allows for it, opt for a private tour that will ensure you have a great snorkeling experience with minimal crowds. This is the best way to ensure you have the time and attention of the guide, who can focus on helping you to see the most wildlife and have a memorable experience.
There are a number of options for snorkeling tours in the Kona area, with varying prices and features. Some include a hotel pick-up service, while others are fully-inclusive and will provide all your equipment for the duration of the tour.
Snorkeling is a fun, healthy activity that can be enjoyed by all ages and levels of fitness. To have the most enjoyable experience, it is recommended to wear a snorkel mask and fins for maximum comfort and efficiency. A reusable water bottle is also a good idea to stay hydrated while snorkeling and help reduce waste.