The pristine reefs and striking lava formations of the Big Island’s western flank are home to a variety of colorful marine life. You can see the usual reef suspects here like yellow tangs, saddleback wrasse, manini and spotted tobies.
Snorkeling on the Big Island’s western flank is particularly ideal because it is well-sheltered from ocean swell. Take advantage of this by joining a morning tour!
What to Expect
Whether you are a seasoned snorkeler or just starting out, you will find that the ocean around Hawaii is incredibly friendly. The Big Island’s size and the fact that it is surrounded by other islands protects its western flank from major swell and sea conditions, which makes it easy to explore marine life. You can also book with Kona Snorkeling Tours.
Most snorkel tours include equipment and you may not even need to bring anything other than your swimwear. However, if you do have your own snorkel gear, it is important to get in the habit of doing a few things before entering the water to ensure your comfort and safety. For example, make sure your mask fits tightly enough to keep water out but not too tight that it cuts off your circulation. Also, be sure to use sunscreen and wear a hat to prevent sunburn and a wetsuit to keep you warm in case the temperature dips.
There are several places to go snorkeling in Kona but Honokohau Beach is a great option for new snorkelers because it is fairly calm and protected by an outer reef. You will find coral and fish right off the beach and a little further out you can look for needlefish, yellow tailed coris, manini, goatfish and Moorish idol. There are also a lot of sea turtles that swim near this area, so watch for them as well.
If you are interested in learning more about the ocean’s gentle giants, a manta ray night snorkel is an exciting and unique excursion to take in Kona. This thrilling adventure will immerse you in the amazing world of these incredible marine creatures in their natural habitat under the starry Hawaiian skies.
The guides on this experience are attentive and focused on the safety of their guests from start to finish. This includes a full safety briefing before leaving the dock, constant guidance in the water and thorough checks on your equipment before you enter. The dedication of these professionals is what sets this tour apart from all others. The entire experience is a once in a lifetime opportunity that you won’t want to miss!
Snorkeling Gear
The water off Kona’s coast is a snorkeler’s paradise. The island’s massive mountains act as a wind block, creating consistently calm waters on the leeward side of the island. This, combined with sheltered volcanic coves and thriving coral reefs makes Kona one of the best snorkeling destinations in Hawaii and even the world.
In addition to the usual reef suspects you’ll find off Kamakahonu Beach, such as yellow tang and saddleback wrasse, you can also see fish that aren’t seen at many other local snorkeling sites, including christmas wrasse and Moorish idol. A fringing reef also protects the swim area so waves are rarely felt, making it a great spot for those who want to snorkel but are new to the sport or those bringing along young children.
Getting the right snorkel gear is crucial. The mask you choose needs to fit your face well, and the snorkel should be comfortable. Snorkel fins are another important piece of snorkeling gear that can make or break your experience. There are a wide range of fins available, and the type you choose depends on your budget and frequency of snorkeling. If you are planning to snorkel often, we recommend investing in a high-quality set of fins, but if you only plan to snorkel on occasion, renting is an option that saves space and weight in your luggage.
The most common way to snorkel in Kona is to join a tour that includes the necessary equipment, such as snorkeling tours that offer access to Kealakekua Bay. This world-renowned marine preserve is home to a monument to Captain Cook, an ancient Hawaiian temple (heiau), and a woodsy area that is home to native Hawaiian plants and animals. Snorkelers are welcome to explore the secluded beaches and sea caves that are scattered throughout the bay, but there is much more to discover.
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime underwater adventure, Fair Wind Cruises offers a manta ray night snorkel tour that is sure to leave you speechless. This tour allows you to observe these majestic creatures gliding through the water as they feed on the plankton blooms that fill the ocean water.
Safety Tips
The open ocean can be an intimidating place, even for the most seasoned snorkeler. It is important to always snorkel with a buddy, be aware of ocean conditions and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. It is also important to practice basic snorkeling techniques before you hit the reefs of Kailua Kona.
Most snorkeling tours will include snorkel gear so you don’t need to pack your own. A good snorkel set will usually consist of a mask, snorkel and a snorkel strap. You can find good snorkeling equipment at a variety of places in Kona, including Snorkel Bob’s. If you want to be extra prepared, consider packing a wetsuit as the average water temperature in the area ranges from 60 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are a beginner, it is best to book a guided snorkeling tour that includes the use of all equipment. This will not only save you time, but will ensure that you are using the correct equipment and doing so correctly. Moreover, a local guide will be able to provide you with helpful tips and tricks to get the most out of your experience.
Honokohau Beach is a great spot to see sea turtles, manta rays and a large diversity of tropical fish including yellow tang, needlefish, racoon butterflyfish, moorish idol, saddleback wrasse, threadfin and multiband butterflyfish and sea cucumbers! You can also expect to see Hawaiian spinner dolphins passing by. It is a very popular spot for tourists and locals alike and is located just south of Keauhou.
Manta Ray Village is a snorkeling and scuba diving spot located off the Kona coast and home to the largest population of manta rays in the world! It is a protected marine life conservation district and a national historic landmark. Depending on the time of year, it is possible to encounter manta rays up to 50 inches in size!
Join a trusted local snorkeling company that offers a tour to this magical marine sanctuary from the comfort of a spacious catamaran. Typically, breakfast and lunch are included as well!
Where to Snorkel
Choosing the best snorkeling spots on the island of Hawaii can seem daunting, but there are a few places in particular that stand out. The best snorkeling sites are easily accessible from the beach or boat and offer stunning marine life, including coral reefs, fish, eels, octopus, and sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling sites in Kona can also be found within lava rock arches and caves.
For an otherworldly experience, join us on a morning or afternoon cruise to Kealakekua Bay – a destination that the Travel Channel named one of the top ten things to do in your lifetime! On this deluxe tour, you’ll explore three different snorkeling locations and experience the underwater wonders of a bay that is considered by many to be one of the best snorkeling destinations in all of Hawai’i.
Another great spot is the ‘Old Airport’ beach, also known as Kamakahonu Beach. Located just north of Kona town, this smaller beach offers a decent entry point and lots of fish to see. It’s well protected from the surf, and there is a heiau (Hawaiian temple) that has been magnificently restored on the site.
Many of the beaches in Hawaii are teeming with sea turtles, and this is no exception. The Kamakahonu Beach is a great location to swim and snorkel, and you might even come face to face with a large Hawaiian green sea turtle (honu) as you enjoy the scenery! The Honu are beloved animals, and it’s important to keep a 10 foot distance from them at all times.
You can also visit a world famous Manta Ray destination south of Kona in Keauhou Bay during a Manta Ray Snorkeling Tour. It’s a wonderful experience to swim with the majestic sea creatures and watch them as they gracefully glide around your catamaran. The manta rays feed on the plankton that is illuminated by the catamaran’s spotlight, and it’s an unforgettable sight to see!
