Turtle at Honaunau Bay
Some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world happens off the coasts of the Hawaiian archipelago. Whether you are a veteran or are taking the plunge for the first time there are a lot of things to know about the where, when and how of enjoying your time under the sea. The visibility underwater is usually 80-feet or better in the Kona waters - perfect for snorkeling with the green sea turtles, spinner dolphins, white-mouth moray eels, parrot fish, and all of the other animals that frequent these waters. Below is our list of favorite snorkeling locations on the Kona (western) side of the Island. This is not a comprehensive list of all snorkeling locations on the Big Island, but our most frequented and favorite snorkeling sites. Check out our Hilo Snorkeling Guide for the snorkel destinations on the eastern side of the island. Read more about the endangered Hawaii Green Sea Turtle.
Spencer Beach Park
Location - Entry road off Hwy. 270, uphill from Kawaihae Harbor (North of Kailua-Kona) 
Water Entry / Exit - Easy via the protected white sand beach
Snorkel Route - Snorkel in either direction, stay in the clear waters to see the most fish. If you stay to the right (facing the ocean), there is a wonderful shallow reef, lots of fish and many sea turtles too! Water conditions dictate how clear the visibility is. 
Extras - Ample free parking, restrooms, showers, pavilion, picnic tables, shady trees. 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! You can walk from here to the Pu’ukohola and Mailekini heiaus. More info on Spencer Beach. PHONE: 808/961-8311.
Kailua Bay, Kailua-Kona
Location - Adjacent to the pier on Ali’i Drive in downtown Kailua-Kona.
Water Entry / Exit - Easy via the small beach between the pier and the King Kamehameha hotel.
Snorkel Route - Straight out from the beach at the King Kamehameha, then curve North around the Hawaiian ruins and follow the shallow reef. Keep an eye out for outriggers and kayakers. See fish galore in the clear, calm waters here. 
Extras - Abundance of sea life; possible sea turtle and moray eel sightings; shallow reef offers excellent snorkeling conditions; free-diving excellent too. In fact turtles can sometimes be seen right off the Kailua pier.
Packing List - Bring what you need to relax and enjoy this beach area. Stores and restaurants are nearby on Ali’i Drive.
Directions- Head to Ali’i Drive in downtown Kailua-Kona. The beach is between the pier and the King Kamehameha hotel.
Pawai Bay
Location - Approx 2 miles north of Kailua-Kona, adjacent the Old Kona Airport Beach Park.
Water Entry / Exit - If you are hiking, take the path from the north end of the Old Kona Airport and the second cove you reach (with shady trees and sandy beach) is where you enter. IF you come by kayak, tie up to the buoy just off-shore.
Snorkel Route - You can go either direction paralleling the coast. About 10 yards from shore the reef is shallow enough to snorkel. Beyond that the reef gently drops off to below 60-feet. The shallowest portions of the reef are just to the north of the mooring buoy - this is the best portion of the reef for snorkeling. Keep an eye on the surf conditions as the waves can make a beach entry difficult under rough conditions. Check out our Pawai Baydiving section with more photos and maps.
Kahaluu Beach Park
Location - Approx. 5½ miles south of Kailua-Kona on Ali’i Dr. 
Water Entry / Exit - Easy via the protected black sand beach
Snorkel Route - Start out to your left (facing the ocean) and snorkel out towards the breakwater rocks, then circle to your right and back to the beach. To the left you should encounter huge schools of very tame fish! Keep an eye out 
for turtles in the shallows and even sometimes on the black sand beach!
Extras - Ample free parking, restrooms, showers, lifeguards, pavilion, concession stands, picnic tables, shady trees, gear rental stands, surfing is popular to the North of the bay. View a map of the snorkel route. 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 shallow waters are almost always calm, with colorful corals, rock formations, and 100+ species of fish. Swim with 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; with ocean swells, the water can be murky. PHONE: 808/961-8311. Check out our Kahaluu Beachpage with more photos and maps.
Kealakekua Bay
Location - Approx. 20 miles South of Kailua-Kona.
Water Entry / Exit - Easy via the steps at the end of the wharf next to the two boat platforms.
Snorkel Route - Follow the shallow reef to the north to see lots of colorful fish. The surf kicks up silt in this area which lowers visibility on this side of the bay.
Extras - Ample parking; large wharf; scenic outlooks on drive down to bay, stop the car to take pictures. You may see spinner dolphins in the bay. 
Directions- Take Rte 11 South from Kailua-Kona until the Kealakekua turn-off (Hwy 160) at the 110.5 mile marker. Turn right and continue 4 miles down the hill. As the road curves back to the right, you can see a fantastic view of the bay ahead of you. The road leads all the way down to the bay and ends at the Kealakekua Bay parking lot.
Captain Cook Monument
Location - Approx. 20 miles South of Kailua-Kona.
Water Entry / Exit - Load up your kayak before entering the water. Kayak to Captain Cook and beach your gear in the small cove to the west of the monument. Walk down the lava rocks into the calm waters. You can also jump off of the wall next to the monument, but make sure you jump out so you do not hit the rocks immediately below. For more details, photos, and tips, visit our Captain Cook page.
Snorkel Route - Turn east towards the monument as you enter the water. The best snorkeling is the area in front of and east of the monument. These Hawaiian waters are crystal clear with 100 ft. visibility. You will see lots of colorful fish. The vibrant reef stretches out to beyond 80 feet in depth. Investigate the drop off at 30 ft. depth not far from the shore.
Extras - Crystal clear water; shaded area for picnic; historic monument; abundance of sea life; possible sea turtle sightings; shallow reef offers excellent snorkeling conditions; free-diving excellent too.
Packing List - Don’t forget anything you need, because you will be traveling by kayak. We suggest the following items: sunscreen, snorkel gear, water, lunch, camera.
Directions- Take Rte 11 South from Kailua-Kona until the Kealakekua turn-off (Hwy 160) at the 110.5 mile marker. Turn right and continue 4 miles down the hill. As the road curves back to the right, you can see a fantastic view of the bay ahead of you. The road leads all the way down to the bay and ends at the Kealakekua Bay parking lot.
While you can snorkel right off of the dock in Kealakekua, we suggest you rent a kayak for the day (approx $40) from one of the stores between Kailua and the Kealakekua turn-off and kayak across the bay to Captain Cook’s monument. Don’t worry, it’s an easy kayak - about 1 mile across the smooth waters of this protected bay. Or if you are not as ambitious, you can always join on of the charter snorkel tours offered by several operators such as the Fair Wind Kealakekua Bay Snorkel tour. Bring a picnic lunch and some drinks (cooler provided with the kayak rental) and spend the day relaxing and snorkeling on the wonderful reef next to the monument. You won’t be alone - this is one of the most popular snorkeling spots on the Big Island. The reef is robust and you can spend all day exploring different sections of the reef as a snorkeler or SCUBA diver. More information and photos on kayaking at Kealakekua / Captain Cook.
Honaunau Place of Refuge
Location - Approx. 20 miles South of Kailua-Kona.
Water Entry / Exit - The dive entry is one of the nicest lava-ledge entries you’ll find on the island. Have your buddy help you step down to the water level, then gently slip into the water. Be sure not to put your fingers in the small holes on the lava ledge, since there are small sea urchins in them. As with all entries and exits during rougher seas, be especially careful. The lava here is not sharp, but it is hard! 
Snorkel Route - Straight out from the rock ledge is the largest part of the shallow reef. Here is your greatest chance of seeing sea turtles. Watch out for boat traffic to and from the boat ramp. The reef also curves to the north around the bay.
Extras - Place of Refuge National Park ($5 entry) 
immediately adjacent to beach park; bathrooms in the park; porta-potties on site; boat ramp access; crystal clear water; picnic benches; lava shelf for sunbathing; abundance of sea life; possible sea turtle and moray eel sightings; shallow reef offers excellent snorkeling conditions; free-diving excellent too.
Packing List - Pack a picnic to eat on the picnic tables here.
Directions - Take Rte 11 South from Kailua Kona for about 19 miles. Take a right on Hwy 160 (Ke Ala o Keawe Rd) near the 104 mile marker. Be sure to arrive early because parking is limited.
Note - You can also reach Honaunau via Kealakekua bay by traveling south on Hwy 160 for 3.2 miles. More photos and underwater videos of Honaunau, Place of Refuge. Check out our Hawaii Snorkeling and Diving Books section.
Snorkeling Tours of the Big Island 
We offer a variety of guided snorkel tours for all ages and abilities. Designed for beginners and adventurers alike, you’ll paddle along the scenic Kohala Coast and enjoy excellent snorkeling in warm, clear Hawaiian waters. Discover the Big Islands most remote snorkeling spots along the pristine Kohala Coast, Pawai Bay, Kealakekua Bay, and more. Check out our large sail and snorkel tours and our exciting zodiac tours for smaller groups.
Body Glove Dolphin Snorkel Sail 
Go sailing with Body Glove Cruises - see playful Hawaii dolphins, and snorkel with brilliantly colored tropical fish and sea turtles on a snorkeling adventure at Pawai Bay, near Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii! The whole family will love the 15-foot waterslide, and the high-dive platform makes a big “splash” with the kids, as well as those who are kids at heart.
Fair Wind Kealakekua Bay Snorkel 
Slide down the Fair Wind II’s water slide into the pristine waters of Kealakekua Bay, a marine sanctuary, and enjoy snorkeling or diving with 80-100 feet visibility! Everything you’ll need for snorkeling is provided – masks, snorkels, fins, etc.
Snorkeling with Turtle in Kona, Hawaii
