WHERE TO SNORKEL IN KONA

There are many reasons to visit the beautiful island nation of Hawaii, such as the sun and surf, the delicious foods and the welcoming and relaxing culture, just to name a few. However, there’s much more you can do should you choose to live on the Big Island. Snorkeling is a major pastime in Hawaii, thanks to the ample amount of ocean and the aquatic life residing under its depths. Does the idea of going snorkeling appeal to you? Keep reading to discover the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island.

Honaunau Bay

Also called Hawaii’s “City of Refuge,” Honaunau Bay is already renowned for its beautiful beaches, where the water is always translucent and tranquil. It is also fairly deep, reaching around 20 feet in most spots. If you are lucky, you may be able to spot dolphins flipping in and out of the water. If you choose to dive in this particular part of Hawaii, be as thorough as possible. We recommend diving in both the south and north sectors because the depths become radically diverse on either side. The south is also noteworthy due to the frequency of turtles swimming in the area. If you’re a dolphin fan, try the north side instead.

Kealakekua Bay

Kealakekua Bay has also been called “Captain Cook” and rests in the southern direction of Kona, exactly 17 miles past it. This bay is quite deep and, much like Honaunau, filled with dolphins. If you decide to dive here, the most optimum place for this is the side of the bay farthest from the parking lot. However, it has become difficult to reach this spot in recent years. You must take a kayak (provided you have a permit!) or hike to get to this part of the bay. There is also a boating tour if you’re interested in doing a little sightseeing before you snorkel.

Kahaluu Beach Park

Kahaluu is ideal for beginning snorkelers who want to get to know the ropes. There you will find a wealth of fish to swim with, most of which reside in the water’s swirl pools, as well as an abundance of turtles. Some of them are prone to rising out of the water to rest in the sun so you may see them outside of the ocean if you are lucky. Kahaluu Beach is public and is located near Ali’i Drive. There are rest areas and a lifeguard available at the beach if you’re interested in doing more than snorkeling or are especially concerned about safety.

Whether snorkeling interests you or not, there are plenty of homes for sale in Kona. We guarantee there is something here for everyone. If building a life in Hawaii interests you, contact our Big Island real estate agent.