Kona’s Hidden Gems 5 Snorkeling Spots You Cant Miss
Situated on the west side of the Big Island, Kona is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re into hiking, biking, snorkeling, or world-class surfing, this town has plenty of opportunities for adventure.
You can’t visit Kona without savoring the region’s signature coffee at local coffee farms. Many offer tours that pair a latte with a lesson on how to pick the best beans.
1. Kailua Bay
The pristine waters of Kailua Bay are teeming with vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs. The bay’s shallow depths make it ideal for snorkeling, and its calm waters are perfect for beginners. The bay is also a great spot to see dolphins, and snorkelers can often find schools of goatfish and moi (royal Hawaiian fish of Kings) flitting among the waves.
A wahi pana (sacred place) for Hawaiians, Kailua Bay is one of the most popular activities and attractions in town. Snorkelers can find a wide range of marine life here, including bright yellow tang, trumpetfish, and urchins. There are even some coral formations that look like a giant flower. And the bay is a prime spot to see sea turtles, which are known to frequent the area.
Another of the best snorkel spots in Hawaii, this popular beach is located just north of Kona and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, a great place for Kona Snorkeling. The beach is protected from most of the swell and has shower and restroom facilities. It’s a good option for snorkelers looking to avoid crowds. But it’s worth noting that the water is a little murky in places so it may be best for experienced snorkelers who know their limits.
The bay’s rocky ledges and lava rock formations offer plenty of hiding spots for sea creatures, making this one of the top snorkeling places in Kona for nature lovers. The sand bottom is also a great spot to look for seashells and starfish. And if you’re lucky, you might get to witness schools of manta rays gliding through the water in the early morning or evening.
2. Suck E’m Up
Known as Beach 69 this little hidden gem offers loads of tropical fish in the calm waters and is super convenient for those looking to grab their snorkel gear right out of the hotel or book a guided tour. You’ll find this spot north of the harbor and it’s a great spot to get in some early morning or late afternoon snorkeling before or after your other island adventures.
This is a popular spot for scuba divers as well because the reef here is quite good and it’s easily accessible by boat in just a few minutes. The lava rock formations create unique pockets and points to explore with plenty of marine life to see as you swim around. It’s also sheltered from winter’s rougher swell which makes it a good choice for visitors on the lookout for a more relaxing snorkel experience.
If you’re visiting in the summer, you might be lucky enough to spot some humpback whales cruising by the area as you snorkel. It’s also the ideal spot for kids to explore the underwater world and you’ll often find a handful of local families here.
Kealakekua Bay is arguably one of the most famous snorkeling spots in Hawaii as it’s home to the Captain Cook monument. It’s also renowned for its diverse marine life and the large number of Hawaiian sea turtles that call it home. Snorkelers can enjoy exploring coral reefs teeming with neon fish and swimming alongside manta rays and even eels!
3. Kukio Marine Reserve
Kona is a place of serene beaches, the soothing sound of crashing waves, and rejuvenating spa treatments. In this coastal paradise, you can let go of the worries of the world and simply unwind in nature’s splendor.
The secluded beach of Kukio Marine Reserve is a great snorkeling spot for the whole family. It’s located just north of Kona proper and is popular with both locals and visitors. There are restrooms on-site. Most people think of this beach as a nice sunbathing beach but it’s actually one of the best snorkeling spots in Kona. It has a lot of marine life to see and is home to the Captain Cook Monument. It used to be a popular dolphin swim beach but is now discouraged due to the marine mammal protection laws in place.
Kukio Marine Reserve is a secluded spot but easy to get to by boat. It’s a protected marine reserve and is home to large schools of fish as well as lots of octopus and eels. There are a bunch of cool rock features like arches and walls as well.
You can also find more pristine tide pools here which are sheltered from the crashing ocean waves. These crystalline pools are like liquid gems waiting to be unearthed. Look for native Hawaiian fish such as triggerfish and blue parrots!
Kamakahonu beach is another secluded snorkeling spot in Kailua-Kona that’s not as well-known as it should be. During the winter you can often spot humpback whales from this location! Enter the water from the sand (not near the pier) and swim over to the left. You’ll find many reef fish here including yellow tang and saddleback wrasse.
4. Kahaluu Beach Park
A sheltered cove with an abundant fish population, Kahaluu Beach Park is one of the best snorkeling spots in Kona. This marine protected area is a snorkeling hotspot and a popular beach for families because of its shallow waters, pristine water conditions, lifeguards, and park facilities. The cove is also home to sea turtles and a variety of other marine life. The shallow depths of the cove (no more than neck deep) allow sunlight to reach all the way to the bottom, where you’ll find a thick layer of healthy coral.
Located just south of downtown Kailua-Kona on Ali’i Drive, this is a perfect location for beginners and children. The shallow and protected cove is easy to access with a gentle slope and a sandy entry path. The shallow water is also a boon to snorkelers as it allows for great visibility, even further out from shore.
Another reason to visit this beach is its history as a cultural center. The presence of heiau (temples) like Kuemanu Heiau on the northern edge of the bay indicates that this was once a place of religious significance for the ancient Hawaiians. Whether you’re sunbathing, reading a book, or exploring the vibrant underwater world, you’ll have a relaxing and serene experience at Kahaluu Beach Park.
Remember to respect the natural beauty of this spot and don’t touch coral or stand on rocks. This damage to the reef kills the coral and damages the marine ecosystem. It’s also important to stay aware of the currents, which can be strong in this part of the ocean. It’s recommended that you swim with a buddy and always stay close to the reef.
5. Kona Coast State Park
This state park, also known as Four Mile Beach by locals, isn’t quite on the tourist radar but it’s one of the best snorkeling spots near Kona. The sheltered bays and reefs in the area are full of coral, marine life, and the occasional whale. You’ll also see sea urchins, eels, and even the odd Hawaiian spotted boxfish here. It’s also a great spot to try your hand at cliff jumping if the conditions allow it.
The park is also home to a variety of ancient cultural sites, including the Hikiau heiau (temple) to the god Lono, and the white obelisk that marks the spot where the first extensive contact between Hawaiians and Westerners took place in 1778. The bay itself is a marine preserve and home to schools of tropical fish and spinner dolphins that make their way through the tranquil waters on occasion.
While snorkeling at Four Mile Beach, keep an eye out for the unique rock formations that form a series of rocky points in the water. You’ll find a garden of well-preserved mound and lobe corals, which are the foundation for a healthy fish population that includes Yellow Tang, Hawaiian Spotted Boxfish, Racoon Butterflyfish, and Orangespine Unicornfish.
It’s also the spot to go if you want to swim with manta rays at night! The manta rays that flock here at dusk are attracted to the plankton blooms and offer a truly awe-inspiring experience of seeing these gentle giants glide gracefully through the water. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity!
