Go on the best Big island snorkeling adventure in Kona, Waikoloa, and Hilo. Swim with sea turtles and manta rays among tropical reef and fish, and see dolphins in the wild as you go to top Hawaii Big Island snorkeling locations like Kealakekua Bay, Waikoloa Beach, and the Captain Cook snorkeling spot. Whether you choose to relax on a luxury catamaran or enjoy a thrilling high-speed ride on a rigid inflatable raft, you are guaranteed to have the ultimate snorkeling experience on the Big Island!
Discover the best Big Island snorkeling spots during your visit to Hawaii's largest and most diverse island, and see what makes each of these top Big Island snorkel locations world renowned for their awe-inspiring natural beauty. There are plenty of options to choose from including guided Captain Cook snorkeling tours, tranquil and picturesque Hilo snorkeling adventures on the island's eastern side, evening Kona snorkeling tours to wild manta rays in action, or a Kealakekua Bay snorkeling cruise in pristine protected waters. No matter which you choose, be amazed by the stunning coral reef systems, tropical fish, Hawaiian green sea turtles, and other unique marine creatures that call these waters home. With Big Island snorkeling tours to suit a variety of budgets and physical abilities, solo travelers, couples, families, and groups of friends can all enjoy an unforgettable Kona, Waikoloa, and Hilo snorkeling adventure. Explore the ultimate guide to the best snorkeling tours on the Big Island of Hawaii, and discover more about these unforgettable experiences.
Discover the top snorkeling spots on the Big Island, including the chance to swim with manta rays off the Kona coast at night, experience the beauty of Waikoloa and Kohala's coastlines on a cruise, or venture to Hilo for secluded black sand beaches and unique snorkeling opportunities.
- Anaehoʻomalu Bay: Also known as A-Bay, this popular snorkeling destination is located along the Kohala coast, near the Waikoloa Beach Resort area. A-Bay is known for its clear, calm waters and abundant marine life, and since the bay is protected by a coral reef it provides a safe habitat for a variety of fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures. If you are a beginner, Anaehoʻomalu Bay is a great place to start snorkeling, as the waters are usually calm and the visibility is normally very good.
- Captain Cook Monument: Located on the shore of Kealakekua Bay, this monument marks the location where Captain Cook met his demise in Hawaii in 1779. The area off shore from the monument is wonderful for snorkeling, and it is recommended that you take a boat tour to see the Captain Cook Monument since the only other way to get to this area is going on a moderately difficult four-mile round trip hike.
- Hapuna Beach: You can find this snorkel spot along the Kohala coast, near the town of Waimea, and Hapuna Beach is known for its white sandy beach and clear turquoise waters. The waters are usually calm and clear, with visibility ranging from 50 to 100 feet which makes this Big Island snorkeling location ideal for both beginner and experienced snorkelers.
- Honaunau Bay: Called Two-Step by local residents, Honaunau Bay is located on the western coast of the Big Island just south of Kailua-Kona, and is known for its clear waters and abundant marine life which make it perfect for snorkeling. Honaunau Bay is unique because it features a natural "two-step" entry into the water where snorkelers can step onto two large and flat rocks on the shore, and then easily step into the water to start snorkeling around coral reefs that are home to many fish and sea turtles.
- Honokaope Bay: Referred to as Turtle Bay, this beach is a beautiful snorkeling spot located on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast. With access only available by foot or boat, this area is much less crowded compared to many of the other Big Island snorkeling locations, and features an abundance of coral reefs an clear waters making it a must-do on any visit to the Big Island.
- Kealakekua Bay: In 1967, the bay was designated as a Marine Life Conservation District, and it is now one of the most beautiful snorkeling areas in the world. The area is home to an abundance of marine life, including colorful fish, dolphins, sea turtles, and even manta rays. The bay's coral reef is also a sight to behold, offering a stunning display of underwater flora and fauna.
- Makaiwa Bay: This popular snorkeling spot located on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island and is home to a variety of tropical fish species, such as yellow tangs, parrotfish, and butterflyfish, and other sea creatures like green sea turtles, moray eels, and octopuses. The clear and calm waters and colorful coral reefs make it a perfect option for snorkelers of all levels.
Manta Village & Manta Heaven: Located off the Big Island’s Kona coast, these snorkeling sites are known for their nightly manta ray feeding activity where these gentle marine creatures can be observed feeding on plankton just a few feet away from snorkelers.
- Pawai Bay: The bay can be accessed through the Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area and is both a secluded and picturesque snorkeling spot located on the west coast of the Big Island. The coral reefs in the bay are also vibrant and colorful, and provide a beautiful backdrop for your snorkeling experience.
- Punaluu Black Sand Beach: This popular Big Island beach on the south side of the island gets its name from the black volcanic sand that lines its shore, and not only is this pay relatively shallow making it a great option for beginner snorkelers, it is also a resting spot for Hawaiian green sea turtles that like to come up to shore throughout the day.
- Red Hill: Known as Pu'u Ku'ili in Hawaiian, this popular snorkeling spot located on the west coast of the Big Island is a remnant of a cinder cone, and the surrounding area is known for its unique geological formations, as well as its calm and clear waters, making it a great snorkeling spot for both beginner and experienced snorkelers.
- Richardson’s Ocean Park: As one of Hilo’s best places to snorkel, this east side snorkel spot can be accessed from the sandy beach or from the lava rocks on either side of the bay. With depths ranging from 5 to 15 feet, almost anyone of any skill level can explore the waters to see the area’s coral reefs and the many fish that can only be found around the islands of Hawaii.
- Anaehoomalu Beach: Located near Waikoloa and Kohala
- Honokohau Small Boat Harbor: Located north of Kailua-Kona
- Kawaihae Harbor: Located near Waikoloa and Kohala
- Keauhou Harbor: Located south of Kailua-Kona
- Hilo Bay & Harbor: Located in the heart of Hilo town
Please be sure to check with a GPS app to check current drive times before your departure.
Parking is available at all check-in locations, and depending on the parking area, it could be free or there will be a nominal charge.
Although snorkeling tours on the Big Island do not provide transportation, rideshares and taxis are often available for guests that do not have access to a rental car or other vehicle.
- Big Island snorkeling cruises and tours are some of the most popular activities on the island, and it is highly recommended that you make your reservations two to four weeks in advance.
- To ensure a safe and enjoyable Big Island snorkeling tour in Hawaii's sunny weather, it is essential to pack sunscreen, and more specifically, reef-safe sunscreen. Conventional sunscreens contain chemicals, such as xybenzone and octinoxate, that can cause harm to marine life and coral reefs. Reef-safe sunscreens, on the other hand, are composed of natural and mineral-based ingredients, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, providing optimal sun protection without posing a threat to the environment.
- It is very important that you do not touch any marine life or coral reefs during your Big Island snorkeling tour. Touching the marine creatures can disrupt or injure them, additionally, many marine species are fragile and can be easily harmed by human contact. It is important to maintain a respectful and responsible distance from marine life to preserve the ocean’s delicate ecosystem.
- If you are planning on bringing an underwater camera (GoPro, mobile phone with an underwater case, etc.) on your snorkel tour in Oahu, also bring a red lens filter to get the best shots. As you go underwater, the color red becomes less pronounced, and having a red lens filter will ensure vibrant and beautiful photos and videos.
- If you are susceptible to seasickness, we suggest guests on a Big Island snorkeling cruise to take a motion sickness preventative at least an hour before departure. Even if the water appears to be calm, some degree of rocking is inevitable while on the water, and it is always better to be cautious if you have experienced seasickness in the past. Alternatively, you can opt for all-natural remedies such as ginger pills or acupressure bands to alleviate symptoms.
- What to wear: Have your swimsuit on before boarding the boat since marine restrooms (heads) can be quite cramped depending on the boat. You will also want to wear a light jacket or sweatshirt to wear after you exit the water since it can get rather chilly.
- What to bring: Reef safe sunscreen, sunglasses, flip flops or sandals, large towel, underwater camera or water-safe case for your phone, and a bottle of water.
Q: Is snorkeling better in Kona or Hilo?
A: Both Kona and Hilo offer incredible snorkeling experiences, and which one is better for you depends on your preferences and interests. Kona is known for some of the best snorkeling spots on the island, including Kealakekua Bay, which is home to a marine sanctuary and the Captain Cook Monument. On the other hand, Hilo has unique black sand beaches, and while the waters in Hilo may not be as clear as those in Kona, the volcanic rock formations and diverse marine life make it a must-do experience.
Q: What is the best time to snorkel on the Big Island?
A: The best time to snorkel on the Big Island of Hawaii is during the morning hours since the water is usually calmer and clearer, providing better visibility for snorkeling. The wind tends to pick up in the afternoon, causing choppy waters and reducing visibility.
Q: Is it better to stay in Kona or Waikoloa?
A: Deciding whether to stay in Kona or Waikoloa on the Big Island can be a hard choice since both areas offer an amazing experience in Hawaii. Kona is known for its historic charm and many beaches with lots of marine life, and the area offers a wide range of activities, including diving, hiking, and exploring Hawaiian historic and cultural sites. Waikoloa is a popular resort area known for its golf courses, luxury resorts, and beautiful beaches, and the area offers a more relaxed and upscale atmosphere, with high-end dining and shopping options, as well as a variety of outdoor activities, such as snorkeling and sailing.
Q: How much does it cost to snorkel on the Big Island?
A: Snorkeling tour prices on the Big Island start at approximately $100, and generally, a guided snorkeling tour in Kona, Hilo, and Waikoloa can cost anywhere from around $100 to $200 or more per person depending on the length of the tour and any additional activities included.
Q: What is the best Big Island snorkeling tour for beginners?
A: Beginner snorkelers on the Big Island will have a variety of different tours and cruises to choose from including sails and cruises to the calm waters of Kealakekua Bay and cruises departing from the Kohala and Waikoloa coast.
Q: What is the best snorkel cruise for advanced and expert snorkelers on the Big Island?
A: Any of the cruises and sails departing from Kona, Waikoloa, and Hilo will be great options for advanced snorkelers as you will have ample time and opportunity to explore the ocean and coral reefs. Groups with a mix of snorkeling experience can be rest assured that both beginners and experienced snorkeling enthusiasts will have an enjoyable experience.
Q: Can I snorkel with turtles on the Big Island?
A: Yes, you can snorkel with turtles on the Big Island! The Big Island of Hawaii is home to the Hawaiian green sea turtle, and these turtles can often be seen swimming and resting in popular areas like Kealakekua Bay in Kona and the black sand beaches near Hilo and Punaluu Beach.
Q: Can I snorkel with dolphins on the Big Island?
A: Wild dolphin swimming and snorkeling tours used to be available on the west side of the Big Island in Kealakekua Bay, but Federal law now prohibits approaching dolphins within 50 yards in Hawaii, and swimming with them in the wild is also prohibited. Hawaiian spinner dolphins are nocturnal and feed in deeper waters at night, returning to shallower waters during the day to rest and relax. When dolphins are forced to swim away from approaching people or boats, it disrupts their rest and puts them on high alert, requiring them to use extra energy to change direction and swim faster, and thus prevents them from fully resting.
Q: Can I snorkel with sharks on the Big Island?
A: No, there are no shark snorkeling tours on the Big Island, and Oahu is the only island in Hawaii that has shark snorkeling tours.
Q: Do I need to know how to swim to go on a Big Island snorkel tour?
A: Yes, you should have basic swimming skills if you plan to go snorkeling on the Big Island, as snorkeling requires swimming on the water's surface while wearing a mask and snorkel to breathe. Although you do not need to be an advanced swimmer, you should feel at ease swimming in the ocean and be capable of treading water for a few minutes. If you do not know how to swim, it is advisable to select beginner snorkeling tours.
Q: How do you stay safe during Big Island snorkeling?
A: While snorkeling on the Big Island can be a delightful and unforgettable experience, safety should be your top priority when in the water. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to check the weather and ocean conditions before going snorkeling and avoid snorkeling in rough waters or strong currents as they can be extremely hazardous. Always remember to have a buddy with you and keep a close watch on each other, as this can prevent accidents and ensure your safety.
