This is a great snorkeling spot for beginners as it’s well protected by a fringing reef. Large schools of fish congregate here and there are plenty of octopus and eels to see.

You’ll have to enter the water at Two Step by walking over rough lava rock which is why it’s called “two steps”. It’s best to carry your fins and then put them on once you’re floating in the water, explains a tenured snorkeling veteran from konasnorkeling.tours.

1. Kahalu’u Beach Park

The most popular beach south of Kona, Kahalu’u Beach Park is a snorkeler’s paradise. This small grey sand beach has clear calm waters and an extensive coral reef filled with colorful fish. It is a great place for beginners and the whole family, even young children can enjoy it. It is also a good spot to try out your new snorkel gear.

The snorkeling conditions at this beach are excellent, especially during a low surf season. The swimming area is protected by a large bordering reef, and there is a sand bottom entry into the water. The marine habitat in the bay is a mix of lava rock, coral and coarse black sand, and the animals depend on these rocky and sand areas for their survival. Therefore, it is important that you only stand or walk on the sand and not on the rocky reef or the coral.

You can find the best snorkeling at Kahalu’u beach when ocean conditions are calm, and it is recommended to swim around the rocky ledge inside the bay. There is plenty of coral to explore, and the snorkeling gets really good at the north end where there is a rocky point.

The sandy beach at James Kealoha Beach Park is a good choice for snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, surfing and pole fishing. It is a popular beach for locals and visitors, and is well known for its beautiful sunsets. It is also a great location for picnicking with the family. The beach is located at mile marker #5 on Ali’i Drive, next to St. Peter’s Catholic Church and Ku’emanu Heiau. It is a dark-grey sand beach and a favorite among watersport enthusiasts, as well as families with kids.

2. Kahalu’u Beach Park South

There’s a reason that Kahalu’u Beach Park South is one of the best snorkeling beaches in Kona. With shallow, calm water, it’s a great spot for beginners to learn how to use their snorkel gear or for families to spend the day swimming and enjoying Hawaiian marine life. Located south of the famous Manta Village in Keauhou, this snorkeling spot is popular with boaters as well as those who venture out to the site on their own or via a guided tour.

Often referred to as “Manta Heaven” for the abundance of manta rays that visit here, this spectacular snorkel spot also offers a range of other marine life including dolphins, whales, sea turtles, sea cucumbers, and a wide variety of coral fish. In addition, the lava reef that protects the bay is in pristine condition which makes for some of the best snorkeling conditions in Hawaii.

Other popular activities at the beach include sunbathing, picnicking and fishing. Taking Ali’i Drive south from Kailua-Kona, you’ll find this dark-grey sand beach next to St. Peter’s Catholic Church and Ku’emanu Heiau. This is a popular place for swimming, snorkeling and surfing/boogie boarding.

The entry to the water at Honokohau Beach is over a patch of rough stone lava, so it’s not recommended that you wear your fins while walking in – carry them into the water and put them on once you are floating. The bottom of the water here is a mix of coarse black sand, slippery rocks and some coral rubble. Animals depend on this rocky habitat for food and shelter, so it’s important that you only stand or walk on sand to minimize the impact on the marine life.

3. Kahalu’u Beach Park North

Kahalu’u Beach Park is a great spot to start snorkeling in Kona because it is shielded by a bordering reef. This keeps the water clearer so there is more to see. The bottom of the bay is mostly lava rock and coral rubble with only small patches of sandy areas. If you are used to snorkeling in sandy locations you will find this easy to navigate but for others getting in and out of the rocky areas can be challenging. We recommend wearing neoprene surf socks or tabis (a local style of water slippers) to make it easier on your feet in the rocky areas.

The colorful marine life that calls Honaunau Bay home is sure to capture your imagination. Bright yellow tang, triggerfish, manini, and Moorish idol school together on the reef while needlefish, saddleback wrasse, threadfin butterflyfish, and sea cucumbers flit around. And if you are lucky you may even get to share the water with one or two sea turtles. Just remember to give them 30 feet of space so they can enjoy their peaceful day in the ocean.

Located right in the heart of downtown Kailua-Kona Kamakahonu Beach is a great snorkeling spot that seamlessly blends natural beauty with cultural heritage. Snorkelers will find a vibrant underwater world that is teeming with marine life while being surrounded by historical landmarks including the Ahu’ena Heiau, the reconstructed temple that served as King Kamehameha’s residence. The pier, restaurants and hotels nearby all create a lively atmosphere that makes this an excellent snorkel spot for people of all ages to enjoy.

4. Kahalu’u Beach Park East

The sheltered waters of Kealakekua Bay make it a great place for snorkelers of all levels. A marine preserve, it’s home to a vibrant coral reef and abundant marine life including tropical fish and sea turtles. It’s also known as a spectacular spot for whale watching!

The best Kona snorkeling conditions at this beach are found in the southern part of the bay. There is a lot of coral reef in this area but not much sand so you will want to carry your fins into the water with you and put them on once you’re floating. It’s important to remember that the rocky and coral habitats are living ecosystems so don’t stand on it or touch it unless you’re helping a distressed animal!

Snorkelers can enjoy the plethora of fish and sea cucumbers found here as well as the beautiful coral formations. You may even be lucky enough to see a sea turtle! Just be sure to give them 30 feet of space so they can continue their peaceful day.

This spot is a favorite among many locals and offers a good entry point in the water but it can get crowded as tour boats show up later in the morning. It’s an excellent snorkeling spot but if you go far out to the reef slope it can be a bit of a swim.

The northern half of the bay is a bit more protected from swell and provides a more serene swimming environment with a wide range of coral and reef fish. It’s not as accessible as the southern half but it’s still a great snorkeling spot for all skill levels. There’s also a good chance you will spot manta rays at night!

5. Kahalu’u Beach Park West

This small beach is a good snorkeling spot on calm days. Its sand bottom entry into the water makes it a perfect place for beginner swimmers or snorkelers. When ocean conditions are good (low surf), the rocky pier and coral around this area offer excellent snorkeling. Humpback whales can also be spotted from here during the winter months!

Also known as King Kamehameha Beach or Kamakahonu, this safe swimming and snorkeling location is the perfect choice for families with keiki. The small beach is surrounded by grassy berms and walking paths and features a magnificent reconstruction of King Kamehameha’s personal heiau (temple). Although you are welcome to approach the edge of the heiau to snap photos, it is important to respect this sacred site by not touching or entering it.

The shallow waters and lifeguards at this beach make it an ideal place for beginner snorkelers and children. However, it is possible for the water to become murky in the summer due to heavy rainfall and wind.

Located 6 miles south of Kailua-Kona, this beach park has a sheltered cove with a seawall that provides calm conditions and great visibility for snorkeling. Snorkelers can also admire the Captain Cook Monument, a historic Hawaiian temple that commemorates the famous British explorer’s arrival in Hawaii.

The reef in Kealakekua Bay is in excellent condition and is teeming with a variety of marine life. Visitors to this beautiful bay can see dolphins, sea turtles, and an incredible assortment of tropical fish. It is also home to a large population of honu, or sea turtles, that often frequent the bay for limu and seaweed. You may even see them sunbathing on the rocks!