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Day 6: Snorkeling and Shopping in Kailua Kona

We love to snorkel! Here are a few of our favorite spots on the Big Island each with its own unique experience.

City of Refuge

City of Refuge is our absolute favorite place to snorkel on the island. It is often called “Two Step” because you can simply step right out into the ocean from a volcanic rock step and enjoy some amazing snorkeling. We have seen all sorts of ocean life: including dolphins, green sea turtles, moray eels, and octpi. The coral is amazing and the fish are so much fun to follow around, we especially love seeing hundreds of yellow tangs.

Directions to Snorkeling at the City of Refuge: Starting at the Waikoloa Resort. Get on Hwy. 19 going South (becomes Hwy 11). You will drive up to the 2000 ft. elevation and through Kona and old villages such as Kainaliu, Kealakekua and Captain Cook. Along the way, there are many interesting and historical sites. When you have traveled the distance of 40.5 miles, you will find a well marked intersection with signs indicating that Hwy 160 will take you down to Honaunau. When you have driven 3.6 miles down Hwy 160, you will see the National Park entrance on your left. Continue past the entrance for less than a quarter mile until you find a narrow, unimpressive roadway on your right. Take it downhill to the dive site.

Kealakekua Bay

Kealakekua Bay is naturally protected from the wind and is designated as an underwater state park, so we have a greater chance at viewing the ocean life with calm clear waters. The best way to get to Kealakekua Bay is by a snorkel cruise and the best one around is The Fair Wind Big Island Ocean Guides. We love this cruise and have taken it many times, especially when we have timid snorkelers or young kids with us. The crew is fun and helpful, the boat is nice, the food is great, the equipment suits all needs (including underwater view boxes for those who don’t want to get their face wet!), and the 15 foot slides are great fun. We don’t spend our money on many excursions, and seldom go on them more than once, but this one we continue to take year after year.

Mauna Kea Beach

Much of what was said on Day 1 applies to using Mauna Kea for snorkeling. We access the Mauna Kea Beach through the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. The best snorkeling lies on the south side of the bay and usually out around the natural rock wall. We see all sorts of ocean life, and some coral. It is great snorkeling and easy to get to from Waikoloa Beach Resort Area.

Shopping in Kailua Kona

We often go home through Kona after snorkeling and check out the tourist area in downtown. The cruise ships dock here so there are many shops to explore. Our favorite is the Kona Farmers Market located right in the center of it all on Alii Drive in Kailua Kona. It is a cheap place to pick up souvenirs and locally grown produce. Across the street from the farmers market is another Tropical Dreams Ice Cream Shop. If you didn’t read Day 4, then you missed how much we like the locally made ice cream…. YUMMY! In walking distance there are several art galleries and souvenir shops. Nothing makes you feel like you are on vacation more than another souvenir!