Snorkeling on the Big Island of Hawaii

One of our favorite activities is snorkeling. Snorkeling is both fun and relaxing. We especially love snorkeling on the Big Island because you do not have to pay to have a catamaran take you out farther into the ocean. If you want a catamaran experience there are plenty available, but we have found that you do not have to do this to have a really great snorkeling experience. Here are a few of our favorite snorkeling spots.

City of Refuge is our favorite place to snorkel. You simply step right out into the ocean from the volcanic rock step and enjoy some of the best snorkeling we have ever seen! We have seen everything from dolphins, green sea turtles, moray eels, and octpi, to thousands of beautiful tropical fish and coral.

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. (click here for pictures and more details of snorkeling or diving at the City of Refuge)

Mauna Kea Beach is an excellent place to relax at the beach and enjoy some good snorkeling at the same time. It is conveniently located just 9.9 miles north of our condo. You just start swimming right from the shoreline and soon you have some beautiful views of sea life and coral all protected within the bay.

The Waikola Hilton Resort is within walking distance of the condo. For a fee they will allow you to snorkel at their protected, wave-free natural lagoon which is full of exotic fish and sea turtles. This protected lagoon is much easier for small children (or timid adults) to experience snorkeling. Also, for a fee, you or your children can swim with the Dolphins at their Dolphin Quest marina.