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5 Spots with the Best Snorkeling on the Big Island

By May 14, 2020No Comments

Our Picks for the Best Snorkeling on the Big Island If you’re looking for our top recommendations for the best snorkeling on the Big Island of Hawaii, look no further! World famous for its crystal clear, warm waters and diverse native marine life, Hawaii needs no introduction as a tropical vacation destination. Dense with fish of every size, shape, and color, there’s plenty of great spots around the Big Island to see the marine life up close, but there are areas better suited for snorkeling than others. Remember that these areas are sensitive marine habitats and that you should wear only reef safe sunscreen or use a sun shirt instead of sunscreen to help protect the coral. To get you prepared for your Big Island adventure, these amazing snorkeling locations and hotspots should be at the top of your travel itinerary: Best Big Island Snorkeling South of Kona Honaunau Bay (Two Step)84-5571 Honaunau Beach RdCaptain Cook, HI 96704 Known to the locals as “Two Step,” this snorkeling site is incredibly popular, and for good reason – it’s among the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island. Two Step derives its name from the natural rock step at the water’s edge that serves as a perfect access point for fin-wearing visitors. The Snorkeling here is incredible with large schools of fish, lots of varied terrain, healthy coral and a wide variety of other sea life. There’s no beach, but there is plenty of space to have a picnic on the lava rock shelf under the palm trees. This area is easily accessible, but a little out of town, so bring water and a lunch or snacks and plenty of sunscreen. There is a porta-potty and a few picnic tables, but no other facilities or showers. You are very close to Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park so stop by and check out the amazing Hawaiian history across the bay.