Looking for the absolute most epic snorkeling opportunities on Hawaii’s western Kona side? Here we’ll give you the rundown on all of the best snorkeling in Kona and Hawaii’s most unique snorkeling opportunities here in Kailua-Kona.
Top Snorkeling Spots in Kailua Kona, HI
1. The World-Famous Manta Ray Night Snorkel
The most unique snorkeling Kailua Kona HI has is the manta ray night snorkel. Snorkelers lay atop the sea surface in hopes of spotting Kona’s giant manta rays. The rays are happy to swim close to the bright lights that draw them near to feed on the plankton that swarms near the lights. Kona is the only place in the world where you can view manta rays in this way.
2. Captain Cook Snorkeling
Snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay to see the Captain Cook Monument has to be the Big Island’s most popular snorkeling spot. This tour begins by boarding a boat and cruising along Kona’s rugged lava rock coastline. As you motor down the coast keep an eye out for dolphins or whales (January – April). Upon arriving at the dramatic cliffs of Kealakekua bay you’ll be breifed and jump in the water with a lifeguard certified guide who will show you the reef and it’s colorful critters.
Learn about Captain Cook’s demise at this historic site and the Hawaiian’s burial practices featuring the cliffs in full view. The combination of nature, scenery, and history make for an unforgettable experience.
3. Local Kona Snorkeling
Snorkeling From Shore
Kona has some decent spots where beachgoers can get in the water. While these snorkel sites aren’t as good as the sites you can only reach by boat they are a viable alternative to going on a tour. While the shoreline can be quite rocky, there are a number of places to access the ocean. Here we’ve created a map of all of the best snorkeling Kailua Kona HI. To learn more about snorkeling Kailua Kona HI check out our guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to snorkel in Kona?
Pawai Bay has Kona’s best snorkeling. It’s located near downtown Kona. Captain Cook has some of big island’s best snorkeling and is located in south Kona.
Is snorkeling better in Hilo or Kona?
Kona is better because the water is calmer, clearer, and warmer than the water in Hilo. That being said snorkeling in Hilo can still be pretty good, just not as good as Kona.
Where is the clearest water to snorkel in Hawaii?
The Big Island has some of the clearest water beacause it’s the youngest island. The western side of the Big Island of Hawaii has little sand and excellent visibility.
Is it safe to snorkel in Kona?
Every day hundreds of people snorkel in Kona’s warm, clear waters. If you’re fearful of snorkeling try a Kona snorkel tour where a lifeguard certified guide will explore the reef and guide you along. When visiting popular spots like the Captain Cook snorkeling tour there will often be dozens of other people in the water so you’ll have safety in numbers.
Is Kua bay good for snorkeling?
It’s not the best for reef snorkeling but there is some good animal life to be seen here including overhangs with white tip reef sharks and plenty of sand critters like flatfish and eels as well as the occasional urchin.
While Kua bay isn’t known for having the best snorkeling Kailua Kona HI it’s a good alternative if the rest of the family is dead set on coming here.
Is it worth it to bring your own snorkel gear to Hawaii?
It depends. It’s nice to have a mask that fits and good quality fins. If you plan to be in the water a lot it’s probably worth it. If not you can rent or use the free gear provided by the snorkel tour operator.
Is it better to snorkel in the morning or afternoon on the Big Island?
Morning is usually the best time of day to snorkel because that’s when the ocean surface is calmest. This is because there is less wind in the morning than in the afternoon. When the wind picks up later in the day it will create surface wind waves that are small but can be pretty annoying when you’re laying on the surface.
It’s also possible to pick a spot that is blocked by shore from the wind waves. You can find places like Kukio or Pawai Bay where the water will typically be much calmer depending on the direction of the wind. This is one advantage of going on a boat tour becasue they will typically take weather into account when selecting a snorkel site. All in all snorkeling Kailua Kona HI has something for everyone at all times of the day so get out there and make the most of what nature has to offer!
