One of my favorite things to do while in Kona (other than diving) is snorkeling. The beach (Kahaluu) right at the condo is one of the best snorkeling beaches on the island (especially for the beginner). You can see loads of reef fish, turtles, and eels. The water is only about 5-10ft deep most of the time. On a nice day, you can explore at your leisure. As with any snorkeling… go early. Early in the morning is typically calmer and less crowded. To search for turtles, hug the reefs both on the left and right as you enter the water at the life guard stand. Turtles like to feed in the crashing waves that churn up food for them. They are often in only 1-2 feet of water. Another great snorkeling spot on the island is Two Steps. Two Steps is about a 20-25 minute drive south but a great intermediate to advanced snorkeling spot. Go early to help avoid the crowds. When you arrive at Two Steps, if you can’t find parking, you can park in the pay lot across from the beach. Bring $5 cash. A lot of people enter into the water at Two Steps wrong! There is a very easy entrance if you know where it is. If you stand in the middle of the lava beach area and look at the ocean, the entrance is at about 10-11 o’clock direction. It is literally two large lava steps. Navigate to the second step sit down dawn your fins and mask and just belly slide into the water. Do not travel to the steps with fins on, however, you may want to wear shoes or slippers as the lava rock is sharp and SLIPPERY… ask me how I know! You can snorkel to the left or right but be careful of boats coming and going as there is an active launch ramp to the left. Stay off the launch ramp if you don’t want to insight locals, plus it is not a safe place to be. I normally hug the coast line to the right and explore. Lots to see there. Please do not harass or swim after or chase dolphins as it is against the law and you may be cited. Please pay attention to any local, state or federal laws or rules regarding dolphins or other marine animals. There is also Captain Cook which is very close to Two Steps, however, the access is difficult. I prefer Two Steps but you can watch the “Captain Cook” snorkeling video below if you want to check it out. It is actually a pretty difficult 2+ mile (steep) hike so please watch the video below AND be warned! As for the other snorkeling spots I would only recommend two. Beach 69 and the Mani Lani Beach Club. Both are on my beach list. Both of these locations are nothing special but do offer some snorkeling options if you are going for the day. I would NOT recommend them over Kahaluu and Two Steps. Beach 69 needs to be a calm day otherwise visibility will be poor. At the Mani Lani Beach Club, if you are a strong swimmer, you can venture to the left past the point and around. There are some cool coral structures to explore. If you like the water and are a strong swimmer get out and explore the incredible marine life Kona has to offer but be sure to always pay attention to posted signs and weather conditions. Have fun!
