Snorkeling in Big Island

A favorite pastime on the Big Island, snorkeling is perhaps one of the easiest and most enjoyable water activities for visitors. By ducking underwater, you'll see lava rock formations, sea arches, sea caves, and coral reefs teeming with colorful tropical fish. While the Kona and Kohala coasts have more beaches, bays, and quiet coves to snorkel, the east side around Hilo and at Kapoho are also great places to get in the water.

If you don't bring your own equipment, you can easily rent all the gear needed from a beach activities vendor, who will happily provide directions to the best sites for snorkeling in the area. For access to deeper water and assistance from an experienced crew, you can opt for a snorkel cruise. Excursions generally range from two to five hours; be sure you know what equipment and food is included. Kona Boys lead combined kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking tours.

Best Spots

Kealakekua Bay (Bottom of Napoopoo Rd., south of Kailua-Kona) is, hands down, the best snorkel spot on the island, with fabulous coral reefs around the Captain Cook monument and generally calm waters. Besides, you'll probably get to swim with dolphins. Overland access is difficult, so you can opt for one of several guided snorkel cruises or kayak across the bay to get to the monument. Be on the lookout for kayakers who might not notice you swimming beneath them, and stay on the ocean side of the orange buoys near the cliffs.

The snorkeling just north of the boat launch at Puuhonua O Honaunau (Place of Refuge, Rte. 160, about 20 mi south of Kailua-Kona. www.nps.gov/puho) is almost as good as Kealakekua Bay, and it's much easier to reach. It's also a popular scuba diving spot.

White Sands, Magic Sands, or Disappearing Sands Beach Park (Alii Dr., 4½ mi south of Kailua-Kona) is a great place for beginning and intermediate snorkelers. In winter it's also a good place to see whales.

Since ancient times, the waters around Kahaluu Beach Park (Alii Dr., 5½ mi south of Kailua-Kona) have been a traditional net fishing area. The swimming is good, and the snorkeling is even better. You'll see angelfish, parrotfish, needlefish, pufferfish, and a lot more. Stay inside the breakwater and don't stray too far, as dangerous and unpredictable currents swirl outside the bay.

Kapoho Tide Pools (End of Kapoho-Kai Rd., off Hwy. 137) has the best snorkeling on the Hilo side. Fingers of lava from the 1960 flow (that destroyed the town of Kapoho) jut into the sea to form a network of tide pools. Conditions near the shore are excellent for beginners, and challenging enough farther out for experienced snorkelers.

Equipment, Lessons & Tours

Body Glove Cruises. This operator is a good choice for families, particularly if at least one member is a certified diver and the rest want to snorkel. Kids love the waterslide and the high dive platform, and parents appreciate the reasonable prices. The 51-foot catamaran sets off from the Kailua Pier daily for a 4½-hour dive and snorkel cruise, which includes breakfast and a buffet lunch; the three-hour afternoon cruise includes snacks and drinks. Snorkelers pay $66-$105 per adult and $44-$65 per child. Scuba divers pay the snorkel rate plus $57-$67 per person with or without gear. Kailua Pier, Kailua-Kona. 808/329-4807 or 800/551-8911. www.bodyglovehawaii.com.

Captain Zodiac Raft Expedition. The exciting four-hour trip on an inflatable raft takes you along the Kona Coast to explore gaping lava-tube caves, search for dolphins and turtles, and snorkel around Kealakekua Bay. The captain often throws in Hawaiian folklore and Kona history; the company started up in 1974. The morning trip departs at 8:15 AM, the afternoon at 1 PM. Adults pay $93 and kids $77. A seasonal (Dec.-Apr.) three-hour whale-watch cruise is adults $70, kids $60. Honokohau Harbor, Kailua-Kona. 808/329-3199. www.captainzodiac.com.

Fair Wind Cruises. This outfit offers both a 4½-hour morning and 3½-hour afternoon snorkeling excursions to Kealakekua Bay, and a luxury cruise (Hula Kai) that sails into three different secret snorkeling spots a day. Snorkel gear is included (ask about prescription masks), but bring your own towel. On morning cruises you'll get a Continental breakfast and a barbecue lunch. These trips are great for families with small kids (lots of pint-size flotation equipment), and they provide underwater viewing devices for those who don't want to use a mask-snorkel setup. Morning cruises cost $105 for adults and $65 for kids; afternoon cruises are cheaper, but you're less likely to see dolphins in the bay. The spring-summer afternoon deluxe cruise includes a late barbecue lunch and snorkel time; adults $99, kids $59. 78-7130 Kaleiopapa St., Keauhou Bay, Kailua-Kona. 808/322-2788 or 800/677-9461. www.fair-wind.com.

Hula Kai. Operated by Fair Winds, the Hula Kai is the company's more luxurious, adults-only snorkel cruise—"adults-only" in a peace and quiet, wine and appetizers way, not a clothing-optional way. The swanky hydrofoil boat skims quietly over the island's waters, venturing to areas not easily accessed by the company's other boats, including the southern coast, where snorkeling is fantastic amidst the canyons and reefs. A gourmet breakfast buffet and barbecue lunch is included in the $149/person rate, and whale-watching tours are available in season. The boat also offers scuba diving, which makes it a bonus for couples in groups that have a mix of divers and snorkelers. 78-7130 Kaleiopapa St., Keauhou Bay, Kailua-Kona. 808/322-2788 or 800/677-9461. www.fair-wind.com.

Snorkel Bob's. You're likely to see his wacky ads in your airline inflight magazine. The company actually delivers what it promises, and you can make reservations online before beginning your trip. Basic gear package of mask, fins, and snorkel rents for $9-$22 per week; children's equipment and prescription masks are available. 75-5831 Kahakai St., Kailua-Kona. 808/329-0770 or 800/262-7725. www.snorkelbob.com.