bumpmaster

We're going over to the big island in a couple of months. We've been there twice in the last few years, and always stayed in Waikaloa (free rent at sister's place). This time we want to start out in Kapoho over by Hilo for a few days. We were there on a day trip a couple of years ago and enjoyed snorkeling near the public parking. I know there are lots of places to go, e.g.. Champagne Pool, but I am looking for more ideas. Books like Hawaii Revealed are helpful but I would like to hear from some locals or people very familiar with the area. We will be staying sort of south near Hula Cove. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Also, we would like to see the lava flowing into the sea. Hiking or rent a boat?

wbpiii

I have stayed at Kapoho Beach Lots on two different occassions and I love the area. I mainly snorkel at the Kapoho Tide Pools which is in Vacationland and in front of the house I rent at Kapoho Beach Lots. First let me give you a small warning, there are studies which show there is a high degree of bacteria in the Kapoho Tide Pools. I personally would wade through the pools to the outer reef. My experience is the best fish and coral are out beyond the "pools".

The Champagne pond is not a snorkel place. It is a heated pool. Some have stated that the Champagne Pond has a higher bacterial count which could be true too given it thermal nature, but I have been in it on numerous occassions in the morning and have no ill effects.

From my experience, the east coast is not a super snorkel area beside the Tidepools.

KendraM

I am not a local, but in my humble opinion, Captain Cook's monument is the best place on the island to snorkel and if you are lucky the dolphin will be there. ;-)

wbpiii

The problem with the Kealakekua Bay i.e. CC monument is you need a boat or boat tour to get there. A close second is two-step actually, two-step has better coral.

bumpmaster

Thanks for the advice everyone. We have snorkeled at CC monument and also the Place of Refuge, I agree the snorkeling is fabulous there, and will go back this time. I was looking for ideas around Kapoho since we will be there for a few days first. Sounds like out past the shallow tide pools is best.

sylvia3

yuck! I thought the high bacterial count was in the small pools that weren't open to the ocean (like the private ones behind houses?), and the public hot springs park near there? I snorkeled in the tide pools years ago, and it seemed very open-ocean!
Are there any ways to find out the records (does the state government do bacterial or fecal counts on any beaches or swimming areas)?

wbpiii

Sylvia, from my review of a research paper published by UofH the bacteria is everywhere because of the cesspools for the houses. It is my understanding the tidepools have a high bacterial count and that there is a warning posted somewhere. I snorkel past the tidepool because there is better ocean circulation, but I suppose that some pollution even reaches there.