Joshpal

Hi,

We read in several places (like Fodors) that it is relatively "hard" to get to many
of the nice beaches in the BI. We were wondering if people can tell us from their
experience how difficult it really is, and which are indeed hard to get and which
are easier.

When we'll be there my wife will be 4 months pregnant so we are not looking from
strenuous walks be we will not mind walking for 30 minutes.

BTW, tell us also about the best beaches you have snorkeled.

JohnD

IMHO, best snorkeling is off the south Kona coast which is mostly lava and not sandy beach and can be conveniently reached by boat snorkeling tours from Keauhou Bay (Fairwind II power catamaran or Sea Quest raft)that visit Kealakekua (Captain Cook Memorial) and or by driving south to Honaunau Bay (can be accessed from nearby "Place of Refuge" Park).

Northern Kohala coast has the best sandy beaches with Hapuna Beach State Park being the easiest to access, though snorkeling was not as good when compared to the above mentioned locations.
http://www.hawaiiweb.com/hawaii/html...tate_park.html

Another easy access, though much smaller, grey-sand beach along the Kona coast with excellent snorkeling is Kahalu`u beach park, though parking is limited. This beach is also described on above website link. Feel free to ask more

gigib

It may depend on the weather at Hapuna. We had some quite nice snorkeling there in August '05, there was an offshore breeze blowing the water flat. Lots of turtles and the water is VERY clear. The snorkeling is best at the far right, in front of the Hapuna Prince hotel. Work your way around the rocks to the right.

The neighboring beach fronting the Mauna Kea hotel is absolutely gorgeous, but snorkeling not so hot. There is a small parking lot that may fill up rather early.

Gellers

Really, the only beach I recall that was mildly difficult to get to was a nude black-sand beach on the Hilo side. We had to hike down a somewhat awkward trail to get to it. But not really that big of a deal so long as you have shoes with traction.

Also, Green Sand beach (which I didn't go to) is a bit of a hassle to get to, from what I understand.

Other beaches--no problem. I second the "Place Of Refuge" for snorkeling. Lots of turtles!

Gellers

Oh, if you will be over on the east side, don't miss the "Tidepools" snorkeling. Doesn't look like much but once you get into the pools, you will be amazed! (Very easy access for your wife, btw.)

sceneisle

Here are our BI favorites; all easy to reach by car: Honaunau Bay (30 minutes south of Kona), next to the Place of Refuge National Park. Nicknamed "two step", because of the deep water entry off the lava rocks, Honaunau is a very good place for spotting turtles, loads of fish and interesting topography. Kahaluu Beach Park (2 miles south of Kona, on Alii Drive). Not a great sandy beach, but a shallow cove protected by a reef and home to a few handful of turtles. Kahaluu has restrooms/showers and some vendors for gear rental and food. Manini 'Owali - AKA "Kua Bay" (4 miles north of the airport). A very nice beach with gentle waves. Fairly good snorkeling in the rocks, south of the beach. The beach has restrooms and showers, and security guard in the parking lot.