Big Island Snorkeling

Along resort row, calm water and easy shore access make this stretch a good fit for families staying nearby.

ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay, in front of the Waikoloa Beach Marriott, has an easy sandy entry. Parking: Free, on Kuʻualiʻi Place off Waikoloa Beach Drive | Facilities: Restrooms and gear-rental kiosks, no lifeguard | Best time: Morning, before afternoon wind picks up | Kid-friendly: Yes | Difficulty: Beginner Best for: Families staying on the Kohala Coast and beginner snorkelers. Skip if: You want more marine life. The Kona side is better for that.

Makaiwa Bay, in front of the Mauna Lani resort, offers similar calm, sandy conditions. Parking: Free at the Kalāhuipuaʻa Historic Park lot off Pauoa Road, then a roughly 15-minute walk on the Kalāhuipuaʻa Trail to the beach | Facilities: Restrooms and gear-rental kiosks, no lifeguard | Best time: Morning | Kid-friendly: Yes | Difficulty: Beginner Best for: The same crowd as ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay, if you are willing to take a mini hike. Skip if: You don't want to make the walk from the parking lot.

Kaunaʻoa Beach, also called Mauna Kea Beach for the hotel in front of it, sits at the north end of resort row. The snorkeling is best along the far right side of the bay. Parking: Free public lot. Arrive before 8 a.m. to secure a spot | Facilities: Restrooms and showers, no lifeguard | Best time: Early morning | Kid-friendly: Yes | Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate Best for: Visitors willing to arrive early. Skip if: You can't make the early start. The parking lot fills fast.

Waialea Bay, known locally as "69s" for its location near mile marker 69, is a favorite among locals. Parking: Free | Facilities: Restrooms, showers and plenty of shade, no lifeguard | Best time: Morning, before wind and boat traffic pick up | Kid-friendly: Yes | Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate Best for: A local favorite without the resort crowds. Skip if: You need a lifeguard on duty.

Puakō Reef, off Puakō Beach Drive, was once a thriving reef, but has struggled in recent years. However, its underwater tunnels and caves still draw snorkelers. Parking: Limited free street parking | Facilities: No restrooms, no lifeguard | Best time: Early mornings | Kid-friendly: No | Difficulty: Advanced. To enter, you must swim or wade over a shallow, often sharp lava-rock shelf. Reef shoes are recommended Best for: Experienced snorkelers who don't mind a rough entry for less-crowded water. Skip if: You're snorkeling with kids or not comfortable with a lava rock entry.

For night manta ray snorkeling on the Kohala Coast, tours depart from Kawaihae South Boat Harbor.

Two Step, in Hōnaunau Bay across from Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau Historical Park, is known for crystal-clear water and a lava-shelf entry — literally two steps into the ocean. Parking: Limited free roadside parking near the bay, or a $5 lot. Arrive early, spots fill by mid-morning | Facilities: Portable toilets only, no showers | Best time: Early morning, before the parking lot fills | Kid-friendly: No | Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced — the rock entry can be challenging Best for: Intermediate and advanced snorkelers comfortable climbing down lava rock to enter the water. Skip if: This is your first time snorkeling, since getting in and out of the water here can be challenging. Not recommended for kids under 8 or when the water looks rough.

Kealakekua Bay is a protected marine sanctuary where tour operators lead snorkeling trips to the Captain Cook Monument, accessible only by hiking trail, boat or kayak with restrictions. Swimming to the monument on your own is prohibited without a state permit. Best for: Visitors booking a Kealakekua kayak-snorkel tour. Skip if: You want a spot with easy access.

Keauhou Bay, near the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, is another Big Island departure point for night manta ray snorkeling.