Choose from various Big Island snorkeling locations near Kailua-Kona in pristine Hawaiian waters and create memories of a lifetime! Fair Wind Cruises takes snorkelers to the best Kona snorkeling spots in Kealakekua Bay, South Kona, and Manta Village.
The Kona Coast is home to some of the best snorkeling on Hawaiʻi Island. From the Kohala Coast down to Captain Cook, there are incredible opportunities to spot Hawaiian spinner dolphins, swim alongside sea turtles, and relax in calm, clear waters. While some spots can be accessed from the shore, many of the best snorkeling locations are reached by guided boat tours.
Read more on Fair Wind’s guide to Big Island snorkeling spots.
This marine life conservation district is the site of Hawaiʻi’s only underwater state park. Accessible mainly by boat or kayak, it’s considered one of the top snorkel destinations in all of Hawaiʻi. The Captain Cook Monument marks the historic location where the British explorer met his end.
A favorite among locals and visitors alike, this spot is known for early morning sightings of Hawaiian spinner dolphins resting in the bay.
Consistently ranked among the world’s best beaches by Travel Channel, Mauna Kea Beach offers powdery white sand and calm, clear water—perfect for snorkeling.
This easily accessible beach is home to an abundance of sea turtles feeding on native limu (seaweed). Please admire them from a distance—touching or disturbing sea turtles is illegal under Hawaiʻi’s Endangered Species Act protections.
Stretching over half a mile, Hāpuna Beach offers two excellent snorkel spots—one at each end of the shoreline. It’s also one of the island’s most picturesque beaches.
This scenic beach transforms with the seasons. In winter, tides can wash away the sand, but by summer, the soft white sands return, revealing great snorkeling spots.
Located near Kailua Pier, this protected bay is calm and shallow—ideal for beginner snorkelers and children.
The reefs here are home to a variety of marine life including reef fish, octopus, and occasionally eels—making it a fun spot for exploratory snorkeling.
Located on the Hilo side of the island, this beach features sand made from a mix of black lava rock and green olivine crystals—offering a unique snorkeling experience in calmer waters.
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