Where to Snorkel on the Big Island, Hawaii | 5 Best Snorkel Beaches on Hawaii
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- čas přidán 6. 07. 2024
- Here are the top 5 spots for snorkeling on the Island of Hawaii (Big Island), in our humble opinion. Plus we share where you can swim with Spinner Dolphins, Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, and Manta Rays.
This is where you need to snorkel on the Big Island! Need to know how to fit these snorkel spots into your Big Island vacation itinerary? With one download, your Hawaii vacation planning is done! thehawaiivacationguide.com/Bi...
Learn more about these 5 Big Island snorkel spots here:
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Erica and I love to snorkel. After combing all the famous and not-so-famous #BigIsland snorkel beaches, we whittled down the list to our top 5.
Stay till the end as we share our favorite family-friendly snorkel spot and the places to go snorkeling with Manta Rays on Hawaii.
Check out our 6-day Island of #Hawaii (Big Island) itinerary to finish your planning! It is really good.
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Our favorite Big Island snorkel tour operators:
Kealakekua Bay at the Captain Cook Monument Kayak Tour: thehawaiivacationguide.com/ac...
Self-guided kayak: www.ehuandkai.com/
Manta Ray Night Snorkeling at Manta Village (Kona Outrigger): thehawaiivacationguide.com/ac...
Kealakekua Bay Power Raft Snorkeling Tour: thehawaiivacationguide.com/ac...
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Where to Snorkel on the Big Island, Hawaii:
00:00 Intro
02:32 #5 Waialea Bay at Hapuna Recreation Area
04:41 #4 Richardson Ocean Park, Hilo
05:40 #3 Kahalu’u Beach, Kailua-Kona
06:37 #2 Honaunau Bay
08:02 #1 Captain Cook Monument on Kealakekua Bay
Recommendation on Snorkel Gear:
Before you rush out to buy snorkel gear, we recommend renting when on the islands. Save on luggage space by renting. There are a lot of great, local renting shops on all the islands. Prices range from $1.50 a day to $6 day. One can get discounted rates by renting for the week. With a local shop, you can make sure you get quality snorkel gear and they can fit the mask properly. Many resorts also provide snorkel gear!
If you are still eager to purchase, here are our favorite snorkel gear sets that are travel-ready and fit very well! They are well-priced for the quality. thehawaiivacationguide.com/ha...
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Mahalo for watching! Need to finish your Hawaii vacation planning? Check out our 6-day Island of Hawaii itinerary for when to make reservations, where to stay, and a step-by-step pre-travel testing video: thehawaiivacationguide.com/BigIsland/
I just returned from the Big Island. We hiked down to Captain Cook's monument. It was a long hike down but lots of switchbacks so not too steep. We saw lots of wild goats on our walk back up. It was amazing! We also did a Manta Ray tour (located by the airport). What a truly unique experience!
thanks for sharing your experience! Good for you on hiking to the Captain Cook Monument.
Nice job on the video today guy’s , lots of good info , Keep up the good work 👍🇨🇦😎❤️ Chris
Agree on captain Cook's monument, probably best of any of the islands. 2 step is great too and if lucky you can swim w/ WILD dolphins. Access is not that easy to captain Cook's, but would it still be great if access was easy? I doubt it (reef dead?). The kayak trip adds to the fun and adventure and we paddled w/ dolphins in the bay as well. I took my twins who were 16 at the time here on they kayak It was so amazing. Just a reminder if you don't get the guided kayaks you can't go on land or tie up your kayak. You have to get one w/ a pass and a guide I believe. We just took turns holding the kayaks. We generally don't do many things 2x but this was one we did do 2x. The next year we came back and took the tour boat so my wife could go. She loved it too. The other thing we did 2x was the night snorkeling with manta rays. That is so amazing it can change your life. I think the big island has the best snorkeling of any island. For perspective... I would rate Captain Cook's snorkeling ahead of Hanauma Bay on Oahu and Honoloa Bay on Maui. Molokini off of Maui is probably about a tie and would maybe be ahead but you only get a little bit of time on the tour boats. If you had 3 hours at Molokini, it might have rated higher. Either way you wont be disappointed w/ any of these spots.... but I would say 3 absolute do not miss things are 1) Capt. Cook's monument 2) Night snorkeling with manta rays (do early in your trip because they guarantee seeing rays) 3) 2 step. Thanks for sharing Jordan and Erica.
Love your channel! I find highly informative and very spot on,you guys were my guide for Maui and will also be my guide for the big island.I’d be arriving to Kona on the 25.cant wait!
We’ll be visiting the Big Island and Oahu very soon. Your videos have been a tremendous help for planning what we want to do!
Thanks for watching! Check out our new Big Island Itinerary! We are proud of it as the Big Island is hard to plan for.
Thanks for taking us along and sharing this great information. Peace and Blessings to the family!
happy holidays to you too!
Thanks for the recommendations! Just purchased the Big Island Itinerary and I can't wait to review it! Thank you for making my perfect Hawaii vacation planning so easy!
Thanks for purchasing our new itinerary! we are proud of it. Have a great trip now that the planning is done.
thanks for the great introduction!
Great info, Mahalo!
Love you guys video so much information love ❤️ it!! Thanks 😊 I’m counting down my days 6 left will be there
thanks for watching! have a great trip!
U guys are amazing. My family and I watch your videos all the time. Helped us a lot when we went to Maui last week
that is great to hear! thanks for watching and come back soon.
Just went here today based on your reviews. Did not disappoint! We saw a turtle as soon as we got in. Great spot!
thanks for sharing! good to hear the visibility was good and you had fun. There is great snorkeling on Hawai'i!
Thanks for helping me to decide where to snorkel when we go to the Big Island in October. Your videos are always enjoyable. 😊
Thanks for watching and have a great trip!
We just got back from Kikaua Point Park. This place was awesome for kids. My 4 year old went snorkeling there for the first time and loved it! I like the fact that there is limited parking, thus it was not crowded at all. The gate keeper said to come by 9am to get a pass. Saw lots of fish and turtle too. Thank you for the keiki recommendation!
We are glad you made it! The place is a gem and we can't wait to go back. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Great Video! Thank you for all the great info. Perfect timing we are on the Big Island now!
excellent! have a great trip on Hawai'i!
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide Thank you! We went to kikaua point yesterday then went to Kua bay. I got stung by a Jellyfish there yesterday.
Love the Big Island. Great job. Great to watch as a wanna_be Michigander. Aloha.
I just discovered your channel planning our Christmas trip to Oahu this year. I absolutely love you guys! Your energy, smiles and positive attitudes are infectious. The content and tips are top notch. Looking forward to watching all your videos.
thanks so much! we are having a blast making these videos, the subject matter can't be beat. Thanks for subscribing! We have a video on going during Christmas and check out our website for more information: czcams.com/video/CLB3S7UFQ1M/video.html
Thanks! I appreciate the tip. We will definitely check out the vid.
When i snorkeled for the first time ever it was in Maui and I cried, as a city boy ive never seen or experienced anything like it. Thanks to you guys im now gonna check out that number 1 spot in April!
Thanks for sharing! We love it too. Have a great trip in April
Thank you!
Great video - we are going back to Big Island next month and would like to do more snorkeling so will try and check out the places you recommended.
Thanks for watching! Our website has more info on snorkeling and swimming beaches.
We live in Big Island and just bought a full face snorkel mask for our 8 year old daughter, and live 10 minutes away from 69 beach. We went to Mauna Lani beach but water was brown. We should have gone to our favorite 69 beach for her first real snorkel experience. We are visiting Maui in 2 weeks and have been watching your videos. Mahalo!
Thanks for watching Gina! Mains Lani is usually a good one so that’s a shame. Jealous you live so close to Hapuna and Beach 69. Have fun on Maui. Check out our Maui snorkel video for places to take your daughter.
Aloha from Roy, Utah
Big island is our favorite snorkeling island.. Old airport is our secret snorkeling spot🤣😂
Mahalo🤙❤️🌺
I bet that is a good location. A great baby beach there too. thanks for watching from Roy!
Hello Jordan and Erica! What brand of snorkel that you recommend ? Thanks 😊
We leave next week so I am glad the algorithm brought you to me!! I am so excited because I am the kind of person who wears a jacket in 85 degree temp. I got a 7mm wet suit and a gel warming pack!
I do love, at times, that algorithm. Haha, some local residents wear sweatshirts or jackets in Hawaii during the winter, even if in the high 70s.
Bummed we did the Captain Cook trail to snorkeling and it was great, but no dolphins, which I really wanted to see. Waters are prestine though!
Agree with Two Step.
Great snorkeling with many fish (spinner dolphins) but a bit of a challenge getting in/out with the waves this past March.
(Better in Summer)
good call! gotta be careful during high surf, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for these amazing videos! Any recommendation on life vest/jacket for non-swimmers who wanna snorkel in Maui?
Yes, we just got travel life vests from the Get Wet Store. Here is the link: thehawaiivacationguide.com/life-vest
We will be wearing them in our new Hawaii Snorkel Guide video coming out March 12th.
You can also rent life vests at snorkel stores on the Big Island!
Hi, I have learned so much from your videos! Thank you! We will be at Kahalu'u in June. Low tide is at 7am and we are planning to be at Kahalu'u early to beat the crowds. Do you think low tide is ok to swim at Kahalu'u? Especially since it is pretty shallow already? Thank you!
Great suggestions. We've hung out at Kahalu'u many times. Not much beach, but lots of other kinds of hang out places. We used to snorkel at Lapakahi, the ancient village until they made it
off limits for snorkeling. Glad we were able to several years in a row. We love Richardsons (Leileiiwi) in Hilo. Wonderful variety. Monk seals come in there from time to time. Kinda rough tho
We visited Lapakahi! We heard it was a good snorkel spot but good to hear it wasn't allowed. Thanks for watching!
Kikaua Point park has 24 parking spots. Get there early because it does fill up fast. Its our kids favorite spot to swim. Just a FYI if the parking lot is full drive down to The 4 Seasons and park in their parking lot and then walk down the beach to Kikaua Point its about 1/4 mile walk down the beach and you'll see a ton of sea turtles on your walk...
How can you still breath if your snorkel is still under water?
So fun and helpful as always! Question, did the two of you ever do a vlog of your stay The Grand Wailea? Thank you 🌺
Thanks Nicole for reminding me I need to make that video! We will get it out this month, working through a backlog of adventures!
A backlog of adventures is a good problem to have LOL!
Hi guys , I really loved your video! As we are planning our trip to Big Island this coming March ( counting months off 😉) I’d like to ask you if Hapuna beach is a good place for swimming. We do not surf so for us big waves it’s a obstacle. We love swimming and recreational snorkling so can you please let me know if Hapuna beach has a good conditions for that?
thanks for watching and the question. See our 5 Big Island Snorkel spots for beginners as we share where to snorkel at Hapuna Beach and beach safety there. thehawaiivacationguide.com/beginner-snorkeling-big-island-hawaii/
Can’t wait to experience living in Hawai’i. It is paradise
hope you make the move soon!
Hookena Beach is a really good spot as well
Thanks for sharing!
Agreed but also the beach at Mauna Kea up by Hawi was where we saw the absolute MOST sea life of our entire trip. It is the beach right next to Hapuna Beach and is private but accept 30 cars daily and the sand is white. So gorgeous! I HAVE to go back!!!!!!
thanks for sharing!
What animals did u see?
Hey! I love your channel. Going to Hawaii soon for the first time! I saw in one of your previous videos that you took a CVS test. If you were to use those results , did it have the official Hawaiian seal? I’m a little worried as I am leaving soon to Oahu and am scared my test won’t be accepted. Thank you for your help!
CVS is accepted as a trusted travel partner. Call the number at hawaiicovid19.com if you need more information. have a great trip!
we're coming in January, really excited. I have a dumb question. Obviously fins are an option I guess? But if we dont want to waer those do you go barefoot? Do i need a water shoe for the rocks?? thanks!!
That isn't a dumb question! Please were fins. We notice some people don't and it is not safe. Currents and waves are in the bays, without fins you can wear yourself out or even worse. rock shoes are not required
Awesome video, quick question to ask ease, what's the name.of the rental kayak company so I could rent a kayak and go to captain cook bay to swim w dolphins and snorkel as well , thanks
thanks for asking! check out this video and see the description for links to our recommended tour operators, like the kayak company we used: czcams.com/video/QunukTkamYE/video.html
Great video! We love the big island! One thing that’s pretty cool and may be worth looking into next time you’re there is a spot near the Queen’s Bath...I forget the exact name of the bay, sorry :(...where there is a “line” in the water just below the surface created by (if I remember correctly) fresh water and salt water not being able to mix together. We found it and it was the weirdest thing I’ve seen in the ocean haha
We will have to check it out!
What side is it on!? West or East?
@@elisabethbarton9410 west side. It’s near the Kiholo state park area between the Kona airport and the Waikoloa resort area
I enjoy all of your informative videos. My question is I understand not leaving valuables in your car, but what do you do when you go snorkeling or to the beach? Would you leave your beach bag unattended? TIA
thanks for watching. See the beach section in our packing list article here: thehawaiivacationguide.com/what-to-pack-for-hawaii-vacation/
I am planning a trip to big island (Kona), and loving all your videos! You mentioned in one of your videos the best time to go is October and June, which month would be better for snorkeling?
Both are good months for snorkeling in west Hawaii. Probably better in June as less south swells. See here too thehawaiivacationguide.com/best-snorkeling-in-hawaii-by-month/
Are the three manta spots only tours? Are these sites accessible from the shore? Would like to see mantas at night without the cost of the tour package. Thanks
Manta Advocates out of Kohala Point go in from the shore (beach). It is best to use a tour as they give advice on protecting and not touching the rays.
Makalaweina is the best beach!
Is there a place near Kealekekua Bay to rent kayaks? I cannot wait to go there!!!
Aloha Kaelyn, you can go on a tour with Adventures in Paradise thehawaiivacationguide.com/kayak-and-snorkel-in-kealakekua-bay/ or rent at the bay with Ehu and Kai Adventures: www.ehuandkai.com/
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide thank you! We head to Hawaii tomorrow, excited to explore :)
Captain Cook isn’t that steep of a hike! If you guys go make sure wear shoes or boots and just carry flip-flops w you. And some snacks and water. The snorkeling part right in front of the monument is the most exciting part of this hike! Lots of wildlife, reefs, and dolphins if you get lucky. Careful not to touch or step the sea urchins. Also, there’s no porta-potty here. But everything else, you’ll have your best snorkeling experience! 9.7/10 👌🏽
thanks for sharing those tips for walking in
So is can you find decent snorkeling in the winter months?
Here is an article on the best snorkeling by month in Hawaii: thehawaiivacationguide.com/best-snorkeling-in-hawaii-by-month/ and here is an article on the best beginner spots on the Big Island, which includes winter snorkel spots. thehawaiivacationguide.com/beginner-snorkeling-big-island-hawaii/
What's the best way to experience snorkeling for someone who is a weak swimmer? Is it possible/safe to go to captain cook and snorkel wit a flotation device? Thanks!!
A tour would be your best bet as they have lifeguards and floations provided. Still, the recommend good swimmers as snorkeling is dangerous in the open ocean.
2:37 nice
The White sand Beach at Mauna Lani resort (far Laft of main resort) is the BEST snorkeling with life guards. Easy entry , lots of fish and drops off to beautiful coral. This beach has some protection when water is rough elswhere. The parking is about a half mile walk from a parking lot. through the fish ponds on paved path if not staying at the resort or condos. There is a bar/ restaurant, great restrooms and beach showers! Well worth the walk. Also a pen of eels to the Right on the path toward Mauna Lani resort. We rented kayaks there. We have a condo in Waikoloa and snorkel here often We have filmed mating day octopus on the rock sticking out of the water! Huge area to snorkle in any direction after entering! Also note there is a strong Current in Kahaluu bay that sweeps rright after entering since the tsunami took out part of the sea wall! Heed the life quard warnings! We saw 2 drownings in progress even with 2 life guard stations!
Thanks for sharing all the tips from your travels to the Bog Island!!
Is there a green sand beach on the big island? And is it worth going?
Papakolea at the southern point is the green sand beach. It is a 5-mile roundtrip hike, best done in the morning. it is one of two green sand beaches in the country but tough to get to.
Yes .. I think it’s one of must sees on the big island ,Not just for the green color in the sand but for the landscape around it .. Locals run a shuttle for 20$ each round trip. You can also drive yourself with 4 wheel drive. I paid the 20 it was worth it.. . I stayed just over an hour . I did go in the water but it’s not like a stay all day beach.. There is also a green sand beach at the end of (road to the sea). Maybe not as pretty but another very interesting place and easy to get to.
How’s the weather like in late June early July?
Beautiful. Gets hot on the leeward side like high 80s
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide what about late May/ early June? 🙏
0:15 coral
If it wasn’t for these videos I would have no idea what I’m doing lol! Ordered my snorkel today, and my new GoPro! Any recommendations on good sea shoes to wear if I don’t want the flippers
Thanks for watching! We always recommend flippers as they are far safer. Try to find a travel pair. Get Wet Store is our new fav. Our rent when you get here.
captain cook monument is where Pixar went snorkeling when filming Finding Nemo
That’s a cool tidbit. I can believe it.
Tell me you live in Hawaii without telling me you live in Hawaii
77 and cloudy is chilly
Like what 😂
freezing! you're lucky I got out of the car 😂
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide I think you just made it official, living in Hawaii has made you soft Jordan! Lol 🥶❄
Went to captain cook last year & went back again this year. The reef doesn’t look as healthy as it did last year :( seems like the positive impact on nature from the covid lockdowns disappeared quickly.
I'm in Hawaii now and see no such beach called Wailea beach.
Typo in the description. Waialea Beach or Beach 69
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide Found it. Thanks. I'll check it out tomorrow 😁.
BE WARE! Many People now being FINED for swimming with Spinner Dolphins at Captain Cook!! NEW LAWS!!!! DLNR was writing huge amount of tickets as snorkelers and kayakers left the water!
Way to blow up the spots.
come on these arent secret spots... everyone knows these places....
My favorite get ur dam tan so u don't burn over and over
You guys forgot THIS tip!
DONT ever snorkel where you see a local fishing.
Good tip. Thanks for sharing