Kona is the place to fall in love with the ocean. Exploring remote beaches and swimming with gentle giants make Kona one of the few marine attractions in Hawaii. From secluded beaches to breathtaking marine life, Kona offers a one-of-a-kind vacation experience. It is a beautiful tourist attraction beach town located on the west coast of Hawaii (Big Island).
Kona is an ideal place for snorkeling in Hawaii for both beginners or experts. Whether you are a beginner or an expert in snorkeling, then Kona is the best snorkel spot for you. Here you will find an expert team of local swimmers or snorkel operators who provide snorkeling in Kona. The waters of Kona are filled with healthy and colorful coral gardens, which provide a great backdrop for your snorkeling adventures. You will find a variety of fishes while snorkeling, including parrot fish, yellow tang, butterfly fish, surgeonfish, wrasse and triggerfish and many other small and large fishes that will always catch your attention. In this Kona snorkeling travel guide, we will provide you with detailed information about special snorkeling spots in Kona, which will give you a good guide for your next snorkeling trip in Kona.
When we talk about beginners, one question that comes to mind is, ‘Is Kona snorkeling for beginners?’ And the answer is Yes! Kona is a popular tourist destination where you will find local snorkel operators who provide proper snorkeling guidance for just 10 to 30 USD. If you are an expert in snorkeling, you can rent the equipment and try it yourself. However, if you really need guidance, there are great and knowledgeable snorkelers who will professionally guide you. Beginners can easily try snorkeling in safe areas like Kealakekua Bay and Alahuala Beach, which are not deep and are ideal for beginners. If you are a beginner and want to try snorkeling in Kona, there is no better place than this! Definitely try it out!
Tips for Beginners:
Located on the Kona coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, Kealakekua Bay is a designated marine life conservation park. It is famous for offering some of the best snorkelling and diving experiences in Hawaii. If you are a beginner and want to try out kayaking and scuba diving, along with snorkelling, then this is the place for you. Kealakekua Bay is home to a rich variety of marine life, including Hawaiian green sea turtles, vibrant reef fish and Hawaiian spinner dolphins. Also, the protected coral reefs here provide excellent visibility, which makes it easier to see the underwater ecosystem while snorkelling. For snorkelling, you can enjoy it with Indiewall and or local operators.
Located just 40 minutes from Kona, Honaunau Bay is said to be one of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii. Locals also fondly call it Two-Step. The water here is very clear, making it perfect for snorkeling activities. This bay is one of the positive aspects of the lava-filled coastline. If you want to see some amazing marine life other than green sea turtles, you can easily find it while snorkeling. Hanaana Bay is an ideal place for snorkeling as well as scuba diving, kayaking, boat riding, and swimming. So if you are looking for a really great snorkeling in Kona, you should definitely visit here once.
Located on the west coast of the Big Island in Kona, Kahalu’u Beach Park is one of Hawaii’s most popular snorkeling destinations. Snorkeling at Kahaluu Beach Park is absolutely amazing, making it a must-visit for snorkeling lovers. Known for its calm, clear waters and abundant marine life, this beach park is a must-visit spot for snorkelers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, the waters here offer an incredible underwater experience. The park also features the necessary amenities, including restrooms and a picnic area, making it an ideal place to spend the day. One of Kahaluu’s main attractions is its relatively easy access to the water.
Alula Beach is a family-friendly and famous snorkeling spot located on the Big Island of Hawaii. The beach is located north of Kailua-Kona on Highway 19. It is also known as Kona Dog Beach. It is a bay with white sand covering black-brown lava rocks, which makes it home to a lot of marine life underwater. Famous for seeing sea turtles, the spot is also ideal for snorkeling, swimming, surfing and scuba diving. It is also a family-friendly and pet-friendly beach, where you can walk with your pets. Alula Beach is a tranquil spot that is perfect for connecting with nature and visiting the amazing beaches of Hawaii.
Kohanaki Beach is one of the best snorkeling spots on the western shore of the Big Island of Hawaii. If you are looking for great snorkeling steaks, there is nothing better than this beach. Snorkeling at Kohanaki Beach is best during the summer months when the ocean is calm and visibility is improved. Since you will find some rocky and lava formations at Kohanaki Beach, which can make snorkeling challenging, wear water shoes to protect your feet. The area is home to a diverse array of marine life and offers a great outdoor spot for enjoying a picnic with the family. Since this is an outside beach, there are no lifeguards on duty, so snorkel with caution and awareness of ocean conditions.
Kamakahonu Beach, located right outside the Kona Marriott Hotel, is one of the best snorkel spots in Kona, Hawaii, thanks to its calm, protected waters. Since the marina keeps the strong waves away, it is perfect for swimming and is comfortable for beginners. Snorkelers can spot a variety of tropical fish, especially near the boat traffic area where the larger fish tend to congregate. Although the central part has fewer fish, it is still great for those who want to swim in peace. Since this beach is only a 6-minute walk from nearby apartments, it conveniently serves as a snorkeling spot for tourists staying in central Kona. To get the best out of the experience, it is best to snorkel on weekdays, before the crowds from boat trips and evening luaus arrive. Kamakahonu Beach is an excellent spot if you want a beginner-friendly snorkeling site in Kona!
Keauhou Bay is one of the best places to snorkel in Kona and is located in the southern part of Kailua-Kona. The bay is known for its clear waters and many underwater creatures, so it is an unforgettable experience for those who like snorkeling. While snorkeling, you will be amazed to see lush coral reefs, tropical fish, beautiful sea turtles and swaying marine plants. If luck is with you, you may even spot dolphins, majestic whale sharks or rare dugongs! However, the fun is not just limited to snorkeling. Paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming, surfing and even scenic boat rides are all possible in Keauhou Bay. The bay also has calm and shallow areas that are kid-friendly. The best part is that it is in a convenient location near the city, so there is no need to travel long.
Tour Type | Duration | Price Range (Per Person) |
Group Snorkel Tour | 3-4 hours | $80 – $120 |
Private Snorkel Charter | 2-5 hours | $150 – $300 |
Deluxe Catamaran Tour | 4-5 hours | $120 – $180 |
Manta Ray Night Snorkel | 1.5-2 hours | $100 – $150 |
Kayak + Snorkel Combo | 3-4 hours | $90 – $140 |
Whale Watching + Snorkel (Seasonal) | 3-4 hours | $110 – $160 |
Absolutely! Kona offers crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life like tropical fish, sea turtles, and even manta rays. Popular spots like Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook) and Kahalu’u Beach Park are perfect for beginners and experts alike.
Kahalu’u Beach Park is the top spot—it’s nicknamed "Turtle Beach" for its frequent green sea turtle (honu) sightings. Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau (Two Step) also guarantees turtle encounters in calm, shallow waters.
Yes! Many beaches offer free shore snorkeling:
White Sand Beach (Magic Sands) (seasonal conditions)
Just bring your own gear or rent nearby ($15–$25/day).
Yes, but it’s challenging. Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook) is best accessed by kayak or hike (steep 1.8-mile trail). Tours provide gear and safety, but adventurous travelers can DIY with proper preparation.