Discover the Best Turtle Snorkeling Adventures on the Big Island
The Big Island offers some of the most authentic turtle snorkeling experiences in Hawaii. From calm bays with lava rock entry points to marine preserves teeming with sea life, this island is a paradise for anyone hoping to swim alongside Hawaiian green sea turtles. Whether you’re a first-time snorkeler or an experienced underwater explorer, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you.
Top Turtle Snorkeling Spots on Big Island
Whether you’re looking for an easy-entry beach perfect for beginners or a remote, less-crowded cove ideal for peaceful turtle encounters, the Big Island has a snorkeling spot for every skill level. Below are the top locations where you’re most likely to swim alongside sea turtles and witness them in their natural habitat.
Each spot listed is chosen based on consistent turtle sightings, water clarity, accessibility, and overall snorkeling experience.
Honaunau Bay (Two Step)
Located next to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, this spot is famous for its lava rock “steps” leading into calm, crystal-clear waters. You’ll often see turtles grazing near the rocky shoreline or gliding gracefully through the reef.
Kahaluʻu Beach Park
A family-friendly beach in Kona, perfect for beginner snorkelers. The shallow reef is protected and home to colorful fish, coral, and of course, honu.
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
A rare and stunning black sand beach on the island’s southern coast, where sea turtles often rest on shore. While snorkeling is not always ideal here due to waves, it’s one of the best places to see turtles up close.
Kukiʻo Beach (Maniniʻōwali Bay)
Located just north of Kona in the Kukio Beach area near Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, this beach is a lesser-known gem. While it’s not a traditional snorkeling hotspot, locals often report spotting sea turtles both resting on the sand and grazing in the shallows. The water is usually clear, and the beach is quiet during weekdays.
What to Expect When Snorkeling on the Big Island
Snorkeling on the Big Island is an unforgettable adventure filled with volcanic coastlines, rich marine biodiversity, and frequent turtle sightings. Here’s what you can expect when you slip into the water:
Regular Encounters with Honu
The Big Island’s warm, shallow bays are natural feeding grounds for sea turtles. You’ll often see them grazing on algae-covered rocks or calmly swimming beside you. Some beaches like Punaluʻu are also known for turtles resting on the sand.
Clear Water and Diverse Marine Life
Many snorkel spots offer exceptional visibility, especially in the mornings. You’ll encounter colorful reef fish (like yellow tang and triggerfish), coral gardens, and sometimes even eels, octopus, or dolphins.
Lava Rock Entries and Rugged Terrain
Unlike sandy beach entries on other islands, the Big Island often features lava rock shorelines. Some spots, like Two Step, have natural rock ledges to help you enter and exit the water—but water shoes are highly recommended.
Variable Ocean Conditions
The Big Island’s snorkeling spots can be calm and inviting or rough and hazardous, depending on weather and surf. Always check local conditions before heading out, especially during winter.
Snorkeling Tips for the Big Island
Make the most of your turtle snorkeling adventure with these essential tips for safety, comfort, and conservation.
Arrive Early
Most popular snorkeling spots, like Honaunau Bay and Kahaluʻu Beach, have limited parking and are busiest mid-morning. Arriving before 9 AM means calmer waters, better visibility, and fewer crowds.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Hawaii law bans sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, which harm coral reefs. Choose a mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreen and apply it at least 15 minutes before getting in the water.
Wear Water Shoes or Reef Booties
Many Big Island beaches have rocky or uneven lava rock entries. Protect your feet and improve your stability by wearing water shoes, especially at places like Two Step and Kukiʻo Beach.
Bring Your Own Snorkel Gear
While rentals are available in Kailua-Kona and Hilo, having your own well-fitting mask, snorkel, and fins ensures a better experience. Consider a dry-top snorkel to prevent water from entering the tube.
Getting There
Most of the Big Island’s top turtle snorkeling spots are located along the west and south coasts and are easily accessible by car from Kona or Captain Cook. Honaunau Bay, Kahaluʻu Beach Park, and Kukiʻo Beach are all within a 10–45 minute drive from Kailua-Kona. Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is best reached as a stop during a drive between Kona and Volcanoes National Park. Boat-access-only spots like Kealakekua Bay require joining a guided kayak or snorkel tour departing from Keauhou Bay or Honokōhau Harbor.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to snorkel with turtles on the Big Island is April to October, when ocean conditions are calm and visibility is high. May to September offers the most consistent turtle sightings. For the clearest water and fewer crowds, snorkel in the early morning. Winter months can bring bigger surf, but turtles can still be seen resting on beaches like Punaluʻu.
Gear Rental
Snorkeling gear is easy to rent on the Big Island, especially in Kailua-Kona and near Kahaluʻu Beach Park. Daily rentals typically cost $10–$25, and many guided tours include gear. No need to bring your own!
Big Island Attractions
Make your snorkeling trip part of a full island adventure. Here are great nearby attractions grouped by location
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Spot basking sea turtles and enjoy the unique volcanic sand.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
See Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, hike craters, and explore lava tubes.
Kaʻū Coffee Mill
Learn about the island’s other famous coffee region, and enjoy free tastings.
Whittington Beach Park
Peaceful coastal spot with tidal pools and dramatic lava rock coastline.
Green Sand Beach (Papakōlea)
One of only four green sand beaches in the world. Requires a long hike or 4WD ride.
South Point (Ka Lae)
Southernmost point in the U.S., with sea cliffs and powerful ocean views.
Kahaluʻu Beach Park
Great beginner snorkeling spot with turtles and facilities.
Kealakekua Bay
Historical marine sanctuary, best accessed by kayak or boat tour.
Kona Coffee Living History Farm
Learn how coffee was grown in the early 20th century.
Huliheʻe Palace
Historic royal residence in downtown Kailua-Kona.
Magic Sands Beach (Laʻaloa)
Popular white sand beach just south of Kona, with waves and good sunset views.
Akaka Falls State Park
Easy paved hike to a stunning 442-foot waterfall.
Rainbow Falls
Accessible waterfall near downtown Hilo, often with morning rainbows.
Liliʻuokalani Gardens
Peaceful Japanese garden by Hilo Bay.
Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo
Free zoo in a lush setting with native plants and animals.
Hawaiʻi Tropical Bioreserve & Garden
Botanical garden with ocean views and a waterfall trail.
Isaac Hale Beach Park (Pohoiki)
Post-eruption black sand beach with tide pools and surf.
Pololū Valley Lookout and Trail
Panoramic views and a hike to a remote black sand beach.
Waipiʻo Valley Lookout
One of the island’s most iconic views (note: valley access currently restricted).
Hawi Town
Artsy village with galleries, boutiques, and cafés.
Lapakahi State Historical Park
Preserved ruins of an ancient Hawaiian fishing village.
Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
Sacred temple built by King Kamehameha I.
Mahukona Beach Park
Off-the-beaten-path snorkeling spot with ruins and tide pools.