Kaunaoa Beach entices Hawaii Island snorkelers with its calm, clear water.
Kona claims the best snorkeling spots on Hawaii Island. Snorkelers speak with reverence about South Kona's Kealakekua Bay and Two Steps at Honaunau Bay, and the fish at Kahaluu Bay in Kailua-Kona couldn't be any tamer. But if you're staying in one of the Waikoloa region's luxury resorts or its inland community, don't pack up the snorkeling gear and cooler for the 45-minute drive to Kona's spots just yet. The arid Waikoloa region on the South Kohala Coast holds its own charms, above and beneath the water.
Wild Beauty, Nearby Conveniences
The best snorkeling spots in South Kohala call for just a short swim from the sand. An open highway, unlike the congested or cliff-hanging, winding roads of Kona, brings you to the snorkeling beaches of Kohala. Except for a few luxury resorts off the Queen Kaahumanu Highway, the South Kohala Coast is an oasis of wild beauty. Yet conveniences aren't far. About 10 miles up the coast from the Waikoloa Hilton, you can rent snorkeling gear, dine and shop at Kawaihae Shopping Center (kawaihaeshopping.com), which is just off the coastal highway. Even closer, although pricier, you'll find the luxury shops and dining establishments at Kings' Shops (kingsshops.com) near the Hilton Waikoloa Village in the Waikoloa Resort (hilton.com).
Inviting Climate
The sun-drenched, desert-like climate has a light and airy feel, absent the humidity found in Kona; and it rarely rains, except for occasional, scattered, light afternoon showers. South Kohala's nearshore waters of turquoise and cobalt blue sparkle in the sun. The water temperature is the warmest around the island, averaging from winter to summer, 75 to 80 Fahrenheit at Hapuna Beach, with warmer water in protected lagoons and bays. Mesquite and a few palms add touches of green and shade, and the resort's gardens bloom with plumeria. There's much to see under the water, from colorful tropical fish to coral and sea turtles.
Sheltered Lagoon
The small, ocean-fed lagoon at the Hilton Waikoloa Village (hiltonwaikoloavillage.com) may not be one of the best snorkeling spots in the Waikola area -- it can be crowded, especially in summer, and all those feet kicking up sand makes the water murky -- however, if you have young children who want to try snorkeling, it's worth a look. Like all of Hawaii's beaches, the public has free access. Follow the path from the hotel's entrance that meanders around the lagoon, behind a waterfall and past the dolphins. You won't have to worry about waves, you'll see colorful fish, and on the side nearest the open ocean you'll spot green sea turtles. You can rent snorkeling equipment here. Young children enjoy the free-to-ride boats and monorail that transport guests and nonguests alike around the resort. Restrooms are open to the public.
Excellent Snorkeling, Pretty Beach
A healthy coral reef and one of the prettiest white crescents of sand in Hawaii await you at Kaunaoa Beach, fronting the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (princeresortshawaii.com). It's about a 10-minute drive north of Hilton Waikoloa Village. Arrive by 9 a.m. because parking is limited. To see the most marine life, snorkel on the hotel side of the bay, along the rocks out to the coral where you will likely see the honu -- Hawaiian green sea turtles -- and fish such as bright-yellow tang, pretty yellow-and-black butterfly fish and blue-green parrotfish with their beak-like mouths created by infused teeth. Most of the bay is under 10 feet deep. Restrooms and showers are available to the public. Stay after sunset and take the hotel's path up to Manta Ray Point to watch graceful rays flock to feed on the plankton the hotel lights attract.
More Snorkeling Spots
If you don't make it to the Mauna Kea in time to nab one of the public parking permits, travel 4 miles south to Waialea Bay -- another snorkeling site with plenty to see. At both ends of the bay and along the rocks in the center, you'll find a variety of fish, including puffers, parrotfish and trumpet fish, the latter of which are curious and may swim near, dangling vertically in the water. Keawe trees provide shade on the uncrowded, white-sand beach. On the downside, there is no lifeguard, and the only facilities are vault toilets. At the north end of South Kohala's snorkeling beaches, Samuel Spencer Beach Park offers calm water year-round, thanks to the coral reef and Kawaihae Harbor's landfill to the north. Just off the sand, along the rocky point on the south end, you'll see fish and lots of spiny black sea urchins. On the northwest end of the bay, swim out to the coral, which teems with colorful fish and turtles. Facilities include restrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, shaded picnic tables, pavilions and a campground.
Tags: South Kohala, best snorkeling, best snorkeling spots, Hilton Waikoloa, Hilton Waikoloa Village