Best Snorkeling In Hawaii – The Big Island Snorkeling Guide

Edited on

Best Snorkeling In Hawaii  The Big Island Snorkeling Guide

Green Sea Turtle in Hawaii

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. This helps me keep the Sick Girl Travels blog running while providing you with high-quality product recommendations and great travel deals. Please see my full disclosure for further information. Thanks for your support!

Snorkeling Big Island Hawaii, The Big Island Snorkeling Guide

Planning to travel to the Big Island of Hawaii? Looking to do some snorkeling? Then you’ve come to the right place. As an avid snorkeler and someone who loves Hawaii, I know where to find the best snorkeling in Hawaii. I also know how great snorkeling can feel. It’s easy on the joints, and if you do it in calm waters, it can be peaceful and relaxing. As someone with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and terrible arthritis, I love how being in the water feels. Not a great swimmer? No worries. Check out these great life jackets and vests.

I’ve tried to make this guide as inclusive as possible. As such, this Big Island snorkeling guide will take you through all the best places to snorkel in Kona and Hilo, including some wheelchair-accessible snorkeling tours. So get ready to see a bevy of tropical fish, turtles, and Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins as we explore the cool ocean waters and amazing reef system off the coast of Hawaii. These are the best snorkel spots in Hawaii.

The Best Time To Visit The Big Island

The Big Island is warm and welcoming year-round, but it’s important to consider certain factors if you’re looking to snorkel. For the best time to visit the Big Island, you’ll want to check out the jellyfish calendar and avoid dates when jellies are known to be more prevalent.

Best Snorkeling Big Island Hawii

Rocks and black sand beach of Waialea Bay

  1. Waialea Bay

Waialea Bay, or “Beach 69” as it’s known, was designated a marine life conservation district in 1985. Once named the best beach in America and one of the best island snorkeling spots, the bay is protected and tends to be calmer than nearby Hapuna Beach. Waialea Bay has three different snorkeling spots to explore, and some of the best snorkeling Kona, Hawaii has to offer. The easiest snorkel site is at the south end of the bay on the left side of the beach. Tropical fish frequent the shallow waters close to the rocks. This is generally good advice for snorkeling on any beach, as fish tend to hover around the lava rocks.

You can also choose to snorkel in the center of the bay where there’s a rocky middle point dotted with larger coral heads and reefs. As you circle around the left side of the rocks, you’ll find yourself in 7-10 feet of water surrounded by a beautiful reef system and dozens of fish.

Another option is to head to the north end of the beach, following the rocky point jutting out from the right side of the beach. The waters here reach about 15 feet in depth.

If you happen to visit in winter, look out for humpback whales that sometimes visit the area.

Waialea Bay is some of the best in Kona snorkeling and one of the easiest spots to get to.

Location: Waialea Bay Beach is located 23 miles north of the Kona Airport off Highway 19, past the Waikoloa and Mauna Lani resorts. To get here, turn onto Puakō Beach Drive.

Best Snorkeling Big Island Reddit Best Snorkeling Big Island

A beautiful Manta Ray off the Kona coast

2. Manta Ray Night Snorkel

Swimming with Manta Rays in Kona is a must-have Hawaii snorkeling experience. As I mentioned in my Big Island Guide, it’s also one of my favorite accessible activities. Big Island snorkeling tours and other water activities are possible through Anelakai Adventures. They’re the best on the island and really go above and beyond to provide a customized experience. Anelakai even supplies specialty equipment so visitors with quadriplegia can snorkel with Manta Rays. They have years of experience, and they’re caring, knowledgeable, and willing to work with anyone, no matter what their age or mobility, to make traditionally inaccessible activities like the ray night snorkel accessible.

If you have physical disabilities, please contact them directly at (808) 987-0377 so they can make sure to arrange proper staff and equipment to ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable.

Location: Anelakai Adventures 78-7138 Kaleiopapa St Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Snorkeling Hawaii Big Island

Honaunau Bay

3. Honaunau Bay

Honaunau Bay offers some of the best snorkeling in Kona. If you want to spot Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, head out to Honaunau Bay early in the morning. They’re known to frequent this location.

Honaunau Bay is known for its great, sometimes up to 100-foot, visibility. Meaning “City of Refuge,” the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park sits on the left side of the bay. The park spans 182 acres and features a preserved ancient Hawaiian village. It’s worth taking a stroll through the park on your visit to see the place that was once a refuge for Hawaiians who had broken the sacred laws.

If you’ve come to do some Honaunau Bay snorkeling, head out to the furthest point of lava rock. It’s highly recommended you wear surf shoes to reach the entrance, as the jagged rocks will cut up bare feet. This also makes it one of the least accessible snorkeling spots on my list. If you don’t have good balance and mobility, this beach is not recommended. Once you do reach the water, there’s a great shallow area for beginner snorkelers along the rocks. You’re likely to see lots of people here with their kids.

The area sports a good variety of tropical fish and the occasional octopus. More seasoned snorkelers may choose to head further out into the deep sandy area with a patch of cement blocks. The left side of this area reaches depths of 30 feet and features a wide variety of coral reef canyons. Here you’re likely to find green sea turtles. Be extremely careful exploring this area, as the seafloor drops out to 100 feet just behind the reef system and the waves can be rough at times.

Location: Honaunau Beach Rd, Captain Cook, HI 96704

Best Snorkeling on Big Island Captain Cook Monument

Captain Cook Monument

4. Kealakekua Bay

Some of the best Kona, Hawaii snorkeling can be found at Kealakekua Bay, the Big Island’s only underwater state park. This is another one of the more difficult snorkeling spots when it comes to accessibility. Parking is just under 2 miles away from the bay, so if you’re not up for a good long walk, you may want to skip Kealakekua Bay snorkeling or choose to access it by boat. Just be advised that if you do choose to walk, it’s not that difficult to get down to the bay, but climbing back up to your car in the hot sun is decidedly more difficult.

The best way to access this amazing snorkeling area is to book a boat tour of Kealakekua from Keauhou Bay. You can find several Big Island snorkeling tours, but I recommend this tour from Sea Paradise Sailing and Snorkeling Tours. This 3 1/2-hour tour will take you to Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay where you’ll see colorful tropical fish, Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, and awesome underwater lava formations.

Location: located 13 miles south of Kailua-Kona. Parking is available by the Nāpō’opo’o Pier. (But again, save yourself the walk and book the boat tour.)

Best Snorkeling On The Big Island of Hawaii

Beach chairs at The Mauna Lani Resort

5. Mauna Lani Resort

Having stayed at the Mauna Lani Resort on my very first trip to Hawaii, I can safely say it is one of the best places to go for snorkeling on the Big Island, Hawaii. The area is actually made up of three snorkeling spots

Pau’oa Bay – Just north of Mauna Lani towards The Fairmont Orchid Hotel is a protected beach that’s surrounded by massive lava rocks. The area boasts a sandy bottom entry that is perfect for beginners and those with mobility issues.

Honokaope Bay – On the south side of the bay on the far left, there is a small black sand beach named “49 Beach.” To get there, you’ll have to walk along a small fisherman’s trail. Visibility is quite good, and the waters are calm and easy to navigate.

Makaiwa Bay – To the north of Honokaope Bay, on the Mauna Lani property, is a small bay known as Makaiwa Bay. This area offers deeper reefs that are fun to explore. I also spotted some green sea turtles here along with a floating $10 bill. It was a very exciting snorkeling day for me. Remember, it is illegal to touch or taunt green sea turtles, and it can result in a hefty fine. But if you find any floating cash, that’s fair game.

Snorkeling on The Big Island Hawaii

Green Sea Turtle or Honu

6. Mauna Kea Beach

Located along the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Kauna’oa Bay, the white sand beaches of Mauna Kea provide some of the best snorkeling on the Big Island. Here you have an excellent chance of running into some manta rays and a variety of colorful fish.

The public beach can be accessed through the hotel gate. Pro-tip: get here early or take a Lyft as parking spaces are sparse and fill up quickly. Another pro tip: if you take a Lyft or Uber, you’ll want to arrange pick-up ahead of time as ride-share is severely limited on the Big Island. You’ll be waiting a long time if you try to get picked up last minute.

If you have good weather conditions, the snorkeling here is spectacular. If the weather is poor, visibility will be low. To get to the best snorkeling spot, enter the water near the rocky points and swim past the shallow coral reefs to access the main attraction.

At night, you have a good chance of spotting manta rays when the hotel shines its lights into the water to attract plankton. Oftentimes, the manta rays will come to feed on said plankton. You can hop in the water at sunset at Manta Ray Point to see these spectacular creatures. Make sure you’re snorkeling with a buddy and keep an eye on the shore, as it’s easy to get lost at night and head out deeper than you intended.

Location: About 27 miles north of the Kona International Airport on the South Kohala Coast. The beach sits just south of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

Big Island Snorkel Report Beginner Snorkeling Big Island

White sand beaches of Hapuna Beach

7. Hapuna Beach

I’ve had great luck snorkeling at Hapuna Beach. As you can see from the picture above, the beach is made up of gorgeous white sand. This is a great Hawaii Big Island snorkeling spot for families because there’s a lifeguard on duty year-round. However, the beach is also known for higher waves and lower visibility in parts. We happened to have great visibility and low waves on the day we visited, but I’m told this is not the case year-round.

Because of the sometimes large waves, Hapuna is not a great snorkeling beach if this is your first time snorkeling or you’re not a strong swimmer. The right side, or north end, of the beach has the most underwater life. You can usually spot a few turtles and many colorful fish along the corals and rocky walls.

The left side of the beach, or the south end, requires a long swim out to the corals. I had significantly more trouble navigating this side on the day I went, and I’m a pretty good swimmer. This side of the beach is also out of sight of the lifeguards, so it’s probably better to stick with the north end unless you’re a very advanced swimmer.

Pro tip: get there early because parking is limited.

Location: Hāpuna Beach is located north of Kailua-Kona, close to mile marker 70 of Hwy 19 in the south Kohala district.

Big Island Snorkeling For Non Swimmers

8. Kamakahonu

Nest up on our Kona Hawaii snorkeling list is King Kam Beach, aka Kamakahonu. This is a great beach for kids and beginners because of its calm waters. If you’re looking to see butterfly fish, tangs, puffer fish, and others in some easy-to-snorkel waters, this is where to go.

Beware of the boats that enter the left side of the bay; otherwise, you’re in for some easy-to-navigate waters. Bonus: since you’re in the heart of Kailua-Kona, you can stop in the many shops and restaurants.

Location: 75-5660 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI 96740

The Big Island Snorkeling Guide

Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins

9. Kahalu’u Beach Park

When it comes to snorkeling Big Island spots, no list would be complete without Kahalu’u Beach Park. This is another amazing spot for kids and beginners. The waters are easily accessible, shallow, and patrolled by a lifeguard. You’ll also find a delightful assortment of tropical fish as well as some tide pools.

The best side of the bay to explore is the left side. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some green sea turtles, or honu, from which the bay gets its name. Again, please don’t touch the turtles. It is highly illegal, as they are an endangered species. If you are caught touching the turtles, it carries a hefty fine.

Location: Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Best Snorkeling Big Island Hilo

Relaxing on the beach

10. Richardson’s Ocean Park

When it comes to Hilo snorkeling beaches, this is your best bet. It’s tough to find good snorkeling beaches on the eastern side of the island due to the rough ocean conditions and lower visibility, but Richardson’s Ocean Park offers one of the rare sheltered bays on the east side of the island. Here you’ll find a bevy of tide pools, calm water conditions, and a good variety of tropical fish and sea turtles. The water is also pretty shallow, making it a great choice for those who feel uncomfortable swimming in deeper waters.

Location: 2355 Kalanianaole St, Hilo, HI 96720

The Best Snorkeling Gear

If you’re looking to do some Big Island Hawaii snorkeling, you’re going to need the right gear. If you’d like to rent snorkel gear on the Big Island, I recommend Boss Frog’s Kona. The store is located in the heart of Kona at 75-5725 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740.

If you’re looking to get your own gear, I have some excellent recommendations for great snorkeling gear.

Best Snorkeling Fins

  1. These CAPAS snorkel fins are the perfect travel-size swim fins and come in men’s, women’s, and kids’ sizes. They’re also very highly rated on Amazon and come in 5 different colors.

2. Finis Long Floating Fins are built for speed. The closed heel protects against hyperflexion of ankles and increases comfort. If you’re looking to do a lot of snorkeling, these are a great pick. They’re also a best seller on Amazon with thousands of five-star reviews. They come in 10 different colors. Though with a closed-heel design, it’s important you pay attention to the sizing chart, as they are not adjustable. Fins are offered in both kids’ and adult sizes.

Best Snorkeling Mask

When it comes to the best snorkeling masks, never go with full-face masks. I know these may look alluring because they appear to give a wider field of vision, but they are inferior to normal eye masks and are to be avoided. Many tour groups do not accept them for safety reasons. The air seal often leaks on them, flooding the user’s face with water. They’re also much harder to breathe in and can make it difficult to obtain the proper amount of oxygen. Obviously not ideal for a product that’s supposed to allow you to breathe. But here are some amazing snorkel masks.

  1. Cressi Panoramic Wide View Mask – This mask comes in 16 colors and patterns, has near-perfect reviews on Amazon, and offers full panoramic views.

2. Greatever Dry Snorkel Set with Anti-Fog Diving Mask: One of the top-selling and best-rated snorkel masks on Amazon, Greatever’s mask comes in 11 colors and patterns, and offers a good value. However, it has a slightly less wide view than Cressi’s. The mask does offer anti-fog protection. It also comes in kids’ sizes.

3. The Body Glove Passage Mask and Snorkel Set comes with a mount for your GoPro so you can easily take videos of your undersea adventures. It’s my favorite way to capture pictures and videos as it helps create less jerky movements than holding a camera in your hand. Plus, it keeps your hands free to swim.

Best Snorkel Set

If you’re like me and want to keep things easy, you could always opt for a snorkel set, complete with a carrying bag. I love my snorkel set. Every time I go to Hawaii, I just toss it in my suitcase with some defogging wipes, and I’m ready for an undersea adventure. Below are my favorite sets.

  1. Zenoplige makes a perfect panoramic mask and dry-top snorkel with fins and a carry bag. This is a great choice for an all-in-one kit that travels well. This well-reviewed set comes in 15 colors but is only offered in adult sizes.

2. Cressi Italian Design’s Premium Tempered Glass Lens Frameless Scuba Snorkeling Dive Mask, Dry Snorkel, and Palau Snorkeling Fins are pretty much the top-of-the-line in snorkel gear. If you’re looking to splurge a bit on a set that will not fog up and last for years, this is the perfect set. The set comes in adult sizes and is offered in 4 different colors.

3. Finally, if you’re looking for a great set that also comes in kids’ sizes, check out the Tongtai Mask Fin Snorkel Set with dry top snorkel, panoramic mask, adjustable fins, and travel bag. The set comes in 13 colors and is very reasonably priced.

Best Snorkeling Camera Gear

We all want to head back home with some great footage of our time spent snorkeling in Hawaii. There are two ways I recommend doing this. First, with your camera phone and a waterproof case. Second, with a GoPro and either a handheld mount, which will be shaky but gives you better close-up shots, or a snorkel mask mount, which will be steadier but your subjects will appear further away. If you opt for a GoPro, I suggest taking some videos using both methods to get some great coverage of your underwater adventures.

Other Items You Need To Snorkel

I highly recommend 2 other items to pack with your snorkel gear. Lens wipes and defogger. Yes, most of these masks say they’re anti-fog, but I find the longer you use them, the more likely they are to fog up. Plus, it’s always nice to give your lenses a good cleaning after all that saltwater exposure.

Enjoy The Best Snorkeling on the Big Island

I hope you enjoyed this Big Island snorkeling guide. The Big Island has some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii, and there really is something for everyone at every level.

Know of a spot I missed? Feel free to drop it in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions About Snorkeling on the Big Island of Hawaii

Is the Big Island good for snorkeling?

Yes. The Big Island has sheltered bays, lava-rock reefs, clear water, and an impressive variety of marine life. Snorkelers may see colorful reef fish, octopuses, manta rays, and Hawaiian green sea turtles, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed because the fish have declined to accept reservations.

Where is the best snorkeling on the Big Island?

Kealakekua Bay offers some of the island’s clearest water and healthiest reef environments, while Kahaluʻu Beach Park is convenient for beginners. Waialea Bay, Honaunau Bay, Mauna Lani, Mauna Kea Beach, Hapuna Beach, and Kamakahonu are also excellent when conditions are calm.

Is snorkeling better in Kona or Hilo?

The Kona and Kohala coasts generally offer more snorkeling locations because their western waters tend to be calmer and clearer. Richardson Ocean Park is one of the best snorkeling options near Hilo, with protected water, tide pools, and opportunities to see tropical fish and sea turtles.

What is the best Big Island snorkeling beach for beginners?

Kamakahonu, also called King Kam Beach, and Kahaluʻu Beach Park are popular beginner locations because they have relatively protected, shallow water. Richardson Ocean Park can also be comfortable when conditions are calm. Beginners should remain close to shore, use flotation, and never enter simply because several confident-looking strangers have already done so.

Where is the best snorkeling with sea turtles on the Big Island?

Kahaluʻu Beach Park, Mauna Lani, Hapuna Beach, and Honaunau Bay are all known for Hawaiian green sea turtle sightings. Look near rocky areas and reefs without chasing or surrounding a turtle. Sightings are common but never guaranteed.

How close can you get to sea turtles in Hawaii?

NOAA recommends remaining at least 10 feet, or three meters, from sea turtles both on land and in the water. Never touch, feed, pursue, or block a turtle’s path. Review NOAA’s Hawaii marine wildlife viewing guidelines before snorkeling.

Can you swim with spinner dolphins on the Big Island?

Federal law prohibits swimming with, approaching, or remaining within 50 yards of Hawaiian spinner dolphins. If dolphins unexpectedly approach while you are snorkeling, do not pursue or interact with them and calmly move away. NOAA provides additional guidance about the spinner dolphin protection rule.

Is the Kona manta ray night snorkel worth it?

Yes. Watching manta rays glide beneath you while feeding on plankton is one of the Big Island’s most memorable experiences. Book with an experienced operator that provides flotation, safety instructions, and assistance entering and exiting the water.

Can non-swimmers experience the manta rays?

Some tours allow guests to remain on the vessel or canoe and watch the manta rays without entering the water. Anelakai Adventures offers the option of snorkeling or viewing the rays from a traditional double-hull canoe. Contact the operator before booking to discuss your swimming ability and review the current manta ray tour information.

Are there wheelchair-accessible snorkeling tours on the Big Island?

Yes, although “accessible” means different things depending on the vessel and traveler. Anelakai Adventures offers adaptive equipment and customized assistance for guests with paraplegia, quadriplegia, cerebral palsy, and other disabilities. Contact the company in advance through its accessible ocean tours page to discuss transfers, positioning, equipment, and support.

Are Big Island snorkeling beaches wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility varies considerably. A beach may have accessible parking and restrooms but still require crossing sand, sharp lava, or an uneven shoreline to reach the water. Travelers should evaluate the complete route from the parking area through the water entry—not merely whether someone has placed an accessible symbol near the bathroom.

Is Honaunau Bay suitable for visitors with limited mobility?

Honaunau Bay, commonly called Two Step, has a lava-rock entry that requires balance, careful footing, and the ability to lower yourself into the water. It is not a good choice for many wheelchair users or travelers with significant mobility limitations. A guided boat or adaptive tour will usually provide a safer experience.

Is Kealakekua Bay wheelchair accessible?

Reaching the Captain Cook Monument from land requires a lengthy, exposed hike over uneven terrain, making it unsuitable for most wheelchair users and many people with limited stamina. A permitted boat tour is the more manageable option. All vessels entering the bay require authorization, so review the official Kealakekua Bay permit information before launching a kayak or other craft.

How can I snorkel on the Big Island with a chronic illness?

Choose a calm beach with a short water entry, snorkel with a companion, and limit your time in the sun. Bring water, electrolytes, medication, flotation, and any joint supports you normally use. Schedule demanding activities during your best part of the day and remember that getting out of the water can require considerably more energy than floating around admiring fish.

Is snorkeling good for people with joint pain or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

For some people, including me, the water’s buoyancy reduces pressure on painful joints and makes snorkeling feel wonderfully freeing. However, waves, fins, slippery rocks, and climbing back onto a boat can strain unstable joints. Choose shorter fins, avoid forceful kicking, and tell your tour operator exactly what assistance you need.

What is the best time of year to snorkel on the Big Island?

Snorkeling is possible throughout the year, but conditions vary by location and weather. Summer frequently brings calmer water along parts of the Kona and Kohala coasts, while winter swells can make exposed beaches more challenging. Always judge the water in front of you rather than relying entirely on what it did during someone else’s vacation six months ago.

What is the best time of day for snorkeling?

Morning generally offers calmer water, lighter winds, and better visibility. It also allows you to avoid some of the strongest midday sun and afternoon crowds. Manta ray snorkeling is the obvious exception because those tours take place after dark.

How can I check Big Island snorkeling conditions?

Check current surf forecasts, weather alerts, and beach warnings on the day of your visit. Speak with a lifeguard when one is present and watch the water for several minutes before entering. The Hawaii Beach Safety website explains current hazards, but conditions can change faster than a vacation itinerary.

Is it safe to snorkel alone?

No. Always snorkel with a buddy who remains close enough to notice if you become tired, disoriented, or unwell. Even experienced swimmers can encounter currents, equipment problems, or sudden medical symptoms.

Can you snorkel on the Big Island if you are not a strong swimmer?

Yes, but choose a guided experience in calm, shallow water and wear a properly fitted flotation vest. Tell the guide about your swimming ability before entering. Flotation provides support, but it does not transform a non-swimmer into Aquaman.

Is Hapuna Beach good for beginner snorkeling?

Not necessarily. Hapuna can have excellent visibility and marine life, but it is also known for waves, currents, and long swims to the reef. Less experienced swimmers should consider a more protected location, particularly when surf is elevated.

Is Mauna Kea Beach open to the public?

Yes, Kaunaʻoa Beach at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has public shoreline access, but the number of public parking spaces is limited. Arrive early and ask at the entrance for current parking and beach-access instructions. Do not depend on arranging a last-minute rideshare pickup because service can be limited in this part of the island.

Does Kahaluʻu Beach Park ever close?

Yes. Hawaii County periodically closes Kahaluʻu Beach Park to protect spawning coral, and dates change from year to year. Check current county notices before visiting; the closure is inconvenient, but healthy coral is considerably more useful than one extra day of vacation snorkeling.

What should I bring snorkeling on the Big Island?

Bring a properly fitted mask, snorkel, fins, flotation device, water shoes, sun protection, drinking water, and a waterproof bag. A rash guard can reduce sun exposure without adding more sunscreen to the ocean. Pack any medication or emergency supplies you may need and never leave valuables unattended on the beach.

Should I rent or buy snorkeling equipment?

Renting works well if you only plan to snorkel once or twice. Buying your own equipment provides a more reliable fit and avoids adjusting to a different mask at every beach. A leaking rental mask can turn a peaceful reef excursion into ninety minutes of aggressively inhaling the Pacific Ocean.

Are full-face snorkeling masks safe?

Many tour operators prohibit full-face masks because they can be difficult to remove quickly and may create breathing or carbon dioxide concerns when poorly designed or fitted. A traditional mask and separate snorkel are easier to clear and are accepted by more operators. Practice using your equipment in controlled water before heading toward a reef.

Do you need fins to snorkel in Hawaii?

Fins are strongly recommended because they help you move efficiently and conserve energy in currents. Travelers with ankle instability or joint pain may prefer shorter fins that place less strain on the legs. Make sure the fins fit securely without forcing your feet into an uncomfortable position.

Should you wear water shoes while snorkeling?

Water shoes are useful when crossing hot sand, rough lava, or rocky shorelines. However, they do not make it safe to stand on coral. Enter and exit only through appropriate sandy or rocky areas and avoid stepping on anything living.

What kind of sunscreen should you use in Hawaii?

Hawaii prohibits the sale and distribution of sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate without a prescription. Choose a mineral sunscreen and combine it with a rash guard, hat, and shade. Apply sunscreen well before entering the water so it has time to settle onto your skin rather than immediately abandoning you for the reef.

Can you touch or stand on coral?

No. Coral is living, fragile, and easily damaged by hands, feet, and fins. Maintain horizontal control while swimming, avoid kicking the reef, and stand only on sand or another clearly bare surface when absolutely necessary.

Is snorkeling on the Big Island suitable for children?

Yes, provided children can swim, wear appropriate flotation, and remain under close adult supervision. Choose protected locations such as Kamakahonu or Kahaluʻu when conditions are calm. An adult should remain within immediate reach rather than attempting to supervise from a beach chair while conducting important mai tai research.

What marine life can you see while snorkeling on the Big Island?

Common sightings include butterflyfish, tangs, parrotfish, pufferfish, eels, octopuses, and Hawaiian green sea turtles. Manta rays can be seen on guided nighttime excursions, while dolphins and whales must be viewed from the required distances. Never touch, feed, or chase marine wildlife.

Should Big Island snorkeling tours be booked in advance?

Yes, especially for manta ray night snorkeling and Kealakekua Bay boat tours. Small accessible tours have limited equipment and staff, so travelers requiring assistance should contact the operator before booking online. Explain your transfer ability, mobility equipment, swimming experience, and medical needs clearly so nobody is forced to improvise on a dark dock.

Happy travels!

Kona International Airport Hawaii

Waving goodbye at the KOA airport

Jenn Lloyd, founder of Sick Girl Travels

Jenn Lloyd is a disabled travel blogger and television writer based in Los Angeles. After a successful career writing for shows like KC Undercover and The Thundermans, she launched Sick Girl Travels to share her experiences navigating the world with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, POTS, and fibromyalgia. Having visited 40 U.S. states, 39 countries, and all 7 continents, Jenn offers inclusive travel guides with accessibility tips for those with mobility challenges. Her work has been featured on CNN, Huffington Post, and Consumer Reports. When not traveling, she enjoys fostering dogs, photographing street art, and spending time with her French bulldog, Miss Madelyn Pew.

Read more about me.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Sign up with your email address to receive travel news and updates.