Snorkeling Big Island
Volcanic wonders and manta ray encounters
Written by a Local Expert
Jade KawanuiThe Big Island offers snorkeling experiences as dynamic as its volcanic landscapes. As the youngest island, its underwater world features dramatic lava formations, relatively young reefs, and unique encounters like the world-famous manta ray night snorkel.
Big Island Snorkel Spot Summary
Volcanic Underwater Wonders
⭐ Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook Monument)
Rating: 5/5 🐠 (Historic Bay with Pristine Snorkeling)
Located on the South Kona coast, Kealakekua Bay is a designated Marine Life Conservation District and Hawaii's only underwater state park. The Captain Cook Monument marks the site where British explorer Captain James Cook was killed in 1779.
🚤 Access
Access is challenging by land, involving a strenuous 1.9-mile hike. Boat tours are the easiest and most popular way to access the prime snorkeling area.
🐬 Marine Life
Abundant and diverse reef fish, beautiful coral gardens, sea turtles, eels, and very commonly, pods of spinner dolphins that use the bay to rest and socialize.
🌺 Jade's Insider Tip:
Taking a boat tour is highly recommended for the best and easiest experience. Not only do you get prime access to the snorkeling spot, but tours often provide fascinating historical and cultural narration about the bay.
⭐ Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Rating: 5/5 🐠 (Unforgettable Bucket-List Experience)
This is one of the most unique and awe-inspiring snorkeling experiences in the world. Tour operators shine powerful lights into the water, which attract plankton. Giant manta rays, with wingspans up to 18 feet, then congregate to feed, gracefully gliding right in front of snorkelers.
🌙 Tour Details
Tours run year-round, every night, weather permitting. Manta sightings are very reliable (often 90%+ success rate). Suitable for most skill levels with close supervision.
📍 Locations
The two primary sites are Keauhou Bay (Manta Village) and Makako Bay/Garden Eel Cove (Manta Heaven). Access is exclusively via guided boat tours.
🦅 Manta Ray Experience:
Choose a reputable, eco-conscious tour operator that follows Manta Ray Green List guidelines for responsible interaction. It's truly a magical, almost ballet-like performance by these gentle giants.
⭐ Kahaluʻu Beach Park
Rating: 5/5 🐠 (Premier Beginner Spot & Turtle Haven)
Located on the Kona Coast just south of Kailua-Kona town, Kahaluʻu Bay is exceptionally well-protected by a breakwater, creating very calm and shallow waters ideal for snorkeling. It's famed for its abundance of Hawaiian green sea turtles and hosts the "ReefTeach" volunteer program.
🌺 Jade's Insider Tip:
Listen to the ReefTeach volunteers! They offer invaluable information on how to enjoy the bay responsibly and can point out interesting marine life. This is one of the best places in Hawaii to almost guarantee seeing turtles while snorkeling from shore.
Additional Big Island Gems
Honaunau Bay (Two Step)
Rating: 5/5 🐠 • All Levels
Clear water, turtles, and dolphins. Named for the two natural lava steps that make ocean entry easy.
Richardson Beach Park
Rating: 4/5 🐠 • Hilo Side
Black sand beach with protected lagoon. Good for beginners on the Hilo side of the island.
Laupahoehoe Point
Rating: 3/5 🐠 • Advanced Only
Dramatic lava rock formations. Only for very experienced snorkelers in calm conditions.
Disappearing Sands Beach
Rating: 3/5 🐠 • Seasonal
Also known as Magic Sands. Beach that appears and disappears with seasonal conditions.
Experience Big Island's Volcanic Snorkeling
From historic Kealakekua Bay to world-famous manta ray encounters, the Big Island offers truly unique underwater adventures. Experience snorkeling shaped by volcanic activity and ancient Hawaiian history.
🌋 Big Island Facts
- Famous For: Manta rays
- Unique Feature: Volcanic landscape
- Best Side: Kona Coast
- Turtle Spot: Kahalu'u Beach
- Historic Bay: Kealakekua
✨ Unique Experiences
90%+ success rate • Year-round
Kealakekua Bay • Morning best
Underwater caves • Tubes
🗺️ Other Islands
📧 Big Island Updates
Get manta ray tour availability and volcanic activity updates.