Big Island Hawaii ocean activities and marine life adventures

Activities & Adventures

Filling Your Days - Ocean Adventures Await

Written by a Local Expert

Now for the fun part! From snorkeling with tropical fish to hiking across a volcano crater, here's how to make the most of your time on the island.

What are the best snorkeling spots for beginners?

The first time I put on a mask as a kid at Kahaluʻu, I was hooked for life. The underwater world here is incredible. The key for beginners is to go somewhere calm, shallow, and protected. My top spots for first-timers will have you seeing beautiful fish in no time, no stress.

🥽 Top Pick: Kahaluʻu Beach Park (Kona)

This is, without a doubt, the best place on the island to learn how to snorkel. A man-made breakwall protects the bay, making the water extremely calm and pool-like. It has an easy, sandy entry, it's teeming with colorful fish that are used to people, and there are lifeguards on duty. You can even rent gear right at the beach. The reef here is precious and has seen a lot of traffic, so please remember to never touch or step on the coral. Listen to the "Reef Teach" volunteers on site; they share great information on how to protect our marine life.

🐢 Second Pick: Hōnaunau Bay / Two Step (South Kona)

This is another world-class snorkeling spot with crystal-clear water and an amazing coral reef. It gets its name from the two natural lava rock "steps" used to enter the water, which makes getting in and out very easy. It's great for confident beginners, but be aware that there are no lifeguards or facilities here. You'll often see sea turtles and sometimes even spinner dolphins resting in the bay.

🌺 For Hilo-side Visitors: Richardson Ocean Park

If you're staying on the east side, this is your best bet. It's a beautiful black sand beach protected by a natural lava rock seawall, which creates safe, calm pools for swimming and snorkeling. It's also one of the best places on the Hilo side to spot honu (green sea turtles).

I've heard about the night manta ray snorkel. Is it safe? And who should I book with?

It's one of the most magical, unforgettable experiences on Earth. Imagine these gentle giants, some with wingspans over 15 feet, gliding and barrel-rolling in the water just inches below you. It's breathtaking. And yes, it's very safe—if you go with a certified, responsible tour operator. They know how to protect both you and our beautiful hāhālua (manta rays).

✅ Safety First

The first thing to know is that manta rays are completely harmless to humans. They are gentle filter feeders and have no teeth, stingers, or barbs. The potential danger isn't from the mantas; it's from being in the open ocean at night. This is why a professional guided tour is mandatory. Reputable companies provide a thorough safety briefing, high-quality flotation devices, lights, and expert guides in the water with you at all times to watch for any potential hazards. You should be a competent swimmer and comfortable putting your face in the water at night. For safety reasons, drinking alcohol before the tour is strictly forbidden.

👀 "Look, Don't Touch" - The Golden Rule

This is the most important rule of the experience. Manta rays are covered in a protective mucous layer that shields them from infection. Touching them can remove this coating and harm the animal. All responsible tour operators enforce this strict "passive interaction" policy.

🚤 Choosing a Tour Operator

There are many companies offering this tour, but quality and respect for the animals can vary. It's worth choosing a company with a strong reputation for safety and conservation. A few highly-rated operators to look into are:

• Kona Honu Divers (known for their educational focus)
• Sea Paradise (large catamaran and short boat ride are great for those prone to seasickness)
• Kona Snorkel Trips (consistently top-rated online)
• Manta Ray Advocates (smaller, research-focused operation)

Can you swim with wild dolphins and turtles?

Seeing a honu (green sea turtle) glide by while you're snorkeling or spotting a pod of spinner dolphins leaping from the water is a true gift. But we have to remember that we are visitors in their home. The most important rule is to give them space and respect. Our marine life is protected by federal law, and the best way to see them is by admiring them from a safe and legal distance.

⚖️ The Law

It is crucial to know and follow the law. You must stay at least 100 yards (the length of a football field) away from humpback whales and at least 50 yards away from spinner dolphins and sea turtles. It is illegal to touch, feed, chase, or harass any of these animals.

🐬 Dolphins

Spinner dolphins come into our calm, shallow bays during the day to rest after hunting all night. Chasing them or trying to "swim with" them disrupts this crucial rest cycle. The best way to see them is from a respectful distance on a boat tour that follows NOAA guidelines.

🐢 Turtles (Honu)

You will very likely encounter sea turtles while snorkeling, especially at spots like Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach and Hōnaunau Bay. Enjoy the moment, but resist the urge to get too close. Let them go about their business, and never block their path to the surface, as they need to come up for air. Remember the rule: look, don't touch.

For more information, you can always refer to the official NOAA Fisheries marine life viewing guidelines.