Avatar at Two Steps

by Ellen
(Sacramento, CA)

WOW, snorkeling Two Steps is amazing! Take the short street to the right just before you enter the parking lot for Place of Refuge (OR park in Place of Refuge for a small fee), walk out onto the lava rock to the right and you will see a step down, then another. It's pretty easy to sit there and put your flippers on, then away you go. It is like another world! Follow the reef to the right, the colors and abundant fish make it seem like you're in a 3D version of the movie Avatar. You can follow the reef a LONG ways around. There's some depth here, and waves will be rocking you a bit since it's an inlet, but there's some rather large coral formations throughout the site too. If you snorkel far enough around (I didn't), you'll spot the word "Aloha" on the bottom. Coming back up out of two steps, be careful not to place your fingers under the rocks as you hoist yourself up. Those sharp little urchins are all over under there, owie!!!! You will probably catch some outrigger racing as this is where the locals keep all their boats for races toward the end of the day.