Big Island Snorkeling Guide
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau
(Two Steps, Place Of Refuge)
I can't count how many times we enjoyed this Big Island Snorkeling wonder. This is defintely one of our favoriate locations in all the Hawaii Islands. But what is it really called? Good question. The national park is called Pu'uhonua o Honaunau. Many locals just call it Honaunau. It is also commonly called Place Of Refuge. And most people who snorkel here just call it Two Steps. Honaunau is a historical park that has a wonderfully preserved village that was literally a place of refuge for ancient Hawaiians trying to escape a death penalty. The park is well worth walking through.
But for us the best name is Two Steps. This referrs to the natural rock steps that most people use to get access into the water for some of the most fantastic snorkeling around.
This spot is very popular, partly because of the easy access to the water and because of the many rafting boat tours that bring snorkelers here.
Site Snorkeling Details - Pu'uhonua o Honaunau
(Two Steps, Place Of Refuge) - Big Island Snorkeling
This little bay has a nice variety of everything, bottom topography, depths, sealife and corals.
The Spinner Dolphins are supposed to hang out in this bay, but we have never seen them. But we have seen a family of Green Sea Turtles every single time we have been in the water. We were also treated to watching a beautiful little octopus change colors and zip around the corals and also a seahorse.
Here in this video we found one relaxed turtle swimming.
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There is no beach here. Instead you access the water from lava rocks. The best place to get in the water is where the two steps are (we think it should actually be called three steps, but no one listens). To find these steps, locate the palm trees on the left, then head straight and a little to the right. You step down into shallow water to the first step, sit down, and then slide off onto the next step, then away you go.
There are some sea urchins in holes in these steps, so we are always careful where we put our hands, and we also like to have fins that cover our heels.
Once in the water there are hours of entertaining areas to explore. To the right next to the shore are some enjoyable shallow areas. Across the middle area it gets deeper. In a sand patch in the middle you can find where someone has written Aloha in cement blocks.
The left hand side heading out the bay is what we really like. That is where we normally find the turtles and the most interesting topography. There are nice canyons and walls and channels to explore.
The visibility is normally pretty good, but not as clear as Captain Cook Monument. This is partly due to some fresh water springs that are in this bay.
On the left pictured is a big Stripebelly Puffer.
Once done, we wait for a break in the waves, and heave our butts up onto the steps again. Then we bask on the hot rocks and go in again!
This Big Island snorkeling spot has porta-potties, picnic tables, and some shade.
See more underwater pictures and videos of Honaunau here.
We bet you had a great time snorkeling at Honaunau, but don't make us guess. Share it!
Driving Directions - Pu'uhonua o Honaunau
(Two Steps, Place Of Refuge) - Big Island Snorkeling
Directions to Pu'uhonua O Honaunau from Kailua Kona
Drive south on Hwy 11 (Hawaii Belt Rd/Kuakini Hwy) out of Kailua-Kona about 20 miles until you pass the 104 mile marker. When you see the Honaunau Post Office turn right onto Hwy 160 (Ke Ala O Keawe Rd) and follow this road 3.5 miles towards the ocean and turn left at the Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park sign. Before you actually enter the park, there is a right turn onto a one way road. This road will turn to the right again, and the parking is along the road. If you are down on Kealakekua Bay already, you can take the Puuhonua Beach Road south to the big sign for Pu'uhonua o Honaunau. It is a fun road to drive that is just wide enough for one car. Sometimes the parking can get pretty full, so come early.
See More Underwater Picture & Videos of Honaunau
Go to the next spot Ho'okena
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