Big Island Snorkeling Guide
Kapoho Tidepools (Wai'opae)
This is a neat Big Island snorkeling spot, maybe the best on the Hilo side of things. There have been a lot of changes here since we first starting coming to this spot. It used to be that the parking was unmarked, and it was not even a park. And you stood a pretty good chance of getting your car broken into by little vandals when you were in the water. But things have changed for the better. The tidepools are now protected, and the official new name of this area is Wai'Opae TidePools Marine Life Conservation District. There are now real parking spaces, signs, and commonly a security guard.
This is now a popular local family hangout.
Our big thanks goes out to the Kapoho Vacationland private community for allowing access to these waters through their private lands. Many other communities don't allow access like this. So please travel in the area with care.
Site Snorkeling Details - Kapoho Tidepools (Wai'opae)
Big Island Snorkeling
The snorkeling here is interesting and varied. There is a very protective offshore reef, and inside this is a maze of pools to weave through that we love swimming our way around.
We have explored all over the close to shore waters, and they are pretty interesting. But further out towards the reef the water gets a little deeper and there is more fish and coral. To the right and left hand sides, there are markers that designate the boundaries of the conservation district. And it is near these poles that the snorkeling is more interesting. But there are currents to watch out for.
In closer to shore, on the right hand side, there is a little bay that cuts back into the land. This area is interesting both for fish and coral, but there are some cold water springs back there.
Driving Directions - Kapoho Tidepools (Wai'opae)
Big Island Snorkeling
Directions to Kapoho (Wai'opae) Tidepools from Hilo
Drive south out of town on Hwy 11 (Hawaii Belt Rd) until you reach the intersection with Hwy 130 (Keaau-Pahoa Rd) and veer left. Follow 130 until the intersection with Hwy 132 (Kapoho Rd/PahoaRd) and turn left again. Follow 132 until it basically ends, but you can turn hard right onto Hwy 137 (Kapoho Kalapana Rd). There is a small housing community on the left. The last road into it is Kapoho Kai Dr. Turn left here and follow this road until it ends. Then turn left and around the bend you will see a small parking area on the right side of the road.
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Go On - Explore Richardson's Beach
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