Big Island Snorkeling Guide
Manini Beach (Kealakekua Bay)
We have fond memories of this Big Island Snorkeling spot. Small and private, Manini Beach Park may be one of the lesser-known spots on the island, and is mostly used by locals. We lived just down the road from this park for several months, and it was a favorite dog walking destination, and a decent snorkeling spot. Plus, the views of Kealakekua Bay from here are stunning.
From the park you can get a good view of all the people launching their kayaks and making their way across to Captain Cook Monument. It is a great sunset location also.
Site Snorkeling Details - Manini Beach (Kealakekua Bay)
Big Island Snorkeling
We have enjoyed snorkeling here, but the entrance to the water and the snorkeling area all require a bit of caution. But there are lots of fish, nice corals, and interesting topography along the coastline to the right of the park.
To get in the water there is a narrow little sandy beach slot (see the top of the page). We normally have to time our entrance and exit with the waves because the entrance normally has a pretty decent surge. We only do it when it is calm. After you get out of that narrow slot the surge relaxes a bit, although it always seems a bit wavy on this side of the bay.
Once in the water you can head straight out and to the right. The visibility is generally OK, but not as clear as across the bay at Captain Cook Monument. We have seen many types of fish here, and even caught a glimpse of a white tipped reef shark.
Another way to get in the water in this area is down the road to the right from the park. Past the houses where the road and the rocky shore are right next to each other, there is a gently sloped entrance into the water.
The picture below shows the view from the right hand side looking back at Manini Beach park.
Driving Directions - Manini Beach (Kealakekua Bay)
Big Island Snorkeling
Directions to Manini Beach Park from Kailua Kona
Drive south on Hwy 11 (Hawaii Belt Rd/Kuakini Hwy) out of Kailua-Kona more than 10 miles until you pass the 111 mile marker and see Napoopoo Road on the right side. Turn right and follow the winding road down toward the ocean. You will come to an intersection with Middle Keei Rd. Turn right here, staying on Napoopoo Rd. and follow it until it ends. Turn left onto Puuhonua Beach Road and follow as it bends to the right then turn right onto Manini Beach Rd. and follow it until it bends to the left where you will see a small parking lot on the right side of the road.
Share Your Manini Beach Snorkel Experience Here.
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