Big Island Snorkeling Guide
Old Kona Airport (Pawai Bay)
There is supposed to be some great Big Island snorkeling at the Kona Airport, (really at Pawai Bay a short walk down the rocks). But the funny thing is we have come here twice to snorkel, and both times have been at the end of long snorkeling trips, and both times we were just too tuckered out to do the little hike. We just sat in the car and thought about it. And yes, we do feel like wimps admitting it. I guess we have to leave something for our next trip.
Site Snorkeling Details - Old Kona Airport (Pawai Bay)
Big Island Snorkeling
Now, just because we have not snorkeled it, does not mean you can't check it out. Here is what we have heard about it.
Old Kona Airport is just like it sounds, an old airport landing right along the water. It is a popular shore diving spot. But for snorkeling you need to grab you gear and hike out along the rocks to the north about a third of a mile, until you come to Pawai Bay. Basically you are hiking out around the rocky point and going until you come to a little bay with sand at the cove. This little cove is the best place to enter the water if the conditions are calm. In the aerial picture above you can see the end of the airstrip on the right (where you park) and at the upper left Pawai Bay.
Or if you don't want to hike it, there are several snorkeling boat tours that come to Pawai Bay. Body Glove is one of them.
The snorkeling here is supposed to be fantastic with calm water and corals and fish in similar abundance to Captain Cook Monument. You can explore the shore north and south, but most of the tours tend to focus on the north side of the cove. It is supposed to be a bit exposed and can be surgy. So go when it is calm.
Have You Snorkeled Here? Share Your Experience.
Driving Directions - Old Kona Airport (Pawai Bay)
Big Island Snorkeling
Directions to Old Kona Airport Beach Park/ Pawai Bay from Intersection of Highways 19/11/190(Palani Rd) in Kailua Kona.
Go towards the water on Palani Rd (southwest). Take your first right after the highway onto Kuakini Hwy. Follow this road past Makala Blvd on the right and take the last left. You will come out on the old runway. Drive to the very end and park.
Next Location - Kailua Bay
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