Hilo Shoreline Snorkeling Possibilities - Big Island Hawaii

by mangobingo
(Puna)

You're right that the Richardson's/Leleiwi area is one of the best snorkeling spots on the east side. However, if conditions are right, don't limit yourself to the little cove inside the rocks! One of my best ever Big Island snorkeling experiences was coming down to Leleiwi in the early evening and swimming for about a mile towards town and back. It was exceptionally calm that day so we could get much closer to the rocks than usual, saw loads and loads of interesting fish, and I couldn't tell you how many turtles. The underwater relief is interesting and there's a fair amount of nice coral as well. Perhaps not one for novices, and you have to catch the conditions just right, but I'd rate this as pretty good snorkelling. Plus once outside the bay at Richardson's you'll have the shoreline mostly to yourself.

Thanks for this site, anyway - loads of good information here!