Kona (Big Island), HI snorkeling
by KT
Spent 2 weeks on Kona in Jan. 2011. Honaunau and Captain Cook Monument were the highlights of our snorkeling on the west side though both can be busy, especially the Monument. Saw loads of fishes at both locations, heard dolphins at Honaunau. Sea turtles rest in the shallow bay to the left of Two Steps. We saw 5 or more every visit. Just walk in quietly, enjoy them but give them space and let them have some R & R. Went back to both spots several times. Walking around the Place of Refuge National Park (to the left of the snorkeling area) and it's 1871 Trail are well worth it. The trail goes up an amazing lava rock bridge with a bench at the top to sit and watch the surf crash against the rocks. Take the time to have a picnic at the beach in the Park. Honaunau can be tricky to exit when windy so watch the wave sequences and time it properly. We saw a couple people not doing so who suffered cuts and scrapes. Entering or exiting to the far right of Two Steps rocks by the shore in a narrow channel is dangerous and should not be attempted when windy. Even got scraped myself in a sudden shallow surge channel at Captain Cook when trying to exit to the left of the Monument (left of the trees, near the hiking trail) in a spot that had been fine 2 days before. We had several days over the 2 weeks when we chose not to snorkel due to high winds and reduced visibility (couldn't even swim some of those days - remember, there's a reason why Hawaii is a surfers' dream) so plan for some down days. All time fav snorkeling - Fiji (anywhere) & Belize (Laughing Bird Reserve). Don't touch, don't take, just enjoy. |