Snorkeling with kids on the Big Island?

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Snorkeling with kids on the Big Island?

by Cathy Duffy
(Racine, WI)

This website is great and very informative. We will be on the Big Island next summer and I would like to get the kids snorkeling- they will be 11, 10, 9 and 4 at the time. I have read other Q&As from below and found one good recommendation for younger families - any other suggestions?

Thanks!
Cathy

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Snorkeling with kids on the Big Island?

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Jul 25, 2011
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Kahalu'u State Park
by: Susan

I'm in love with Maui but next favorite is Big Island. We stayed at the "Outrigger Keahou Resort". It isn't a 5 star hotel but the big thing about it is that is it is over the water a ways. If you get an ocean front room you can actually look down into the water. We filmed a turtle from our room. Second thing, the Kahalu'u State park is next door and was a wonderful place to snorkel (especially for beginners) and we could walk right to it instead of having to find a place to park. Getting in and out of the water was kind of rocky but then I'm a lot older and clumsier. :) Third thing, there was a rock a ways out from the hotel but everyday about 8 or 9 turtles would go there to sunbathe. It's against the law to touch them but we filmed them from the room and it was great. I'm sure Galen's book will say a lot about Captain Cooks area. That's a well know snorkel area. There were other fun things to do too. On the Hilo side of the island they have some great waterfalls. Also went horseback riding and that was an adventure just getting to the ranch. Of course, then you have the volcanos and hopefully Kiluea (I hope I got that right, it's been a while) will be active and you can see some lava flow. Anyway, that's all from me. Don't be fooled when you get off at the airport though because to me it looked kind of grim with just the long road of lava rock because it gets very green in town and all around there. If you've never seen one of Galen's (the owner of Tropical Snorkeling but I'm sure you knew that) guide's he's about to finish one for the "Big Island" and I suggest you get it. I've got the Maui one and it was a great help and I'm going to Bonaire in a few weeks and I'm already prepared thanks again to his guide. I think the one for the big island is coming out pretty soon. It will tell you everything from what you need to take, what and how to get your equipment and how to get into the water. I suggest you get one before you get ready to go. It'll save you from wasting a lot of time. Have fun.

Jul 25, 2011
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RE: Big Island Snorkeling kids spots
by: Galen & Nicole

Cathy, as Susan has mentioned, Kahalu'u is definitely a good spot for kids and beginners. It is shallow and protected, has a life guard, and offers the chance to see tons of really tame fish and some nice corals (and there are lots of turtles in the shallows). Captain Cook is also a spot that really should not be missed when on the Big Island. And although the water entrance is a small challenge, Honaunau (Two-Steps) should be high on your list.

As as Susan mentioned (she has got to be our best unpaid sales person), in the beginning of August we will be publishing our Big Island guide. In our guides we give snorkeling itinerary suggestions, with one category being spots that are best for beginners and kids. So keep your eyes open for that for more suggestions.

You will have a great time. The Big Island is our favorite.

Jul 25, 2011
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Hmmmm.
by: Susan

Hope you don't mind me giving you reviews, but do you know how nice it is to go somewhere or find somewhere to go to snorkel that tells you everything so you don't have to figure it out yourself. THAT'S why I brag on you guys. Keep it up and I'll never have to search for or plan another vacation. :)

Jul 28, 2011
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Love it!
by: Galen & Nicole

Susan, we love your support. And our desire for good snorkeling guides is what started us doing all of this. So seeing our guides being used for all of this fun snorkeling is great.

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Snorkeling with kids on the Big Island?

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Snorkeling with kids on the Big Island?