Snorkeling With Kids on the Big Island, Hawaii?

by Cathy Duffy
(Racine, WI)

We will be on the Big Island Hawaii next summer and I would like find some good spots for snorkeling with kids; they will be 11, 10, 9 and 4 at the time. Any suggestions would be wonderful.

Thanks!

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

The Kahalu'u State Park is in south Kona 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 because we stayed nearby. Getting in and out of the water was kind of rocky but then I'm a lot older and clumsier. :)

There was a rock a ways out where everyday about 8-9 turtles would go to sunbathe.

I'm sure Galen & Nicole's book will say a lot about Captain Cook area. That's a well known snorkel area.

There are 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 volcanoes and hopefully Kilauea (I hope I got that right, it's been a while) will be active and you can see some lava flow.

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 & Nicole's (the owners of Tropical Snorkeling but I'm sure you knew that) guides they are 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
 RE: Big Island Hawaii 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 lifeguard, 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.

And as Susan mentioned, in 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 wonderful.
Jul 28, 2011
 eBook Snorkeling Guide Released
by: Galen & Nicole

August, 2011
Our Big Island Hawaii Snorkeling Guide eBook is now available. It contains full descriptions of all the snorkeling spots mentioned on this page and a list of suggestions for good spots for snorkeling with kids.

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