Hawaii Island] Enjoy snorkeling in the waters of the Big Island of Hawaii!

With a nickname of "Big Island.
Known Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island is also known as the "Big Island" because it is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands.

It is about the same size as Gifu Prefecture in Japan and is the southernmost of the Hawaiian Islands.

It is famous as a resort island that attracts many tourists from all over the world throughout the year.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

Hawaii Island is also famous as a volcanic island, mainly due to the volcanic activity of five volcanoes (Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Hualalai, Mt. Kohala, and Kilauea).

Of the five volcanoes, only Kilauea is still active today.

The island of Hawaii is also home to the famous "Kohala," the birthplace of King Kamehameha I, the first king of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

There are two commonly used airports on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Kona International Airport is located on the west side of the island, and Hilo International Airport is on the northeast side.

Most tourists use Kona International Airport because resort hotels are concentrated mainly on the west side of Hawaii Island, but Hilo International Airport is more convenient if volcano sightseeing is your goal.

Hawaiian Airlines and JAL offer direct flights from Japan to Kona International Airport.

Hawaiian Airlines offers flights from Haneda three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and JAL offers daily flights from Narita.

On the other hand, there are no direct flights from Japan to Hilo International Airport, so you must go to Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport first and then connect to another flight.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

Here are some of the attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii that continue to attract many tourists!

 

Spectacular, untouched nature

The Big Island of Hawaii is popular as an area with much untouched nature.

Widely known as one of the three major power spots in the world, the spectacular nature that has been preserved by the indigenous people of Hawaii offers healing to visitors.

To avoid damaging the local ecosystem, do not take home any plants that are growing.

 

A powerful volcano

As mentioned earlier, the Big Island of Hawaii is famous for its volcanic activity.

Still active, Kilauea is located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is possible to reach the crater of the volcano by trekking on your own, but depending on the terrain, there may be dangerous places along the way, so it is recommended that you join a tour.

 

Beautiful Beaches

When it comes to Hawaii, you can't miss the marine activities on the beautiful beaches.

The activities you enjoy in the tropical sea and nature, which are different from those in Japan, will be a great time for you!

Also, be careful with your footing as beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii are more rocky than sandy.

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

There are also numerous shopping malls on the Big Island of Hawaii.

It is a popular spot for both tourists and locals, where you can buy brand-name products at below list price and Hawaiian souvenirs.

Also, be sure to enjoy the gourmet food of Hawaii!

There are many restaurants where you can enjoy Hawaiian-style gourmet food such as loco moco, pancakes, and seafood.

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

When you visit the Big Island of Hawaii, why not learn about its unique culture and history there?

We recommend Kalokohonokohau National Historical Park, Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, and several other places where you can experience the culture and history of Hawaii and have a relaxing time.

There are also tours that take you to national historical parks, churches, coffee plantations, and more!

 

Enjoy snorkeling on the Big Island of Hawaii!

Snorkeling is a great way to fully enjoy the beautiful waters of the Big Island of Hawaii.

You don't need special certification to enjoy underwater life up close.

If you join a tour, you can rent equipment, making it a popular activity that anyone can do easily.

 

How to enjoy snorkeling

There are many snorkeling spots on the Big Island of Hawaii, each with its own unique characteristics, so finding the beach of your choice is part of the fun.

Experience the charms of each location, including beaches with many coral reef groups, beaches where you can see sea turtles, and beaches teeming with tropical fish.

 

Attraction of snorkeling

Here are some of the attractions of snorkeling on the Big Island of Hawaii!

 

Enjoy underwater observation in crystal clear waters!

The waters of the Big Island of Hawaii are so wonderfully clear that one can see the ocean floor even from the water.

The underwater scenery, glistening with sunlight shining in from above, is extremely fantastic and a truly photogenic space.

 

Let's observe sea creatures!

Snorkeling allows you to observe marine life up close.

The clear waters make it possible to see more clearly, so why not see firsthand the ecosystem of tropical fish and other fish that hide in coral reefs?

The water is clearer in the morning, so you can see the creatures better!

 

Anyone can enjoy it.

Compared to diving, snorkeling does not require any particular certification and can be done in a bathing suit, making it a popular and easy activity to start.

Some tours include a lecture by an instructor, so even young children can enjoy the tour.

 

Night snorkeling is also recommended.

Some tours on the Big Island of Hawaii offer night snorkeling.

You will be able to observe nocturnal creatures that are different from those during the daytime, enjoy the sunset and starry skies, and enjoy different attractions.

By turning on the LED lights, there is also a chance to encounter manta rays that come to feed on the plankton gathered around the area!

 

Snorkeling precautions

Some of the beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii are rocky and rugged.

It is recommended to wear marine shoes or other footwear to prevent foot injury.

Also, sea turtles and manta rays are very delicate creatures, so please be careful not to come in contact with them.

 

Popular creatures seen while snorkeling

Here are some of the creatures you can see while snorkeling on the Big Island of Hawaii!

 

tropical fish

Because the islands of the Hawaiian Archipelago are far from other islands, they have developed their own unique ecosystems in their waters.

As a result, about 25% of the fish species living in Hawaiian waters are endemic.

The area around the Big Island of Hawaii is famous for its schools of yellow-billed murrelet.

 

sea turtle

There are several beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii where you can see sea turtles.

Hawaii is home to a species of green sea turtle that is said to have inhabited these waters for more than 100 million years.

However, feeding or touching sea turtles is prohibited in Hawaii, so be sure to observe the turtles while obeying the rules.

 

dolphin (or other small toothed whales, such as porpoises and belugas)

The dolphins that live on the Big Island of Hawaii are a species called the long-beaked dolphin.

At night, they become more active in order to catch food.

The elongated mouth is distinctive, and experts identify individuals by the scars and shape of their dorsal fins.

 

manta ray

Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii is world famous as a spot where you can encounter manta rays with high probability.

The sight of them opening their large mouths to eat plankton gathered by LED lights shining in the water is a powerful sight!

You don't have to dive to observe them, but you can observe them well enough by snorkeling.

 

Popular Snorkeling Spots on the Big Island of Hawaii

Here are some of the best spots on the Big Island of Hawaii for snorkeling!

 

Kealakekua Bay

It is said to be the most popular snorkeling spot on the Big Island of Hawaii.

This site is famous as the place where James Cook, nicknamed Captain Cook, who discovered Hawaii, died in 1779.

 

Reasons for popularity

The best thing about it is its clarity, and the area, which is home to colorful coral and tropical fish, has been designated a marine life sanctuary.

If you are lucky, you may even see dolphins in the wild.

 

Access

From Kona Airport, it is approximately 41 minutes south via HI-19 and HI-11.

From Hilo Airport, it is approximately 1 hr 58 min west via Saddle Rd and HI-190/State Hwy 190/Hawaii Belt Rd.

This beach in Kona is not very wide, but the waves are relatively calm, making it a popular place for families.

 

Kahaluu Beach Park

This beach in Kona is not very wide, but the waves are relatively calm, making it a popular place for families.

Reasons for popularity

This beach is famous for its high probability of encountering sea turtles.

Sea turtles visit the area to feed on the algae that grow in abundance on the rocks.

During the day, they can sometimes be seen resting on the beach.

It is also a great place to enjoy the sunset and tropical fish.

Access

From Kona Airport, it is approximately 23 minutes south via HI-19 and HI-11.
From Hilo Airport, it is approximately 1 hr 40 min west via Saddle Rd and HI-190/State Hwy 190/Hawaii Belt Rd.

 

Makalawena Beach

It is the most beautiful beach on the west side of the Big Island of Hawaii.

Park your car on the side of the road and walk roughly north for about 20 minutes to get there.

 

Reasons for popularity

There are no stores or facilities, but because of this, there are fewer people, so you can spend a relaxing time.

The contrast between the white sand beach and the blue ocean is beautiful, and there are many coral reefs on this beach.

Access is somewhat difficult, but the sight is still worth seeing.

 

Access

From Kona Airport, it is approximately 18 minutes north via HI-19 + 20 minutes walk.

From Hilo Airport, it is approximately 1 hr 44 min west via Saddle Rd + 20 min walk.

 

Richardson Beach Park

Located in Hilo, this beach is characterized by its black sand.

The park is well-equipped with showers and toilets, and a lifeguard is always on duty, making it enjoyable for both children and adults.

 

Reasons for popularity

This beach is also famous for its frequent encounters with sea turtles.

You can also observe butterfly fish and black-finned coral fish close to the coral reef.

 

Access

From Kona Airport, it is approximately 1 hr 38 min east via Saddle Rd.

From Hilo Airport, it is approximately 11 minutes east via Kalanianaole Ave.

 

Honaunau Bay

This place is also known as "2 Steps" because the rocky area is in the shape of two steps.

There is a parking lot and simple toilets, but no stores or showers, so you will need to bring your own snorkeling gear.

 

Reasons for popularity

There are almost no shoals and the water quickly becomes deeper, allowing for early views of the coral reefs.

There is a chance to see colorful tropical fish as well as sea turtles and dolphins.

 

Access

From Kona Airport, it is approximately 46 minutes south via HI-11.

From Hilo Airport, it is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes west via Saddle Rd.

 

Kailua-Kona

The city is located in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii and is home to numerous resort hotels.

It is also famous as a place where the World Triathlon Championships are held every October.

 

Reasons for popularity

It is a good blend of unspoiled, lush nature and a moderately maintained resort area.

In its beautiful blue waters, you can also see shoals of black-finned jacks, a type of horse mackerel.

 

Access

From Kona Airport, it is approximately 15 minutes south via HI-19.

From Hilo Airport, it is approximately 1 hr 33 min west via Saddle Rd and HI-190/State Hwy 190/Hawaii Belt Rd.

 

Recommended snorkeling tours

Here are three recommended snorkeling tours on the Big Island of Hawaii!

 

Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii Island
Snorkeling Tour

You can enjoy snorkeling while cruising around Kealakekua Bay on the Fair Wind.

The water temperature averages about 24 degrees Celsius all year round, and you can rent floatation rings and other goods for your family to participate.

If you are lucky, you may see sea turtles or dolphins.

 

Wild Dolphins & Kealakekua Bay
Snorkeling Tour

This tour offers both dolphin watching and snorkeling.

Visitors can observe bottlenose dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins, and swim close to them.

There will also be hot drinks and fruit available!

 

Swim with wild manta rays
Night Snorkeling Tour

 

This tour offers an approximately 99% chance of encountering manta rays.

Night snorkeling, guided by an experienced instructor.

If you do not encounter manta rays, you can board the boat again for free.

 

summary

We hope you enjoyed our introduction to snorkeling on the Big Island of Hawaii.

We invite you to enjoy the fantastic sight of these world-famous and beautiful waters!