Question - Snorkeling near Hilo

Hawaiian Honu at Leleiwi Beach Park, Hilo

We received the following question by email: My husband and I are spending two nights in Hilo at the end of October and don't have accommodations yet. Before we make any reservations, I'd like to get an idea of where we can find good snorkeling in the area. I'd appreciate your … [Read more...]

Hawaii Snorkeling Guide - Kona

Snorkeling with Turtle in Kona, Hawaii

Some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world happens off the coasts of the Hawaiian archipelago. Whether you are a veteran or are taking the plunge for the first time there are a lot of things to know about the where, when and how of enjoying your time under the sea.  The visibility underwater is usually 80-feet or better in the Kona waters … [Read more...]

Diving Pawai Bay, Kona Hawaii

Captain Cook Monument, Kealakekua Bay

The Pawai Bay State Fisheries Management is a protected Marine Preserve, just north of Kailua-Kona.  Located half of a mile north of Old Kona Airport Park, Pawai Bay offers crystal clear water and plenty of area to explore. Dive the caves, caverns, arches, and observe the expansive coral reef and tropical fish. About 10 yards from the shore, … [Read more...]

Kapoho Tide Pools

Kapoho Tide Pools, Big Island Hawaii

Attractions: tidal pools Activities: swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, picnic In Kapoho, small tide pools dot the entire coastline. These pools are filled to the brim with sea creatures, making them an excellent place for exploration. The Kapoho tide pools boast many different types of fish and a multicolored coral bed. In Kapoho you will … [Read more...]

Hawaii Snorkeling Guide - Hilo

  Some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world happens off the coasts of the Hawaiian archipelago. The waters are crystal-clear, with visibility as much as 80-feet!  The Big Island of Hawaii, being the southern-most Hawaiian Island, has the most vibrant coral reefs and because of its large size, you will rarely find a crowd while … [Read more...]

Hawaii Snorkeling Tips

Raccoon Eye Butterfly Fish

1. Be Prepared Rent high quality snorkel gear from your favorite beach gear rental shop. Properly fitted fins and mask, de-fogger, sun screen and fish ID card will make snorkeling much safer and more enjoyable. Also, it is recommended that you check out booties to protect your feet especially when entering and exiting the water. Check the weather … [Read more...]

Big Island Snorkeling Guide

  Some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world happens off the coast of this archipelago. Whether you are a seasoned snorkeler or are taking the plunge for the first time, there are a lot of things to know about the where, when and how of enjoying your time under the sea. The Big Island of Hawaii is the southernmost island … [Read more...]

Portuguese Man-o-War Jellyfish Sting

We received this by email: ---------------------------- Dear Captains and Crews, Last week I was on a snorkel/scuba boat in Hawaii when a 12 year old girl was stung by a Portuguese Man of War. The girl was submerged in fresh water and other swimmers were asked to capture the creature in a bucket. She was then sprayed with vinegar. All of us were … [Read more...]

Big Island Adventures with Kids (Part 3 - Captain Cook)

Kayaking across Kealakekua Bay

Slowly but surely, our sleep cycle is getting more steady - we are still somewhat jetlagged, waking at around 6:30AM - but at least we are going to sleep around 8-9PM, so we are getting plenty of sleep time. On this day, we decided to kayak across Kealakekua Bay to the marine sanctuary known as Captain Cook (named after the monument on the far … [Read more...]

Snorkeling at Leleiwi Beach (Hilo)

Who says the diving in Hilo isn't good? I recently went back to Leleiwi Beach Park, where I have dived dozens and dozens of times. I still enjoy it each time - there is abundant coral and fish life, and the main attraction the 10-30 turtles that you will see each dive. I'll make this post more of a photo essay:     The water conditions were … [Read more...]