Where Keaukaha shoreline, minutes east of downtown Hilo along Kalanianaole Ave Cost Free · beach-park lots, restrooms, showers Difficulty Beginner at both parks — protected, shallow options, lifeguards (Richardson full-time, Carlsmith seasonal) Turtles Very likely at Richardson; often at Carlsmith Conditions Rainier and greener than Kona; mornings clearest, year-round The side of the island nobody […]
Where Honaunau Bay, South Kona — ~35–45 min south of Kailua-Kona via Hwy 11 then Hwy 160 Cost Free to snorkel · $5 cash lot by the water, or limited free roadside spots Entry Natural lava steps — first drops to ~10 ft of water, second to ~25 ft Difficulty Intermediate — the rock entry […]
Where Ali’i Drive, Kona — a short drive south of Kailua-Kona town Cost Free · small lot fills by mid-morning Difficulty Beginner — shallow, protected, lifeguard on duty Turtles Very likely — grazing the rocks or basking nearby Facilities Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, lifeguard Best time Early morning — for parking and for glassy water […]
Where Ka’awaloa Cove, Kealakekua Bay — South Kona, Big Island Access Boat tour, permitted kayak, or the Ka’awaloa Trail hike — no road to the cove Protection Marine Life Conservation District since 1969; every vessel on the bay needs a State Parks permit Best time Before 10 a.m. — the Kona breeze chops the surface […]
Where Kona coast, Big Island — departures from Keauhou Bay or Honokohau Harbor Cost Roughly $118–200 per person; 1.5–3 hour trips, after sunset Sighting odds 80–90% of nights; Manta Village historically 90%+ with ~4 rays average Difficulty Beginner — you hold a flotation board at the surface the whole time Season Year-round; mantas are resident, […]