Snorkeling at Two Step | Best snorkel spots Big Island HAWAII

Snorkeling at Two Step (Honaunau Bay) near Captain Cook turned out to be my favorite snorkel spot on the Big Island of Hawaii—even without spotting the spinner dolphins the area is famous for. The entry is a natural “two step” lava rock ledge that makes it easy to slip into the water, and once you’re in, the reef comes alive with vibrant coral, colorful fish, and incredible underwater topography. I even discovered a small tunnel in the reef that I was able to dive down and swim through, which was such a fun surprise and one of the highlights of the day.

The bay here is stunning, with crystal-clear water that lets you explore everything from shallow tide pools to deeper sections farther out. While we didn’t see dolphins this time, they’re often spotted beyond the coral in the deeper water, making Two Step one of the few places on the island where you can sometimes swim with wild dolphins for free. Most of the “beach” is rugged lava rock, so sturdy water shoes are a must. There are a few small sandy pockets and tide pools that are perfect for kids to play and explore, and I even found one spot to hang a hammock for a quick break between snorkel sessions.

After snorkeling, we wrapped up the day with a short walk through Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, which sits right next to the bay. This sacred Hawaiian site is filled with fascinating cultural history and beautiful coastal views—worth setting aside at least an hour or two to fully explore. Two Step is easy to access, family-friendly, and offers some of the best snorkeling on the Big Island, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Hawaii’s incredible underwater world.

Gear used for this video:
🤿: Mask/Snorkel - get it at https://amzn.to/3vhAaf5

Other gear:
🤿: Toddler/Kids Mask - get it at https://amzn.to/3BL3PzI
🏕️: Madera Hammock/Rain Fly/Camping Gear - https://bit.ly/3BsEc74
🎒: Hiking Backpack: Osprey Talon 22 - https://amzn.to/3AIjzSS

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