Best Snorkel Spots with Lots of Fish on the Big Island of Hawaii: Top Places for Colorful Marine Life

Snorkeling on the Big Island of Hawaii is one of my favorite ways to explore the ocean. The island’s clear waters and colorful reefs make it a perfect place to see tropical fish up close.

If you want to find the best snorkel spots with lots of fish, you’re in the right place. I love spending time in the water and discovering all the amazing sea life the Big Island has to offer.

Kahalu’u Beach Park

I just visited Kahalu’u Beach Park, and it’s one of my favorite places to snorkel on the Big Island. The water usually stays calm, so I felt safe getting in, even as a beginner.

Colorful fish swim close to shore. I spotted parrotfish and tangs in the clear, shallow water.

The reef sits just a few steps from the sand. I liked that I could see so much marine life without having to swim far.

Many families visited the park, and everyone seemed to enjoy watching fish and taking photos. The parking lot fills up quickly, so I got there early in the day.

The park has a laid-back atmosphere. I found a spot to relax between snorkeling sessions.

Some rocks sit near the shore, so I wore water shoes to protect my feet.

Rating: 4.6 (3923 reviews)
Location: Kahalu’u Beach Park
Contact: (808) 961-8311
Website: Visit Website

Two Step Beach

I found Two Step Beach to be an easy and fun place to snorkel, especially if you want to see lots of fish. You can enter the water using two natural steps in the lava rock—just sit down, put on your mask, and slide in.

Once in the bay, I saw all kinds of tropical fish swimming around the coral. When I visited, spinner dolphins and a sea turtle passed by.

The water usually stays calm, which made snorkeling comfortable. Sometimes, bigger waves roll in, so I paid attention to the ocean conditions.

If you have kids, there’s a small protected sandy area just south of the boat ramp where they can splash around safely. The main area is rocky and doesn’t have much sand, but picnic tables and barbecues sit nearby.

I saw some portable toilets close to the road. The area gets busy, so I needed to be careful walking along the road.

Parking was across the street and cost a few dollars. If you have extra time, the Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park is next door and worth a visit.

Rating: 4.7 (577 reviews)
Location: 84-5571 Honaunau Beach Rd, Captain Cook, HI 96704
Website: Visit Website

Ho‘okena Beach Park

When I arrived at Ho‘okena Beach Park, I saw canoes lined up on the sand and fishermen heading out onto the water. This area has a long history as one of the last active Hawaiian canoe fishing villages, and locals still launch their canoes for the day’s catch.

The beach is a mix of gray sand and coral. The water looked incredibly clear, letting me see lots of fish swimming along the reef just a few feet from shore.

I enjoyed snorkeling here because the underwater views were full of colorful fish and coral. During my visit, the ocean stayed calm, which made swimming and snorkeling easy.

Sometimes, especially with a south swell, the waves pick up and locals come out to boogie board. I saw families swimming and kayakers paddling along the coast.

Besides snorkeling, people like to camp right by the beach. The views at sunset were beautiful, and I could hear the waves rolling in as evening came.

Rating: 4.6 (1311 reviews)
Location: Ho‘okena Beach Park, Captain Cook, HI
Contact: (808) 328-8450
Website: Visit Website

Magic Sands Beach Park

I recently visited Magic Sands Beach Park. The spot felt lively with clear blue water and soft, white sand.

The beach gets its name because the sand can disappear during big waves. I found that interesting.

People came to swim, watch the waves, or just relax and enjoy the sun. The snorkeling was decent, especially close to the rocky shoreline.

I saw colorful fish darting around the rocks. The waves can get strong, so I checked with the lifeguards before heading in.

Surfing is also popular here. I watched surfers catch some nice waves.

There’s an energetic feeling in the air. Sometimes the currents pick up, so I stayed aware of ocean conditions before snorkeling out too far.

Rating: 4.5 (4771 reviews)
Location: Ali’i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Website: Visit Website

Puakō Bay

I spent a morning at Puakō Bay and found it to be a hidden spot for snorkeling. The water was clear, and I saw different kinds of fish swimming around the lava rocks.

It was easy to enter the bay, and the area stayed peaceful with few crowds. The coral in Puakō Bay looks healthy in many spots, and I even saw sea turtles while floating above the reefs.

Some areas near the shore are rocky, so I wore water shoes to be safe. Fish gathered in groups around the bigger coral heads.

Parking is simple if you come early. There aren’t many facilities, so I brought water and snacks with me.

The bay feels untouched and natural, which made the whole experience special.

Rating: 4.8 (21 reviews)
Location: Kamuela, HI 96743

Manini Beach

I visited Manini Beach on the south Kona coast and was surprised by how peaceful it felt compared to other crowded beaches. The shoreline is a mix of smooth lava rocks and patches of sand, so I wore water shoes for comfort.

The water at Manini Beach is clear and gentle, especially in the mornings. When I swam out with my snorkel, I quickly saw lots of tropical fish swimming between the rocks and coral.

I even spotted a few colorful parrotfish and yellow tangs close to shore. Some shaded spots under the trees made it easy to relax after snorkeling.

Families had picnics, and kids waded in the calm areas. Parking is limited, so I arrived early to get a spot.

There aren’t many facilities, so I packed my own water and snacks.

Rating: 4.6 (173 reviews)
Location: Manini Beach
Website: Visit Website

Waialea Beach

I visited Waialea Beach recently and loved how peaceful it felt compared to some of the busier beaches. To get there, I drove along a small, bumpy road and parked near the sand.

Locals call it “Beach 69” because of the numbered pole by the entrance. This spot is especially popular for snorkeling because there are so many colorful fish.

The coral reef starts close to shore and stretches into the bay, so I didn’t have to swim far. The water gets deeper gradually, and on calm days, it was clear enough to spot all kinds of marine life beneath me.

During my visit, the sandy beach was partly shaded by trees, which gave me a break from the sun. There aren’t any lifeguards, and sometimes the waves get big in winter.

I made sure to check the water conditions before going in. The beach doesn’t have many facilities, so I brought my own snacks and water.

I used the public showers after swimming. Even though it’s a bit out of the way, the natural beauty and busy reef make it a spot I always recommend for anyone who wants to see lots of fish.

Rating: 4.6 (1535 reviews)
Location: Waialea Beach on Google Maps
Website: Visit Website)

Richardson Ocean Park

I spent an afternoon at Richardson Ocean Park and quickly made it one of my favorite snorkeling spots in Hilo.

The beach has black sand, which stands out from most other places on the Big Island.

I saw how clear the water was, and many colorful fish swam around the rocks.

There’s a mix of calm pools and open water, so both beginners and strong swimmers can find a comfortable spot.

I watched families with young kids enjoy the protected tide pools.

Other people swam farther out to see even more marine life.

Lifeguards watched over the beach during my visit, which helped me feel safe in the water.

The beach offers clean restrooms and picnic areas, so I could relax for hours after swimming.

Rating: 4.7 (2830 reviews)
Location: Richardson Ocean Park, Hilo, HI
Contact: (808) 961-8688
Website: Visit Website

Kiholo Bay

When I visited Kiholo Bay, I felt surprised by how peaceful and quiet it was compared to other beaches.

The bay sits in a protected and hidden spot, making it perfect if you want to be away from crowds.

The walk to the beach follows a rocky path, but the water and views make it worth the effort.

Pebbles and patches of black sand cover the beach.

I watched green sea turtles swim close to shore.

They moved calmly, and I could watch them while I floated nearby.

The water stayed clear, so I easily spotted different fish around the rocks.

Snorkeling here felt special because I saw a lot of marine life, but the water didn’t feel crowded.

I had plenty of space to swim and explore.

Fishing rules here are strict to help protect the fish and turtles.

Rating: 4.6 (526 reviews)
Location: Kiholo Bay
Contact: (808) 961-9540
Website: Visit Website

Snorkel Big Island

I really enjoyed my trip with Snorkel Big Island.

The staff greeted me with big smiles and lots of Aloha spirit as soon as I stepped onto the boat.

They made everyone feel welcome, from first-timers to experienced snorkelers.

The boat felt spacious and comfortable, so the ride along Kona’s coastline was smooth and relaxing.

We stopped at several spots with clear blue water, where I saw colorful fish swimming around the reefs.

I even spotted dolphins dancing in the waves.

One highlight was swimming near sea caves and seeing unique lava tube formations.

The guides shared helpful tips and interesting facts about the sea life and underwater volcanoes.

For those feeling adventurous, the company also offers night tours to swim with manta rays.

Private tours let you enjoy a more personal experience with friends or family.

Rating: 4.9 (357 reviews)
Location: 74-380 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Contact: (808) 209-0019
Website: Visit Website

Tips for Snorkeling With Abundant Marine Life

I always look for the right place and time when I want to see the most fish.

Using safe and respectful habits in the water helps protect both me and the sea creatures.

Best Times of Day for Active Fish

I notice that fish stay most active early in the morning and late in the afternoon.

When the sunlight is softer and the water is calm, I see many fish coming out to feed.

Midday sun makes the water warmer and brighter, which sometimes pushes fish into deeper or shaded areas.

Early mornings are also less crowded, so the fish are less disturbed and easier to spot.

In summer, the ocean is calmest from May to September.

Experts recommend these months as the best time to snorkel on the Big Island.

Clear, warm water during these months makes it much easier for me to see vibrant reefs and different species.

Tip:

• I always check the weather and tides before heading out. Calm seas help improve visibility and keep fish nearby.

Ethical Wildlife Viewing Guidelines

I follow a few simple rules to keep Hawaii’s reefs healthy and the fish safe.

I never touch or chase marine life.

Fish can get stressed or scared, which can hurt them or change their behavior.

I keep my distance and let the animals come closer if they want.

I use reef-safe sunscreen to avoid harming corals and tiny animals in the water.

Chemicals in regular sunscreen can damage the reef and affect the fish’s habitat.

Whenever I see trash, I pick it up, and I always try not to stand on or kick the coral.

Quick List:

• Keep hands to myself—never touch or feed fish
• Float calmly—sudden moves scare wildlife
• Wear only reef-safe sunscreen
• Respect signs and rules at each snorkel spot

Marine Life You Might Encounter

When I go snorkeling on the Big Island, I often see vibrant fish schools swimming near the reefs.

These colorful underwater habitats are home to well-known tropical fish and some Hawaiian species I can’t find anywhere else.

Common Tropical Fish Species

I’m always excited to spot butterflyfish, parrotfish, and tangs when I snorkel.

These fish are easy to recognize because of their bright colors and patterns.

The yellow tang, for example, is bright yellow and loves to swim in groups around coral reefs.

I often see triggerfish.

The humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa (reef triggerfish) is not only fun to say, but it’s also the state fish.

They have bold colors and markings.

Moorish idols are another favorite of mine—they glide through the water with their long dorsal fins trailing behind them.

Here’s a quick list of fish I often see at the best snorkeling spots:

• Yellow Tang
• Parrotfish
• Butterflyfish
• Moorish Idol
• Triggerfish

At places like Kealakekua Bay and Kahalu’u Beach Park, the water often stays clear, which makes it easier to spot these active swimmers.

Spotlight on Endemic Hawaiian Fish

Some fish in Hawaii live only in these islands. I enjoy looking for the Hawaiian cleaner wrasse.

These fish have bright blue and purple colors. They set up “cleaning stations” where other fish line up to get cleaned.

The Hawaiian damselfish is another unique species. Males act very territorial and sometimes chase away even bigger fish.

They protect their part of the reef with a lot of energy.

Table: Endemic Hawaiian Fish