One of the more well known shore snorkels/dives on the Kona coast of the Big Island is a place called Two Step, or O'Hanaunau Bay. Not only is this the site of a ancient city of refuge for the Hawaiians, but quite possibly some of the most stunning snorkeling in Hawaii that is easily accessible from shore. There is parking nearby and even though it is a lava rock coastline there is an easy entrance formed by two smooth lava rock shelves that you can step down into the calm water from. Two Step is located about 20 miles south of Kona town.
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| My dad's sea turtle encounter |
Big schools of yellow tangs graze the expansive coral reef in the shallows. Sea turtles are also in the area, often napping under ledges or feeding on algae in the shallows. The water here stays clear and calm almost every day of the year thanks to the direction the bay is facing and the lack of runoff due to being in an arid environment.
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| Spinner dolphins diving down |
One bonus that sometimes happens at Two Step is the chance of seeing a pod of Hawaiian spinner dolphins swimming in the bay. When you first show up take a look out into the deeper darker blue water in the middle of the bay and looked for the light grey triangular dorsal fins of the dolphins as they come up for air. If you are feeling up for a little swim this can be one of the best places in Hawaii to swim with wild dolphins. This day we got lucky as the dolphins stayed in the bay the entire time we were there. Your best chance of swimming with the dolphins is morning time. This is one of those adventures that is not to be missed.
For full resolution pictures of dolphins and Hawaii check out
www.daimarsphotos.com/Hawaii.
One of the more well known shore snorkels/dives on the Kona coast of the Big Island is a place called Two Step, or O'Hanaunau Bay. Not only is this the site of a ancient city of refuge for the Hawaiians, but quite possibly some of the most stunning snorkeling in Hawaii that is easily accessible from shore. There is parking nearby and even though it is a lava rock coastline there is an easy entrance formed by two smooth lava rock shelves that you can step down into the calm water from. Two Step is located about 20 miles south of Kona town.
One bonus that sometimes happens at Two Step is the chance of seeing a pod of Hawaiian spinner dolphins swimming in the bay. When you first show up take a look out into the deeper darker blue water in the middle of the bay and looked for the light grey triangular dorsal fins of the dolphins as they come up for air. If you are feeling up for a little swim this can be one of the best places in Hawaii to swim with wild dolphins. This day we got lucky as the dolphins stayed in the bay the entire time we were there. Your best chance of swimming with the dolphins is morning time. This is one of those adventures that is not to be missed.
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