Kona Hawaii snorkeling recommendations

[Tremont]

If you stick to the popular snorkeling sites around Kona, you shouldn't have any problems. Most of them are quite crowded and/or have parking areas in nice hotels. Just put the stuff in your trunk. It's only really a problem when you get off the beaten path - I think the Hilo side is a bit worse due to it's remoteness.

 

[percula99]

TWallace, I snorkelled in Kapoho and left nothing in my car, just the trunk and was not broken into. I brought my gear bag with me out on the tidepools and left it on a rock while my wife and I snorkelled. We were there first that day but many people showed up while we were there and no one approached our bag. As in any place, being vigilant is recommended. If there are many people around you run less risk of being broken into than if you are isolated and alone. We were alone and still nothing happened. Don't go with the idea of being preoccupied with the idea of being broken into because you won't have any fun at all.

Wear wet shoes while walking on the rocks as the rocks are very slippery and jagged. Keep them on and don't bother with fins in the water. I am a poor swimmer and found the fins unnecessary. You will encounter some strong currents at time leading from one pool to another. My wife and I tried swimming against one current and could not get anywhere. We both burst out laughing at the same time and let ourselves be swept away and it was a fascinating experience. It felt like we were on a ride at Disneyworld seeing all the corals and fish. It stops when you get to the next pool.

If you take underwater pictures, please post them. I had an Olympus Stylus 850 underwater camera and it flooded with water and I don't have any pictures at all. I would really appreciate seeing a whole bunch of nice shots. Enjoy the experience.

 

[hifoo]

The place of refuge, is a bit south of Kealakekua Bay, and you dont need to paddle out to it. A ton of fish, coral, and we even were able to swim with a pod of spinner dolphins. Its a great swim and about 30-40 min drive from Kona, but worth it.

 

[scooter86]

Go to Kahalu park early in the day. Its free, has bathrooms and PLENTY of sea life. Guaranteed to see turtles early in the morning. It is also only a 10 minute drive south of Kailua-Kona.

 

[TWallace]

Go to Kahalu park early in the day. Its free, has bathrooms and PLENTY of sea life. Guaranteed to see turtles early in the morning. It is also only a 10 minute drive south of Kailua-Kona.

I just found out the first hotel we're staying in (Sheraton) is very close to this park. May go here the first day, as we arrive at noon. If not the first day, we'll definitely make it here at some point. Thanks for the tip.

 

[dakineacct]

The whole car theft thing is blown out of proportion, I lived in Hawaii for 2 years, traveled extensively among the islands (renting cars and driving everywhere) and never had any problem. Just don't flash expensive cameras on peoples faces and you will be fine. Leaving the camera in the trunk is a good idea, but it is not as bad as some posts here are leading you to think. I wouldn't leave an SLR in the front seat of my car in a corner in New York either.

Totally agree with this.

I would suggest that you stow your valuables in your trunk before arriving at your snorkel spot, say at the convience store up the street. If would be thieves see you fumbling in the trunk before strapping on your mask and fins, its a pretty good sign that you are stashing something. Have a great trip.

 

[hifoo]

I just found out the first hotel we're staying in (Sheraton) is very close to this park. May go here the first day, as we arrive at noon. If not the first day, we'll definitely make it here at some point. Thanks for the tip.

I actually stay at the outrigger hotel which is right on Kahaluu Park. It does have lot of life but coral is limited. Also can get a bit murky at times, its a good starting point but do try to drive south you will not regret it.

 

[wrott]

TWallace,
I stayed at Outriggers in Kona last October. Just to the right of back of the hotel I took these pics:
http://picasaweb.google.com/corn64/HIKonaHotel102209?feat=directlink

These were taken w/ a $10 film camera, no flash=no back-scatter, and in less than 15ft of water you really don't need a flash, use 800ASA film.
Have fun--you will.

I stayed on Maui and the Big Island for the week, mainly SCUBA. But you can't really go wrong, it's unreal!!!!

 

[percula99]

TWallace
How was the trip to Kona? I was wondering if you took my advice and made the trip to the Kapoho Tide Pools? If so I would love to hear was you thought and see pictures (lots of pictures) if you took any.

Since you left my wife and I have booked a two week trip to Maui in early July. I can't wait. I took some video the last time I was snorkeling in Hawaii but they weren't great. It looks like I filmed everything in FF mode and the colors are washed out. If you have any suggestions towards that it would be appreciated.