SNORKEL WITH COLORFUL TROPICAL FISH AT TWO-STEP BEACH IN HONAUNAU BAY
Easy-Access for Great Reefs
Two-Step offers relatively easy access to snorkel some great coral reefs. The area is named for its popular entry point – a rock ledge that offers two ‘steps’ for you to climb down into the water, put on your snorkel gear, and swim away. There is limited parking on the street here, so try to arrive early and be respectful of the neighbors.
Abundant Marine Life
You will be amazed by the abundance and diversity of marine life in Honaunau Bay! From Two-Step you can see lots of colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and more! We recommend you visit in the morning when the water is clearer and animals are more active. The bay tends to cloud over in the afternoon.
A Great Half-Day Trip
Two-Step beach is located about 35 minutes south of Kona and a bit over an hour south of Mauna Lani on the highway. This is a great place to spend a while exploring. Highlights include snorkeling, watching for whales and dolphins, and checking out the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau (Place of Refuge) National Historical Park next door!
BEAUTIFUL CORAL REEFS, & COLORFUL FISH
Enjoy amazing snorkeling in Honaunau Bay from Two-Step Beach. The entry point (pictured below) is a rocky shelf that looks like two ‘steps’ leading into the water. You can just put on your flippers and swim away from this point. As soon as you plunge into the water, you will see stunning coral reefs and colorful fish. There are areas where the coral is shallower or deeper and there is plenty to explore here!
You can see yellow tangs, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and more on the coral reefs here. Sea turtles love the sandy beach at the neighboring Pu’uhonua o Honaunau (Place of Refuge), so you can sometimes see turtles swimming underwater.
Two-Step has become a popular spot for tourists and there are ways to ensure you’re snorkeling responsibly and safely, while also helping to preserve the local ecosystem. Check out this website made by the local community for further information before your visit!
Directions: Follow Highway 19 (Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway) south past Kona until it meets with Highway 11. Continue south on this highway until you get to Honaunau Beach Road. This is a sharp right turn to head downhill to the coastline – you will see a sign for the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park before the turn off. Follow this road to the end, past the National Historical Park, and you will see Two-Step on the Left. Find parking on the road or pay to park at the Park next door.
We recommend contacting organisations directly to get the most up to date information about their operations.
As a guest in one of our legal vacation homes, you have complimentary use of our snorkel equipment – Two-Step Beach is a great place to try it out!