Hōnaunau Bay Two Step
Dive into Honaunau Bay's "Two Step" for world-class snorkeling with vibrant marine life and a unique lava rock entry. Adjacent to a sacred historical ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, best visibility
Hōnaunau Bay Two Step
Best Time
Calm waters, best visibility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into Honaunau Bay's "Two Step" for world-class snorkeling with vibrant marine life and a unique lava rock entry. Adjacent to a sacred historical park.
"Some of the best snorkeling on the island, with incredible marine life!"
Arrive Early for Parking
Street parking is limited and fills fast. Consider the $5 paid lot or arrive before 9 AM. :car:
Reef-Safe Sunscreen is a Must
Protect the coral! Use only reef-safe sunscreen to preserve this delicate ecosystem. :sunwithface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The "Two Step" Lava Entry
Honaunau Bay
Naturally formed lava steps provide a unique and easy entry into the vibrant underwater world. It's like a natural diving board!
Abundant Marine Life
Honaunau Bay
Swim alongside colorful fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins in this protected marine sanctuary. Incredible biodiversity!
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
Adjacent to Two Step
Explore this ancient Hawaiian place of refuge, offering a glimpse into rich cultural history and stunning coastal views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Snorkeling
Respect the Sacred Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early for Parking
Street parking is limited and fills fast. Consider the $5 paid lot or arrive before 9 AM. :car:
Reef-Safe Sunscreen is a Must
Protect the coral! Use only reef-safe sunscreen to preserve this delicate ecosystem. :sunwithface:
Bring Your Own Gear
No rentals or showers here. Pack your snorkel, mask, fins, and water. :mask:
Morning Snorkeling is Best
Waters are calmer and clearer in the morning. Afternoon can get rough. :ocean:
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early for Parking
Street parking is limited and fills fast. Consider the $5 paid lot or arrive before 9 AM. :car:
Reef-Safe Sunscreen is a Must
Protect the coral! Use only reef-safe sunscreen to preserve this delicate ecosystem. :sunwithface:
Bring Your Own Gear
No rentals or showers here. Pack your snorkel, mask, fins, and water. :mask:
Morning Snorkeling is Best
Waters are calmer and clearer in the morning. Afternoon can get rough. :ocean:
Respect the Sacred Site
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau is a historical park. Stay on marked paths and be respectful. :pray:
Watch for Dolphins!
You might get lucky and snorkel with dolphins! A truly magical experience. :dolphin:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Honaunau Bay's "Two Step" is celebrated for its exceptional snorkeling, offering abundant marine life and a unique lava rock entry. Visitors praise the clear waters and the chance to see turtles and dolphins. However, some note the need for caution with the entry, the lack of facilities, and the importance of respecting the adjacent sacred grounds and marine environment.
"Beautiful beach area where you can sit on the edge or go in and snorkel. Can't believe we forgot our snorkel that day! The water color is amazing."
Steph Couvrette
"Excellent snorkeling. We've had the good luck of being in the water the same time a pod of dolphins came in also. Be warned, there is a crazy lady there who comes up and tells everyone not to pee in the water, use non reef safe sunscreen, and only enter at one location. Basically trying to dissuade people from using Two Step. She even was telling people this was not Two Step, which everyone, including the National Parks Historic Site next door called this area Two Step. She meant well, and was not 100% wrong, she was just a little over the top. Highly recommended, some of the best snorkeling on the island."
brandon cozad
"Great snorkeling. We were lucky to see a Hawaiian munk seal, a turtle, and so many fishes. We saw more sea life here than in the bay by the Captain Cook memorial. It does get a little rough in the afternoon so I would go in the morning."
Cristina Beauchemin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Honaunau Bay's "Two Step" is located on the Kona side of the Big Island, adjacent to Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. You can drive there and park roadside or in the designated $5 cash parking lot. Be aware that parking fills up very quickly, especially on weekends.
Yes, it's generally well-marked, especially since it's next to the historical park. Look for signs for Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, and then follow directions for the snorkeling access.
Some tours offer kayaking to the Captain Cook monument area, which is nearby, but direct kayaking to Two Step from shore might be challenging due to conditions and distance. Many visitors opt for boat tours that include snorkeling stops here.
There's limited street parking available uphill, which is free. There's also a paid parking lot right in front of the beach for $5 cash. Arriving early is highly recommended to secure a spot.
Public transportation options to this more remote area of the Big Island are very limited. Renting a car is the most practical way to reach Honaunau Bay.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Two Step itself is a natural entry point and does not require a ticket. However, the adjacent Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park has an entrance fee, typically around $20 per vehicle for a 3-day pass.
Honaunau Bay is generally accessible during daylight hours. The adjacent Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park has specific operating hours, usually from 7 AM to 5:30 PM.
There is no direct entrance fee for the "Two Step" snorkeling area itself. However, parking may have a small fee ($5 cash), and the adjacent historical park has an admission fee.
No, it's crucial to use only the designated "Two Step" lava entries to avoid damaging the coral. There's also a small, kid-friendly beach area with shallow water for easier access.
Yes, visitors are strongly advised to use reef-safe sunscreen and to avoid touching or stepping on the coral. Entry is restricted to designated spots to protect the marine environment.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
The "Two Step" lava rocks offer a natural platform to mask up and slip into the water. The area quickly deepens, allowing for excellent snorkeling. Some visitors prefer entering from the boat ramp side for calmer waters.
You can expect to see a wide variety of colorful fish, coral formations, sea turtles, and sometimes even dolphins or Hawaiian monk seals. It's a rich and diverse underwater ecosystem.
While the "Two Step" entry can be a bit daunting for absolute beginners, there's a shallow beach area to the left that's very kid-friendly and novice-friendly. Wearing a float vest is also recommended for less experienced swimmers.
There are no rinse showers available. Restrooms are limited to porta-potties. It's best to bring your own water and snacks as there are no commercial facilities on-site.
Definitely bring your snorkel gear, reef-safe sunscreen, plenty of water, snacks, a towel, and a float vest if you're not a strong swimmer. A waterproof camera is also a great idea!
📸 📸 Photography
The "Two Step" lava formations themselves offer dramatic shots, especially with the clear blue water. The adjacent Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park also provides stunning coastal views and cultural backdrops. 
Absolutely! The water clarity at Honaunau Bay is excellent for underwater photography. Bring an underwater camera or a waterproof phone case to capture the vibrant marine life.
Morning light is generally best for photography, offering softer light and fewer harsh shadows. The calm morning waters also make for better reflections and clearer shots.
Yes, the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park offers numerous opportunities to photograph ancient Hawaiian structures, petroglyphs, and the beautiful coastline, providing a rich cultural context.
For underwater shots, an action camera like a GoPro or a dedicated underwater camera is ideal. For land shots, a wide-angle lens can capture the expansive coastal scenery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more comprehensive experience, consider a boat tour that stops at "Two Step" and potentially other family-friendly snorkeling spots. These tours often provide gear and guidance, making the day easier for parents. The adjacent Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park also offers a fascinating, albeit more subdued, experience for older children interested in Hawaiian history.
🐠 Budget Travelers
Instead of expensive boat tours, consider driving yourself and enjoying the natural beauty and incredible snorkeling directly from shore. This allows you to control your time and budget effectively. If you're looking for a more immersive snorkeling experience without the cost of a tour, "Two Step" is hard to beat.
🐢 Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
Beyond the underwater wonders, the area is also known for potential dolphin sightings, especially during morning boat tours.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The "Two Step" Snorkeling Experience
It's crucial to remember that this is a protected marine environment. Visitors are urged to use only the designated entry points and to wear reef-safe sunscreen to minimize environmental impact. Some reviews mention a passionate individual who actively reminds visitors about these rules, highlighting the community's commitment to preserving the bay.
For the best experience, aim for a morning visit when the water is typically calmer and visibility is at its peak. The afternoon can sometimes bring choppier conditions due to prevailing winds. Remember to bring all your own gear, as there are no rental facilities or rinse showers on-site. The $5 cash parking lot is convenient, but it fills up fast, so arriving early is key.
Cultural Significance of Pu'uhonua o Honaunau
Walking through the park offers a profound connection to Hawaii's past. The stories of ancient traditions, spiritual practices, and the concept of sanctuary are palpable. It's a place to reflect on the resilience and ingenuity of Hawaiian culture. The park also features the Captain Cook monument nearby, though its historical context is complex and often viewed through a critical lens by Native Hawaiians, who highlight the negative impacts of colonization.
Visitors are encouraged to tread lightly and respectfully, staying on marked trails and refraining from touching any artifacts or structures. The park provides a valuable educational experience, offering a deeper understanding of the Big Island's rich heritage beyond its beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots.
Navigating the Captain Cook Area
Accessing the monument for snorkeling is typically done via boat tours or by kayaking across Kealakekua Bay. The hike down to the monument is steep and challenging, and many visitors opt for organized excursions for a more comfortable experience. These tours often include snorkeling stops in the bay, which is known for its excellent marine life, sometimes even more so than Honaunau Bay itself.
While the historical significance is undeniable, it's important to approach the site with an awareness of the diverse perspectives surrounding Captain Cook's legacy. Many TikTok videos highlight this critical viewpoint, urging visitors to consider the impact of colonization.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit