Snorkeling is one of the most exciting and memorable ways for kids to explore Hawaii’s marine life. The Big Island offers some incredible snorkeling spots—but not all are great for little ones or beginners. Whether you’re looking for calm water, easy entry, or the chance to spot sea turtles, we’ve rounded up the best beaches for family snorkeling adventures. Each location is chosen for its kid-friendliness, safety features, and nearby amenities to help parents plan a stress-free beach day.
Before we dive in, have you seen our ranked lists on Big Island? They might add helpful context and information for your trip.
Discover the Best Kid-Friendly Hotels on the Big Island of Hawaii
Family friendly excursions on Big Island
Kid friendly beaches on Big Island
1. Spencer Beach Park – Kohala Coast
Spencer Beach Park is a local favorite for families. Its gently sloping, sandy shore leads into calm, protected waters perfect for young snorkelers. A nearby reef attracts colorful fish and, on lucky days, Hawaiian green sea turtles.
Why it’s great for families:
- Calm water thanks to protective reef and harbor
- Long, shallow entry ideal for younger kids
- Golden sand for play and lounging
Facilities:
- Lifeguard on duty
- Restrooms and showers
- Picnic tables and nearby camping area
Tips for parents:
Watch for kiawe tree thorns—these trees provide great shade but drop very sharp thorns. Sandals are a must, even on the sand.
See a detailed snorkeling guide for Spencer Beach.
2. Hapuna Beach State Park – Kohala Coast
Hapuna Beach is one of the Big Island’s most popular beaches, and for good reason. The northern end of the beach features a small, sandy cove that’s ideal for snorkeling in summer. It’s even used for beginner diving lessons!
Why it’s great for families:
- Wide, clean beach with space to play
- Easy access to beginner snorkeling at the north end
- Soft sand and shallow water in calm conditions
Facilities:
- Lifeguard on duty year-round
- Restrooms and showers
- Picnic areas with shaded tables
When to go:
Best during summer (May to September). From October through April, high surf and strong rip currents make conditions unsafe for young or new snorkelers.
See a detailed snorkeling review of Hapuna Beach.
3. Kikaua Point Park – North of Kailua-Kona
This quiet, tucked-away beach is a gem for families with younger kids and beginners. The shallow, protected cove is perfect for floating and spotting small fish close to shore.
Why it’s great for families:
- Gentle, sandy-bottomed cove perfect for floating and first-time snorkeling
- Calm water inside the cove
- Frequent sightings of green sea turtles near the rocky edge
Facilities:
- No lifeguard on duty
- Restrooms and showers available
- Parking by reservation through the Kukio security gate
Tips for parents:
Get there early—only about 28 parking spots are available and they fill up quickly. Pick up a beach pass from the security gate by 9:00 am on weekends and holidays.
See more details on snorkeling at Kikaua.
4. Honokohau Beach – Near Kona
Known to locals as “Kona Dog Beach,” Honokohau is best for adventurous families with older kids and experienced swimmers. The beach is beautiful but a bit of a trek from the harbor and lacks amenities.
Why it’s great for families:
- Excellent fish diversity: goatfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, and more
- Tide pools and small wetlands on the way in for kids to explore
- Frequent turtle sightings
Facilities:
- No lifeguard on duty
- No restrooms, showers, or picnic areas—pack in, pack out
Safety note:
Ocean can be rough and surgy. Enter and exit on the left side of the cove, and never go past the break. Not recommended for small children or beginner swimmers.
See a detailed snorkeling review of Honokohau beach.
5. Richardson Ocean Park – Hilo
Richardson Ocean Park is East Hawaii’s top family snorkel beach. Just five miles from downtown Hilo, this black sand and lava-rock cove offers a shallow, protected snorkeling area and frequent turtle sightings.
Why it’s great for families:
- Shallow, calm cove great for floating and exploring
- Black sand beaches and lava rock scenery
- Tide pools and grassy areas nearby to explore
Facilities:
- Lifeguard on duty (most of the time)
- Restrooms and showers
- Picnic tables
Things to know:
Weather on the east side of the island can be rainy year-round, and currents near the cove exits can be stronger than they appear. Always swim with a buddy.
Check out more on Richardson Ocean Park.
6. Waialea Bay (Beach 69) – South Kohala
Waialea Bay is a fantastic snorkeling beach hidden beneath a canopy of shade trees. Known for its clear water and vibrant reef, it’s a great pick for families who want a mix of snorkeling and relaxing in the shade.
Why it’s great for families:
- Great coral reef near shore with lots of fish life
- Naturally shaded beach with calm water in the morning
- Gentle entry and soft sand
Facilities:
- No lifeguard on duty
- Restrooms and showers available
- Small parking lot (arrive early)
Read more on snorkeling at Waialea Bay.
7. Kamakahonu Beach (King Kam Beach) – Kailua-Kona
Tucked next to the King Kamehameha Hotel, Kamakahonu is a protected cove that’s perfect for tiny snorkelers and families just getting started.
Why it’s great for families:
- Extremely calm, enclosed cove—ideal for toddlers and preschoolers
- Easy snorkel entry from the sandy beach
- Near historic landmarks and downtown Kona
Facilities:
- No lifeguard on duty
- Restrooms and showers available nearby
- Shade available and close to shops
Read more on snorkeling at Kamakahonu.
8. Kahaluʻu Beach Park – South of Kona
One of the most well-known snorkel beaches on the island, Kahaluʻu offers an easy walk-in reef and tons of sea life just a few feet from shore.
Why it’s great for families:
- Shallow water and large reef teeming with fish
- Great for kids who want to see a lot without swimming far
- Sea turtle sightings are very common
Facilities:
- Lifeguard on duty
- Restrooms and showers
- Picnic tables and shaded pavilion
Read more on family friendly snorkeling fun at Kahalu’u Beach.
9. Honaunau Bay (Two Step) – South Kona
Honaunau Bay, also called “Two Step,” is best for confident snorkelers and older kids. The water entry is literally two lava rock steps down into clear, deep water full of marine life.
Why it’s great for families:
- Spectacular visibility and coral reef
- Tons of fish, coral, and often dolphins offshore
- Near Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Facilities:
- No lifeguard on duty
- Portable restrooms available
- No showers
See details on snorkeling at Honaunau Bay.
10. Kealakekua Bay – South Kona
This famous marine sanctuary is more of a snorkel destination than a beach, but for families with older kids and a sense of adventure, it’s unforgettable. Most visitors reach the reef by boat tour or kayak.
Why it’s great for families:
- Some of the best coral and fish diversity in the state
- Historic site near the Captain Cook Monument
- Guided family snorkel tours available
Facilities:
- No beach access from shore (boat tours only)
- No lifeguard or facilities at the snorkel site
- Tours often provide gear and snacks
Read more about snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay.
Bonus: Manta Ray Snorkeling – Night Adventure in Kona
Looking for something truly unforgettable? Night snorkeling with manta rays is one of the most magical experiences you can have on the Big Island—and yes, it’s totally doable with older kids and teens. Watching these gentle giants glide just inches away from you under a moonlit sky is something your family will never forget.
Why it’s great for families (with older kids):
- Once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter
- Safe, guided tours with flotation devices provided
- Educational, exciting, and completely unique to the Big Island
Where it happens:
Most tours depart from Keauhou Bay or the Honokōhau Harbor near Kona. The tour boats take you to known manta gathering spots, where floating lights attract plankton—and the manta rays follow.
Facilities and tour info:
- No beach access: must book with a licensed tour operator
- Restrooms available at the marina or boat dock
- Wet suits and snorkel gear usually included
- Minimum age varies by tour (usually 7+)
Tips for parents:
This is a night activity, so kids should be comfortable in the water and not prone to getting cold. Choose a reputable tour operator with a strong safety record and family-friendly crew. Many tours also offer “float boards” so kids can observe without having to swim independently.
Manta ray night snorkeling is ideal for adventurous families looking to make incredible vacation memories. And if you’re not quite ready to dive in this trip, it’s a great bucket list item for your next visit to the Big Island.
Final Tips for Snorkeling with Kids on the Big Island
- Always check ocean conditions before heading out, especially in winter months.
- Bring well-fitting snorkel gear for kids, or rent from a local outfitter.
- Swim in designated areas and never go beyond the reef with young children.
- Reapply reef-safe sunscreen often and stay hydrated.
From calm, toddler-friendly coves to adventurous reefs for tweens and teens, the Big Island is full of underwater fun for every age. These ten beaches offer a balance of natural beauty, marine life, and parent-friendly features to make your snorkeling day a success.
Have you seen our ranked lists on Big Island?
Discover the Best Kid-Friendly Hotels on the Big Island of Hawaii
Family friendly excursions on Big Island
Kid friendly beaches on Big Island
For detailed visitor info, check out the Wikivoyage page on Big Island.
