Snorkeling Two Step: A Complete Guide to Hōnaunau Bay
Often called the best snorkeling on the Big Island, Two Step at Hōnaunau Bay offers incredibly clear water and abundant marine life. Here’s our practical guide to visiting this South Kona treasure.
Hōnaunau Bay, affectionately known as “Two Step,” consistently ranks as one of the best snorkel spots on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, and for good reason. Its protected waters are often exceptionally clear, revealing a vibrant coral garden teeming with tropical fish, green sea turtles (honu), and frequently, visiting pods of spinner dolphins. Located adjacent to the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, a visit here is a dive into both marine splendor and deep Hawaiian history.
But Two Step isn't a typical sandy beach with a resort outfitter. It’s a wild, natural coastline that requires a bit of know-how to enjoy safely and respectfully. This guide provides everything you need to plan your adventure, from parking and water entry to identifying marine life and understanding your responsibility (kuleana) in this special place.
What and Where is "Two Step"?
Two Step isn't the official name—you're actually at Hōnaunau Bay. The nickname comes from the most popular water entry point: a natural staircase of two lava rock shelves that makes getting into the ocean relatively easy. This spot is located on the bay's north side, right next to the boundary of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park in South Kona.
The bay itself is a Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD), which means its resources are protected. This designation contributes to the health of the reef and the abundance of fish you'll see. The area is a mix of private residences and the historical park, giving it a unique, local feel far removed from the resorts of the Kohala Coast.
Getting There and Parking
Two Step is about a 45-minute drive south of Kailua-Kona along Highway 11, before turning down toward the coast on State Hwy 160 (Keala o Keawe Road). As you near the ocean, you'll pass The Painted Church and other signs for Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau.
Parking is the biggest logistical challenge. There are three main options:
- Paid Lot: A small, privately-run gravel lot sits directly across from the boat ramp. The fee is typically $5-$10 cash. It fills up very quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Street Parking: Limited parking is available along the narrow, one-way road that borders the bay. Be extremely careful to park fully off the pavement, respect all "No Parking" signs, and avoid blocking driveways. Towing is enforced.
- Park Parking: You can pay the entrance fee to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park and park in their lot. This is a great option if you plan to visit the park anyway (which you should). From the visitor center, it's a 5-10 minute walk to the snorkel area. Please note that park rules prohibit re-entry on the same day's pass if you leave the park grounds, so plan your visit accordingly.
Pro-Tip: Arrive early. We recommend getting there before 9:00 AM for the best chance at parking and the calmest water conditions.
The Snorkeling Experience
Snorkeling at Two Step is a world-class experience. The bay's structure, with a shallow shelf leading to a deeper drop-off, provides habitats for a stunning variety of marine creatures.
Entering the Water: The Famous "Two Steps"
The entry point is a large, smooth pahoehoe lava shelf. Find the spot that looks like two distinct steps leading into the water—this is "Two Step." To enter:
- Sit on the edge and put on your fins and mask.
- Wait for a calm moment between sets of small waves.
- Carefully slide or push off into the water. The water here is about 6-8 feet deep, so you'll be swimming immediately.
For an easier, though less direct, entry, you can also use the small sandy channel at the boat ramp a little further down the shore. This is a better option for less confident swimmers or when swells make the rock entry tricky.
What You'll See: A Vibrant Underwater World
Once in the water, the magic begins. The shallow areas (10-20 feet) are home to intricate coral formations and a kaleidoscope of reef fish.
- Common Fish: Look for schools of yellow tang, convict tang, butterflyfish of all kinds, parrotfish (uhu) scraping algae off the coral, pufferfish, and the state fish, the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa.
- Honu (Green Sea Turtles): Turtles are very common here, often seen resting on the sandy bottom in deeper water or feeding on algae closer to shore. Remember to give them plenty of space and never touch them.
- Spinner Dolphins (Naiʻa): Hōnaunau Bay is a known resting area for pods of spinner dolphins. They often come into the bay in the mid-morning after hunting offshore at night. While it's an incredible sight, it's crucial to observe them from a distance. Federal law, as outlined by NOAA, requires you to stay at least 50 yards away to allow them to rest undisturbed.
| Marine Life | Likelihood of Sighting | Best Viewing Area |
|---|---|---|
| Colorful Reef Fish | Almost Certain | Shallow reef shelf |
| Honu (Sea Turtles) | Very High | Over the sand patches |
| Spinner Dolphins | Common, not guaranteed | Deeper center of the bay |
| Manta Rays (Hahalua) | Rare | Deeper water, drop-off |
| Reef Sharks | Occasional | Deeper water |
Water Conditions and Safety
There are no lifeguards at Two Step. You are responsible for your own safety. Conditions are typically very calm in the morning, with glassy water and excellent visibility. By the afternoon, the wind and swell can pick up, making entry and exit more difficult and reducing visibility.
Always snorkel with a partner, know your limits, and keep an eye on the current and wave conditions. Do not snorkel here if there is a high surf advisory. Check the USGS forecast and local surf reports before you go.
Amenities and What to Bring
Two Step is a rustic spot with minimal facilities. There are typically a few porta-potties near the paid parking lot, but no showers, changing rooms, or concession stands.
Come prepared with everything you'll need for a few hours:
- Your own snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
- Reef-safe sunscreen (required by Hawaiʻi state law to protect our reefs)
- Plenty of drinking water and snacks
- Towels and a dry change of clothes
- Underwater camera
- Cash for parking
Kuleana: Respecting This Sacred Place
Visiting Two Step comes with a kuleana, or a responsibility, to care for the land, the ocean, and the culture. This area is not just a tourist attraction; it's a vital ecosystem and a place of immense cultural significance.
- Protect the Reef: Never touch, stand on, or kick the coral. It is a living animal and is extremely fragile. Use only mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreen (look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients).
- Respect Marine Life: Do not chase, touch, or feed any animals. Observe from a respectful distance. This is especially true for dolphins and turtles.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you bring in. There are limited trash receptacles, so be prepared to take your garbage with you.
- Be a Good Neighbor: Keep your voice down. This is a residential area and a place of peace. Be mindful of residents who call this place home.
Don't Miss Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
It would be a shame to visit Two Step without exploring the incredible National Historical Park right next door. Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau was a place of refuge in ancient Hawaiʻi. Today, the National Park Service (NPS) preserves the Great Wall, sacred temples (heiau), and kiʻi (carved wooden images) that make this one of the most important cultural sites in Hawaiʻi. The self-guided walking tour provides profound context to the entire coastline. Consider a visit as an essential part of your trip to this area, and for a complete Big Island experience, explore our other guides at https://highendhawaii.com.
Related Reading:
- A Guide to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park (/blog/puuhonua-o-honaunau-guide)
- The Best Snorkeling Spots in Kona (/blog/best-kona-snorkeling-spots)
- Exploring the Wonders of South Kona (/blog/south-kona-travel-guide)