避难之城

Excellent place to snorkel, and it's nice because you can easily do this on your own (as opposed to Captain Cook). While I don't agree that it's easy to enter the water using the "two-steps" because the surge is quite rough there and requires timing, quick removal of fins, and getting yourself up the steps, it is worth the effort. Also, other people are willing to give you a hand. We visited here twice, and the variety of fish life is incredible. The coral formations are great, too. While we saw quite a few people out in the deeper areas, we particularly enjoyed the snorkelling near the shoreline.If you can't easily find free parking, you can pay $5 to park in the dirt lot which is right across from Two-Step. There are always many people here because it has such a reputation for great snorkelling. It is also right next door to Place of Refuge (quite interesting to visit), so easy to combine to the two in a day. Restroom tip: the port-a-potties are rather nasty, but you can pay the admission fee at Place of Refuge (good for a week, so you could visit here at another date as well), and this National Park has decent restrooms, which might come in handy after your snorkel.If you continue down the road (which gets a bit narrow, but definitely do-able in a regular car), you will come to a parking lot and scenic view of Kealakekua Bay. Recommended, if you have the time.

I would have given this 5 stars but you must know there is not an improved ocean entry/exit. If you are a beginner getting out can be especially dangerous as the Two Step area is loaded with urchins especially where you want to grab hold. I'm not new to wave surges but my exit was difficult. My wife's even harder. Doable, just have to time your exit with the surges perfectly. The ocean was much rougher an hour after we entered. Later I helped an experienced scuba person up onto the ledge and to safety. Just saying it was rough! As for the snorkeling, 5 Star minimum. Loved the coral, rocks and teeming sea life. Even saw a turtle who let me follow him for quite some time. Easy drive south from Kona. We parked in National Park lot for $5. We could have parked outside and walked down but felt the rental was safer in the lot, plus we toured the park and used the bathrooms. Parking tag is good for 7 days if you decide to return. If you don't snorkel then wander on the lava bed to the edge and you'll see fishes and coral. Our friends saw a turtle out of the water on the rocks as well a numerous fish in the water. Or, bring a mat, find a flat area on the lava and catch some sun.

Very nice place to snorkel. There were lots of people the day we were there and but we didn't feel crowded. Tons of coral here as well without the tour company boats like at Capt Cook. Great dive down too winding down the mountain from Kona. Let me know if you find my spouse's wedding band cuz its in the water there somewhere :)

Not much shore. Just a lava bed but there is a smooth " bench" of lava that you can sit on to get in and out of the water. Snorkelling was pretty good but not exceptional. To the north of entry and close to shore had the most fish. Two turtles. There are cars parked all over the roadsides leading in, but just drive down and pay $5 to park right across from the shore.

You will not see road signs from Highway 11 telling you about this beach, so watch for sign showing Highway160 near mile marker 103 on Highway 11 going south from Kona. You will come to the Pu'uhonau National Park. You don't have to enter the Park, you can just park on the side of the road, but if that is full, pay the meager $5. Park entry fee, and go to the beach. This beach is fairly busy, has a couple of small sandy areas, and LOTS of big fairly flat rocks you can sit or lie on. Shade is at a premium but there is a bit, if you need it. There are no facilities there, so bring your own water, and you will need to go into Park anyway, if you need a bathroom. Snorkelling is great, with multitudes of various colored fish, and sea turtles. One swam from behind me, under my arm and carried on. What a start but what a lovely site. The one small beach is excellent for children and those who are no so accomplished in swimming. Shallow and quite protected for a good distance. Would recommend having some of the $9 beach shoes, though as it is quite rocky once you get into the water.

Turn onto the 160 Road at mile marker 103 of the belt Rd South Kona the Big Island and take the road entering the Pu'uhonau National Park. You don't have to enter the Park if history is not for you, just park on the side of the road and amble down to the beach near the entrance. This beach is fairly busy but not in a claustrophobic/aggressive way. If you are not wanting to hike to Captain Cook beach it is a great alternative. While both places are fantastic, the Honaunau bay has a place for snorkeling fanatics to step off into the ocean without potentially breaking an ankle. It is just to the right of the boat launch. While my husband snorkeled (just as many colorful vibrant fish as Captain Cook) and followed a green sea turtle around from a respectful distance, I sat on one of the black rocky outcrops and watched as another green sea turtle feed not far from my feet. We didn't see dolphins today but apparently they do make an appearance frequently. Free entrance to a lava inspired rocky beach with a laid back atmosphere and an abundance of fish and sea turtles surrounded by awe inspiring bluffs and a calm ocean is truly relaxing.

Two step also known as Honaunau Bay provides incredible snorkelling opportunity. There are plenty of vibrant coloured fish but also many green seat turtles, "Honu". You can either park at the park or directly in-front of the shore. You can also see Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Park. We have been there many times and have never been disappointed.

Corals, many types of fish, crystal-clean water and... dolphins if you are lucky!We loved this place. The "two-steps" make it really easy to get inside the water and back to the shore. It is a popular but not crowded place. I strongly recommend to swim towards the South, towards North the visibility is not so good, at least in September.We went there every single day we spent in Kona and we were never disappointed. Plarking is not difficult in the morning, so if you wake up early you can park for free. If not, with 5 USD you can park under surveillance.

We were here Nov 2013 and Dec 2014. This place has the most incredible coral. The water clarity is superb on a calm day. It is easier if you head out to the left, but the reef to the right just goes on and on. The blue of the water is intoxicating and coral gardens are stellar. We have seen big schools of fish and in 2013 we swam across this bay to catch up to a school of dolphins. It was surreal. They are so beautiful. They swam around us in circles, felt like something from Altered States. We didn't see the dolphins this year, but lots of sea life. It is called two step, but we came during a stormy time in 2014 and you had time your giant step just right. What a beautiful place.

We were unfortunate to visit here during the wild storm of early January that brought torrential rain in the evenings and very high winds that shut down the main Hwy 11 for a while due to fallen trees and closed down some of the beaches on the Kona coast (even the very tranquil Kahaluu was closed due to excessive currents and waves -- I've never seen it like that before!). On the plus side, we had no problem with parking that everyone talks about, but nobody was out snorkeling beyond the lagoon on the left, not even the locals. It is a very pretty setting, though, and well worth visiting just for the views (and Place of Refuge next door).

We really enjoyed snorkeling at Honaunau - or two-step as many call it. Based on recommendations from others, we paid $5 and parked in the Place of Refuge parking lot. Totally worth it as there are real washrooms there you can use, also Place of Refuge is definitely worth visiting after you snorkel as it is beautiful. We were a little concerned we wouldn't be able to find the "two-step" entry on the lava, but it wasn't an issue - lots of friendly locals and tourists leading the way. It's a nice deeper spot for snorkeling, you get a really good vantage point that way. Amazing coral and fish, also enjoyed the underwater "Aloha."

Best snorkeling ever! Never expected to see a big whale shark and so many dolphins at the same time. Corals are also superb at this place. Simply a memory for life. :)If parking down by the bay is full you can pay 5$ for a ticket to the natural park 100 meters away from the bay where there is plenty of parking spots the ticket is valid for a week if you want to visit often.

Our family really enjoyed our time at Honaunau. A nice spot called two step is a must for snorkelers and scuba divers as well. Parking kind of a hassle but well worth it!

It was very windy the day we went and the waves were a little intimidating but once we got into the water, the snorkeling would have been hard to beat. Between the reef and fish and turtles, we had a spectacular day.

OMG!!If you snorkel or scuba, this is a premier area to go. There is sooo much coral here, it's great. A couple things,If you aren't a strong swimmer, hit up the lagoon on the left side. Shallow and lots of fish that are easily accessible. You'll be rewarded with turtles in the lagoon looking to feed in a relatively calm area.If you are confident, the middle and the right will reward you with great views of coral. The water immediately is around 7-10 feet deep. Lots of fish along the coast line. In the middle is for scuba divers as the water can drop upto 70 - 90 feet deep. From a snorkeler's view it will be a beautiful cerulean blue back drop.This is already a must return spot for me.