Honaunau Bay

The Basics

Locals and travelers alike come to Two-Step Beach (named for the way swimmers enter the water: first by stepping into the shallow water onto flat rocks and then pushing off to swim) for calm swimming and world-class snorkeling. It’s a top spot for Big Island snorkeling tours and is set right next to Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. Many visitors stop at both sights for a half-day of exploring Hawaii’s history and underwater world.

Things to Know Before You Go

• You can enter the water from the boat ramp to avoid slipping on the wet rocks.

• Bring your own snorkel gear and snacks.

• There are no showers, changing rooms, or toilets at the bay, but you can find these facilities at the nearby national historical park, where you can also park your car.

• Be sure to always keep a safe distance from marine life while observing them, and never disturb them in the wild.

How to Get There

Honaunau Bay is a 45-minute drive from downtown Kailua-Kona. Take Highway 11 south to Highway 160 near mile marker 106, continue about 5 miles (8 kilometers) to the Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park entrance, and then turn right onto a narrow 1-lane road. About 100 yards past the boat ramp at Keone‘ele Cove is a small parking area. Parking is also available at the neighboring national park for a small fee.

When to Get There

Arrive early in the morning to snag a parking spot along the beach road or in the Honaunau Bay parking area, and a sandy spot for your towel. Winter months are often less crowded. The Big Island enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round, and dolphins can be spotted all year as well.

Visiting Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau

Located right next to Honaunau Bay, Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park offers paid parking and facilities for swimmers and snorkelers. The 180-acre (73-hectare) park doesn’t offer water access, but it does have a storied past as a place of refuge for ancient Hawaiians. It was also a royal grounds and remains a powerful site today, where visitors can grab a map and take self-guided tours past wooden sculptures of Hawaiian deities and a sacred temple.

Ways to explore

Snorkeling is the main event at Two Step. The easy entry from lava rock shelves gave the beach its nickname. First, you step onto flat rocks covered by shallow water, then you push off the rocks to swim. It’s common to spot colorful reef fish, bright coral gardens, and Hawaiian green sea turtle (honu). Pods of spinner dolphins visit the bay, too.

For the best snorkeling experience, visit as part of a guided tour. The bay is next to Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, so many tours stop at both locations for a half-day of exploring Hawaii’s underwater world.

Accessibility

Due to the sandy terrain and uneven rocky surface, Two Step Beach is not wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Reef-safe sunscreen, towel, snorkel, snacks

What to wear

Swimsuit, water shoes

Not allowed

Swimming or walking close to wildlife, chemical sunscreen

Amenities

There are no showers, changing rooms, or toilets at the bay, but you can find these facilities at the nearby national historical park.

Address 

Honaunau Bay is a roughly 40-minute drive from downtown Kailua-Kona. You can reach the park by car or on a private tour; it’s not accessible by public transit.

Driving

From Kailua-Kona, take Highway 11 for about 20 miles (32 kilometers) to Highway 160. Turn left on Honaunau Beach Road and look for parking along the road or at a small parking area near the shore.

Public transportation

There are no public buses or shuttle lines with direct access to the bay. The closest bus stop is 25 minutes away at Keauhou Shopping Center.

Best times to visit

Arrive early to snag a parking spot—plus a sandy spot for your towel. Low tide is the best time to observe green sea turtles basking in the sun.

Best days to visit

Weekends fill up fast, especially in the snug parking lot. Plan a midweek visit for smaller crowds.

Best months to visit

Summer to early fall is generally considered the best time to snorkel on the Big Island, when calmer waters make it easier to spot wildlife such as dolphins, turtles, and rays.

Special events

While you won’t likely find special events or festivals at Honaunau Bay, nearby Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park hosts the Hawaiian Cultural Festival every June.