Coastal Living lists Papalaua Wayside Park as one of the planet’s best snorkeling spots. I confess, I haven’t been there, though I have snorkeled at Molokini, the pretty little crater off Maui’s shores and at Kona’s amazing turtle packed little beach at Kahalu’u Beach Park.
Yellow Tangs by Nivek Woods via Flickr
I’m not surprised that a Hawaii spot is listed in an article about snorkeling wonderlands, but what, no Kaleakakua Bay? Those sparkling clear waters? Those friendly and wierdly grinning eels? Those schools of yellow coral munching fish, all facing the same direction like grazing cattle? Not to mention the tragic history underlying this magical spot — it is, after all, where the great explorer, Captain James Cook met his end.
If you are on the Big Island and looking to do a snorkel boat trip, I can’t recommend the Fair Wind tour enough. Great service, a clean boat, well maintained gear, yummy snackage, and location, location, location. Go in the morning and book in advance. It’s not cheap — today the web is turning prices at nearly 125 per person, ouch, but you get the best part of the day in spectacular waters and a late afternoon cruise back to Keauhou Bay. You’re as likely as not to see dolphins and, in season, humpback whales at no extra cost. It’s a splurge and every time I’ve made the trip, I have loved every single minute of it.
Hat tip for the Coastal Living links to the LA Times.