Kahaluu beach park is the best Kona snorkeling spot. Actually the best spot on the whole island in my opinion. Located about 4.5 miles south of Kailua Kona on Alii Dr.
You'll See Lots of Tropical Fish in Kona
Alii Dr. runs north and south along the coast from Kailua Kona to Keauhou which is about 5 miles. Kahaluu Beach Park is right next door to the Keauhou Beach Hotel.
The reason I like the best Kona snorkeling spot here so much is because the bay is protected by a rock jetty which keeps waves from breaking in the bay.
The good thing about that is underwater visibility is very good because the sand on the bottom isn't getting all churned up from the surf like at an unprotected beach.
Turtles, Turtles and more Turtles.You can usually see at least one or two on any given day. I've seen as many as 5 turtles during one snorkel. They tend to hang out at the north end of the bay.
Be careful when snorkeling at that end of the bay though, in the winter there is a nasty rip current that runs south to north and you'll wind up half way to town if you're not careful or worse, banged up on the rocks.
This picture is looking south across the bay. As you can see it has a nice little beach you can enter the bay from.
It's against the law to fish here and I think the fish are fully aware of that and are very tame. The bay is filled with thousands of tropical fish.
There are many different varieties of reef fish here, as far as I know practically every type of reef fish known to Hawaii lives in this bay. Truely the best Kona snorkeling
You can buy food at the concession stand to feed the fish.They will come right to you if they think you have food for them.
Here's a tip just to prove my point, rub your thumb and fore finger together pointed towards the fish and they will come to you just like calling your dog.
On the north shore of the bay sits St. Peters Church.
Believe it or not mass is held here on a monthly basis and people get married there all the time. I know because I lived across the street for 2 years and would see the weddings all the time.
This picture shows the only surf heiau in the whole state overlooking the break at the north end of Kahaluu bay. This heiau is a stone platform. Heiau's are or were religious temples.
Not only is Kahaluu Beach Park the best Kona snorkeling, but is also rich in history in the surrounding area. I definitely think its "The Best"