When it comes to snorkeling and happy hour, there’s no better place to be than the Big Island of Hawaii. In this video by DE Tales, you’ll be taken on a virtual adventure to some of the best snorkeling spots on the island. The video starts with a visit to Kahaluu Beach, a popular snorkeling destination known for its abundance of fish and beautiful coral. You’ll also learn that parking at this beach is no longer free, as the proceeds go towards beach restoration. After an exciting snorkeling experience at Kahaluu Beach, the video takes you to Two Step, another renowned snorkeling spot with clear blue waters and a stunning coral field. However, getting out of Two Step can be challenging, especially for less experienced swimmers. But don’t worry, the video provides helpful tips and insights to ensure a safe and enjoyable snorkeling experience. After all the snorkeling fun, the video concludes with a visit to the Royal Kona Resort for a well-deserved happy hour. With delicious drinks like lava flows and mai tais, this is the perfect way to unwind and relax after a day of adventure. Overall, this video is part of a Hawaii vlog series and is intended for entertainment purposes only, providing viewers with the opportunity to experience the best snorkeling and happy hour spots on the Big Island.
Day 3: Big Island’s BEST Snorkeling & Happy Hour Spot – Hawaii Adventures!
Today, we’re taking you on an exciting adventure filled with snorkeling and drinks! It’s our snorkel day, and we have some amazing spots to show you. We’ll be visiting Kahaluu Beach, which is my absolute favorite place to snorkel in all of Hawaii. Then, we’ll head to Two Step, another popular snorkeling spot. Finally, we’ll end the day with a visit to our favorite happy hour spot, the Royal Kona Resort. So grab your snorkeling gear and get ready for a day of fun in the sun!
Snorkeling at Kahaluu Beach
Introduction to Kahaluu Beach
Kahaluu Beach is located about an hour away from our hotel in Waikoloa. It used to have free parking, but now there is a small fee. This fee goes towards the restoration of the beach, as it is a volunteer-run beach and not funded by the state. The volunteers at Kahaluu Beach are incredibly helpful and will gladly provide you with information about the best spots to snorkel, the current water conditions, and the most fish-filled areas. They also stress the importance of using mineral sunscreen to protect the coral, as they are working hard to regrow the coral in the area.
Beach Restoration and Parking
The parking at Kahaluu Beach can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. It’s best to arrive in the morning to secure a spot on the beach and in the parking lot. There is a lifeguard on duty and showers available for your convenience. The morning or early afternoon is the ideal time to snorkel at Kahaluu Beach, as I have found that the water conditions are usually the best during those times. As soon as you jump into the water, you’ll be greeted by an abundance of fish. The variety of sea life here is truly incredible, making it one of the reasons why Kahaluu Beach is my favorite snorkeling spot in Hawaii.
Mineral Sunscreen for Coral Protection
One of the key things to remember when snorkeling at Kahaluu Beach is to use coral-safe sunscreen. The volunteers at the beach provide SPF 30 mineral sunscreen for free, but if you need a higher SPF, it’s best to bring your own. Chemical sunscreens can harm or even kill the coral, so it’s important to do your part in preserving the beautiful underwater ecosystem. By using mineral sunscreen, you can enjoy your snorkeling experience while ensuring the coral remains healthy and thriving.
Snorkeling at Two Step
Introduction to Two Step
After our time at Kahaluu Beach, we headed to Two Step, another popular snorkeling spot on the Big Island. The parking here is limited, but there is street parking available if you’re lucky enough to find a spot. There is also a paid parking lot nearby that charges a fair price of five dollars. Upon entering the water at Two Step, we were immediately greeted by marine life. However, the real surprise came when we ventured further out. We discovered a vast field of coral, something we hadn’t seen in any of the videos we watched prior to our trip. The water at Two Step is incredibly clear and blue, providing a breathtaking snorkeling experience.
Challenges of Exiting Two Step
While snorkeling at Two Step was a fantastic experience, getting out of the water proved to be a bit challenging. The waves can be quite strong, and the area near the rocks can be rough. We had a difficult time finding our way back because the channels had filled with shallow water. We decided to use the two steps that the spot is named after to try and exit. However, we ended up getting pushed into the rocks and scraped our knees in the process. It’s worth mentioning that we saw other people with minor injuries, so it’s clear that exiting Two Step can be tricky. If you’re not a strong swimmer or lack confidence in the water, it may be best to skip snorkeling at Two Step. While it was a beautiful snorkeling spot, the difficulty of getting out may not be worth it for everyone.
Outdoor Marketplace
Overview of the Marketplace
On our way back to Kona for happy hour, we made a stop at the Outdoor Marketplace. It’s a small marketplace with cute little shops where you can find unique souvenirs and trinkets. The marketplace is not overly crowded, making it a pleasant place to browse and shop. The best part is that there is free parking available, so you don’t have to worry about finding a spot. If you have some time to spare, I highly recommend making a stop at the Outdoor Marketplace.
Cute Shops and Fair Prices
The shops at the Outdoor Marketplace offer a variety of items, from handmade crafts to clothing and accessories. The prices here are reasonable, and you can find some great deals. It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs for yourself or gifts for friends and family back home. The atmosphere is lively, and the vendors are friendly. Whether you’re looking for a unique piece of jewelry or a locally made artwork, you’re bound to find something that catches your eye at the Outdoor Marketplace.
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Happy Hour at Royal Kona Resort
Introduction to Royal Kona Resort
Our final stop for the day was the Royal Kona Resort, where we stayed during our previous visit to the Big Island. We decided to come back because we absolutely love their happy hour. The resort offers a stunning view and a great selection of drinks and food. It’s the perfect place to unwind and relax after a day of snorkeling. The atmosphere is laid-back, and the staff is friendly and attentive.
Specialty Drinks and Food Recommendations
During happy hour at the Royal Kona Resort, you can indulge in some delicious specialty drinks. One of our favorites is the lava flow, a tropical blend of fruit juices and rum. The mai tais are also a hit, with their refreshing flavors and perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. As for food, we highly recommend trying their poke and nachos. These dishes were absolutely delicious and paired well with our drinks. However, we must advise against ordering the buffalo fries, as they didn’t quite live up to our expectations.
Conclusion
After a day filled with snorkeling and happy hour, we ended our adventure with a relaxing swim in the swimming hole at the Royal Kona Resort. This spot offers a calm and tranquil environment, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the peacefulness of the water. It was the perfect ending to a fun-filled day.
We hope you enjoyed joining us on this snorkeling and happy hour adventure in Hawaii. Remember, this video and article are for entertainment purposes only. Hawaii Adventures is dedicated to providing you with the best experiences in Hawaii, and we can’t wait to share more amazing adventures with you. Stay tuned for our next video where we’ll explore even more of the Big Island’s incredible sights and activities. Until then, mahalo and aloha!