| If you're heading to the Big Island of Hawaii for a | | | | Sunscreen: And lots of it! Your back and the back |
| vacation, you have hopefully made room on your | | | | of your legs are very exposed when snorkeling; |
| itinerary for some snorkeling. Trust us when we | | | | you don't want a burn to be your biggest |
| tell you it's one of the best times you will ever | | | | reminder of the day! |
| have, as long as you prepare properly and know | | | | Moving on to the best spots to snorkel, here are |
| where to go. | | | | our top three beaches.o Pu'uhonua o Honaunau: |
| The best snorkeling spots will have a couple things | | | | Say it three times fast and you get a free guide |
| in common. First, they will be protected from big | | | | book. You are guaranteed to see a lot of sea |
| breaks. It's pretty hard to snorkel when the | | | | turtles as you walk along the lava rock and swim |
| waves are crashing down all around you! | | | | in the sheltered water. In fact, it's probably the |
| (Although, if you're on shore when it happens, | | | | best place to see the sea turtles on land; just be |
| you'll get a glimpse of a living aquarium. Often | | | | careful not to step on any!o Kealakekua Bay: |
| tropical fish can be seen as they are tossed on | | | | Located near the monument where Captain Cook |
| the waves in the break zone.) | | | | was killed, the Bay vies with Pu'uhonua for the |
| Next, the best snorkeling spots all have coral | | | | title of best snorkeling in the entire state. You'll |
| reefs of some sort. These reefs provide shelter | | | | see thousands of different fish species, turtles in |
| and food to the eels and tropical fish species you | | | | abundance, and dolphins which are frequent |
| will see as you glide along the water. | | | | visitors. It's a little bit harder to get to, though.o |
| Before we get to our favorite spots, here's a | | | | Puako: The main attraction of this area is that the |
| quick list of things you will need, to make the day | | | | reef which shelters the animals is so long - the |
| as enjoyable as possible:o Gear: A mask, flippers, | | | | entire reef stretches for several miles. That's a lot |
| and a snorkel are all that's called for (although a | | | | of real estate, and you will find a lot of fish along |
| bathing suit will keep you popular). Buy a kit at | | | | its expanse. |
| Costco or WalMart, not at a local store.o | | | | |