Have you ever seen a Natural Geographic picture of a bunch of seals sleeping on rocks? That's basically going on over here. Except the seals are people. Don't expect this to be your typical beach, because there really is no beach. Just lava rock. Bring a nice comfy mat if you want to lay out after diving. The real treat anyways is just off the rocks. The convenient Two Step makes it easy to slide off the rocks and snorkel in the bay. There is plenty of fish and lively coral in the area. Please remember to be respectful of the wild life and to not step on the coral. Also, please do not touch the turtles that come into the area or someone (like myself) will yell at you for endangering them. Again, do not touch the turtles. read more

Amazing snorkeling. Best snorkeling I've ever done. Nothing beats it. However, it's a little deep for those who don't like deep snorkeling. Very clear water and many beautiful fish though! Highly recommended for a day's outing. read more

I almost hate to add to the zillion people all shouting how incredible this place is, because I'm sure it could potentially get too crowded, etc. But for now, though it's popular, it's nowhere near too full, and you should GET OFF YOUR BUTT AND GO before it gets that way! We were on the Big Island to snorkel / freedive, and though we had a double fistful of places to check out, we wound up back at this one twice (nearly three times, but we ran out of time before our flight out :). I could have done this every single day and been thrilled with my whole vacation, though: Two-step is the best swimming and fish-watching spot I've *ever* seen. The water is crystal and perfectly warm, getting in and out is quite easy (maybe a slight challenge if you aren't a swimmer? but then why are you here? --but really, all you do is find a good position and fall in the water; my mom could do it) -- and the reef, oh my GODS is it beautiful. From the moment you stick your face in the water, you're in another world. Go have your mind blown, have a wonderful time, and for gods' sakes don't do anything to damage this incredible environment (DO NOT TOUCH the reef or the fish, DO NOT HARASS the turtles (yes there are!!) or dolphins, and don't litter) or I will come personally slap you sideways. Enjoy! read more

Had. Blast swimming with dolphins ! The snorkeling is amazing !! The fish are colorful and you can se them through the blue waters . The waves are perfect . read more

Nice clear water with lots of fish present. Parking was miserable....so difficult to find a parking space. No shower facilities there and only porta potties as restrooms. OMG, the porta potties were filthy. I feel so filthy after leaving that beach. read more

TWO STEP: Just north from PUUHONUA O HONAUNAU NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK/PLACE OF REFUGE, there is a ocean entrance for snorkeling, freediving. Parking is limited. Recommend to go early. We plan to be back here and spend a lot of time! read more

Beautiful place to snorkel! Spent the whole day here and our family could not get enough. So amazing to see all the beautiful fish and turtles. The only complaint is that with all the people swimming there with sunscreen, the water becomes very oily and cloudy on the surface which is kind of sad. Don't really know what the solution for that is though... Other than that this place is beautiful and would highly recommend checking it out while on the big island! read more

Two Step - Beautiful snorkeling spot! - Beaches Near Me

Love this place. I would give it a 5 if only the water were a little more clear but I'm sure that's not Two Steps fault it was slightly overcast that day. With that being said we saw all kinds of beautiful fish. We saw angel fish, needle and trumpet fish, parrot fish and a variety of coral. We saw a turtle but it was in the very shallow part. Take your time getting back up the steps when you are down as its best to time with the current. Also make sure you take the 2 steps only to get into the water as you could ruin the coral at other entry points. We didn't go out super deep because it was deep enough when we first pushed off the step, about 8 - 10 feet and it was instant beauty. We also lucked out because there was no crowd. read more

Best place to snorkel according to others. We agree. The lava rocks took some maneuvering but the snorkeling was worth it. Parking is limited but we got lucky as one was leaving. You can park at the nearby historical national park for a park entry fee of $15 and do both. We even saw a sea turtle in the shallow area diving for food next to our feet. My girls said there were reef fishes everywhere. I can even see the yellow tangs from the rocks. I don't swim. It was a very windy day so water was choppy but this was supposed to be the calmest water for snorkeling. read more

I want to give an honest review about Two Step with some tips that will make your visit more pleasant. First of all, I am not a strong swimmer, and a beginner snorkeler. For me, compared to turtle bay (Kahalu'u Beach Park) this one is not beginner friendly. may be just the time or the day I went (I went in July, around 9 am in the morning), the bay was not calm at all. I found it very difficult to get into the water. As a beginner, I opted to go in using the old boat ramp - but that also means you need to swim through large rocks and corals in order to get to the actual snorkeling area to the right. Also, the rocks/corals have sharp edges. it is hard to get around, so wear snowshoe/divers socks and take it off right before you get into the water. I also had a snorkel life jacket on (Thank God for that) since the bay was actually pretty deep in some areas (may be 30-50 ft), also no lifeguard on duty. So if you are not a strong swimmer, make sure you bring some floatation device. I will recommend something that you don't have to hold onto because of the waves, lest you lose them. The corals are much bigger than that of the turtle bay, but I find the turtle bay water to be much clearer. Also, may be because the turtle bay is shallower and has more sun reaching the bottom of the ocean, the corals at the turtle bay are actually more impressive looking with much more fish around. I tried to take videos while snorkeling at Two Step, but the fish are pretty far away (they are all at the bottom with the corals), unlike Turtle bay, they brush up against you; also the waves at the Two Step make it almost impossible for me to take good steady videos. Getting out of the water was also a challenge...especially with the waves coming towards you. I scraped myself a couple of times against the lava rock trying to get out of the waves... I think if I saw turtle or dolphins, that would have made this from a 3 stars to 4.5 stars...however, it was just not that impressive as Turtle Bay in general. If I only have to pick 1 place to snorkel on the big island, Turtle bay will be it...this one I am just going to skip.... read more

This is a great snorkeling g spot. easy entry and exit, a lot of fish last time we went with clear water. Only con is that there is no rest/beach area. read more

This is the best place to snorkel on the Big Island. You are guaranteed to see hundreds of beautiful fish. There is plenty of room for everyone. I would highly recommend bringing water shoes to protect your feet from the coral and rocks. I was able to swim with dolphins! I found them where the water is about 40ft deep. Make sure to wear lots of sunscreen on your back so you don't burn! This is a MUST SEE snorkel location. read more

This place is a life experience! Had an amazing time diving and snorkeling. Got to swim with dolphins! read more

Two Step - What an Amazing dive! - Beaches Near Me

Great place to snorkel, hang out. There's a perfect little spot for families with little kids to hang out in the water and next to that is the area to snorkel! Water is shallow within two steps (hence name). It really is amazing spot to snorkel and plenty of palm trees (shade) close enough to water to hang out. read more

Two Step - A picture of area of shade and the water to snorkel - Beaches Near Me

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A great snorkel spot by the Place of Refuge. We parked on the street to avoid the $5 parking across from the beat area to enter the ocean. Two Step is called because there is a natural double shelf on the lava entry that makes it easy to enter the ocean with your fins and mask on. The coral is good, water is clear and lots of different kinds of fish to see. The port-a-potties were I'm really rough shape so girls find a bathroom before you head into the area! read more

One of our favorite snorkeling spots on the island! The water was kind of rough when we went but visibility was excellent and we saw so many schools or fish. Ask someone where to get in, it's not readily apparent where the "two step" is. We found the best reef was immediately to the left of the two steps. If you pay $5 to park in the state park parking lot you can visit Pu`uhonua O Hōnaunau and use the park facilities to change. read more

Access is a little challenging but once your in best snorkeling so far. Lots of fish some turtles & a moray eel. No showers & only porta potties so a bit rustic. Busy when we there at 11 so going earlier would probably be best bet. read more

Two Step - Beaches Near Me

A wonderful place to snorkel. Get there first thing in the morning for the chance to swim with spinner dolphins, although you aren't allowed to get too close. Just spectacular! Not many amenities, but well worth it. One of the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island. read more

Two Step - Beaches Near Me

Nice snorkeling. Two steps and your in snorkel fun town. A little crazy getting out of the water , but fun having a wave wash you up on shore. read more

Two Step - Beaches Near Me

As with many places in Hawaii, the Hawaiian name has gotten lost to English nicknames, and this ocean spot is no different. Now known as "Two Steps", the Hawaiian name for this area is called Paea. It is one of the best snorkeling spots in all of Hawaii. The water is clear even in the afternoon and with cloud or heavy vog cover. The fishes and ocean creatures are abundant. What makes this area such a good snorkel spot is that the reef is still alive. As many people might not know, the majority of Hawaii's reef is no longer thriving, which is why it is difficult to find good snorkel spots. This is in part due to overuse of reef areas where the number of people frequenting certain spots may not know or understand that if you step on the reef you can actually kill it. Also overfishing and pollution has contributed to many of the dying reefs in Hawaii. So, when a beautiful, alive and thriving reef like in Paea still exists, it is very special indeed and should be cared for. Paea is still intact. But, more visitors are frequenting this area as the word is getting around that the snorkeling is amazing. This is true, the snorkeling is amazing but it's also important to help preserve it. The coral is gorgeous - large, brilliant in color and full of life. There are tropical fishes in abundance here, sea cucumbers, wana (sea urchins) and even honu (sea turtles) and naia (dolphins). Carefully enter the water from the lava rocks, be mindful of swimming over the reef and not hitting it with fins or feet. Also be mindful of the many, many sea urchins that live in crevices in the lava rock and within the reef. A sea urchin puncture is no joke! Being mindful will help this reef remain as gorgeous and alive as ever, for more generations to enjoy. read more

Great place for snorkeling. Large area, plenty of reef, tons of fish. We even saw a turtle. Parking in the lot is $5 but you can park on the road for free if you get there early enough. read more

My husband and I were recently on the Big Island, and our Lyft driver recommended two step for snorkeling. It did not disappoint! We have been snorkeling all over Hawaii and this is the best snorkeling I have ever seen. You basically drive to the Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, and right before you drive in there, there is a tiny, one way street that you turn on to get to two step. It has limited parking, but my husband and I came here twice during our 7 day stay and both times we got lucky with parking. There are no bathrooms, just portapotties, so come prepared an dressed ready to snorkel. There are a few pinic tables. Basically you walk out onto to the lava rock, and there are two "steps" that lead you into the water. Everyone leaves their towels and stuff on the lava rocks, there is no sand here. We are both fairly good swimmers, I am also pregnant, and I had no issues getting in or out of the water. Once we got in, the water is fairly deep. We saw fish right away. So many yellow tangs, lipstick tangs, puffer fish, and other reef creatures. Really clear and beautiful. Like I said, we have been all over the islands snorkeling and this was the best! This is a must do on the list of things to do in Hawaii. read more

Best snorkeling spot on the Kona side! Sea turtles and dolphins on occasion. Handicapped accessible to the beach, you can also wheel someone in on the boat ramp! read more

We visited Two Step beach second week in April - never got around to posting - this is a HIGHLY recommended spot to visit. If I had my say, I would not let kids be here as the tide getting in and out of the water can be challenging, or any poor swimmer for that matter.... it would be easier to not trip over and worry about their skill level - etc. NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY HERE... swim at your own risk! Watch out for the sea urchins! That being said, we swam with a pod of 20+ dolphins, even two little babies. They would breach as a group and then dive down - some even jumped out of the water - truly magical. I don't know how long they'll stick around for the insane groups of people chasing them and not respecting nature.... be patient. Let them swim and do their thing. Watch them, take a picture of them. They will come close to you if they're comfortable! On this day, we had them to ourselves. On another day, there were 40 people swimming all over trying to get close. Y'all are going to scare them away. BUT - highly recommended, pay $5 cash to park in the small church parking lot to the side (right side prior to entrance to public park area) -- there are porta-potties here too! read more

Two Step - don't chase them or you'll scare them away :) - Beaches Near Me

This beach/bay is the best place for snorkeling and scuba diving. When my family and I went we saw about 25 dolphins and got relight next to them and I did see a sea turtle but it was far out and right next to the ocean floor. I do recommend the is one easy spot to get in and out so I would recommend you try to find that also DO NOT STICK YOU FINGERS IN THE HOLES IN THE ROCKS. Unless you want to get stabbed by sea urchins. But overall it is the best beach I have been to in Hawaii read more

Easy approach to the shore. Wonderful views underwater. Fantastic sunny location. Tidepools and rocky entry.

Wonderful experience snorkeling with the family. Getting in the water is no doubt tricky, but once you're in, the snorkeling doesn't disappoint. Diverse fish, big and small, plus my son was able to see a turtle swimming. There was also a turtle up on the rocks while we were there. Go early and beat the crowd. Check out the National Park right next door too! read more

This has to be one of the best snorkeling spots off the Big Island. We started our day by visiting the place of Refuge which was such a spiritual, touching experience. We moved our car for the parking lot there since there was no beach access and parked along the street. You walk across so rock and step down "two steps" into the ocean. You have to time your entry because the water can hit you very hard and knock you down if you don't. Once it the water, it's breathtaking! read more

Even as a beginning snorkeler I was comfortable here, though I didn't go too far out as I am deathly afraid of deep water and sharks (though we didn't see any). Parking is tight, go first thing in the morning. It was a great mix of locals and tourists, everyone was friendly. A really great variety of fish and other sea creatures, we went twice and wish we had gone more. You'll want to bring everything you'll need, there's nothing there but honey buckets. There's one small sandy and partly shaded area, but other than that it's all rock with a few tide pools. It was our favorite next to Captain Cook for variety and number of fish. read more

Spinner dolphins! They just kept cruising around all the snorklers, doing laps, coming up for air then diving under us. It was awesome! Also, a sea turtle and plenty of fish. Parking can be busy, but we easily got spots in the little lot with the $5 sign (it's an honor system to stick in the box at the entry, and worth it for no-stress parking). read more

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Beautiful snorkeling spot - it's a gem. If you're on the big island, you must stop by. You'll be blown away with how many tropical fish you can see. We stopped by around 11-12 in the morning - it was definitely a busy location. However, there is plenty of space to find a nice spot of your own. If possible, bring a waterproof camera. Yes it is crowded, but I firmly believe that it's worth it. Get there early if you can, even if you only stay for an hour or so. Unfortunately I didn't see any dolphins or turtles - but that's okay, I'll see them next time :) read more

Don't tell anybody about the secret little hidden jewel. Always be respectful and park properly!

I had such an amazing time snorkeling here! It literally takes just 2 steps and the water gets super deep after that. I'm honestly not even the best swimmer either but I was able to manage jumping in and getting use to the drop below. But be careful about swimming back to the steps because the waves could push you into the rocks nearby. Despite that, the coral reef is huge, very alive, healthy and beautiful. Unfortuntely I didn't get to swim right next to dolphins, but I saw many colorful fish. I really love snorkeling now and this place made me love it even more . Absolutely beautifu!!! I will make it a mission to come back and swim with the dolphins someday. read more

Do not waste your time and money on guided snorkel tours, this is were they take you. This is the BEST snorkeling spot for everyone, young, old, pro and beginner. Parking is limited so make this a morning trip, (get there around 8 or 9). There is no actual beach, all lava, but the bay is massive and the fish are PLENTIFUL. We even saw crowds of turtles. One thing to be wary of is the descent into the water. Like the name implies it is two rocks that step carefully, but sometimes slippery into the ocean. As the small lapping waves come up onto the steps they can pull at you. Nothing to be worried about, just be aware. Have Fun!! read more

Beware of denge mosquitos!!!!! Very bad place, but kept secret. Hookena beach 2 miles south is closed, so is Milolii. Just yesterday I spoke to 3 local people at the same spot on the beach - all had it. It is very bad and one can die easy. There was a lot of rain this year and there are plenty of them, especially under those benches, under the tree. I suspect Hawaii does not want tourism to suffer, but this beach should have been closed long ago. I suspect they will after the holiday season. Too bad as it is otherwise a good spot to swimm. read more

My first ever snorkeling experience, by myself and it was incredible! This was the perfect place to start out and was so beautiful. Didn't get to see the dolphins that have been said to be there early in the morning, but still enjoyed myself so much. read more

This is a great place to snorkel we saw bright blue yellow fish and a coupe sea turtles it was amazing to see all of this didn't expect it the area is a little crowed for parking but they have a separate lot that you to 5 .00 and you can park there ! This is a very nice beach overall read more

Great place, fun snorkeling. Only draw back is its a bit crowded but plenty of space and things to see. Glad I went

Beautiful snorkeling. Seen a vast variety of fish, no turtles or dolphins when we were there. Even though it's busy, there's a lot of room in the water and on the rocks. Parking seemed like it could be difficult, get there early. No showers/bathrooms read more

Favorite snorkel spot in the near Kona area. Water is usually clear and there is a good variety of sea life. On our last visited saw tons of fish, snorkeled with a pod of dolphins, green sea turtles and a school of 5 white tip reef sharks. read more

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