Honaunau Bay–south of Kona, on the Big Island, HI

Sleeping Sharks, Tips on the Area
5 of 5 stars

Two Steps and the famous Puuhonua O Honaunau Historical site are located about twenty-two miles south of Kona on Route 11. There is a large sign to point the way on Route 160 on Keala O Keawe Road. The historical park is well marked.

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My wife did not like going north on Route 160.

I would not recommend Route 160 that juts north of this park as the shoulders are non-existent and in parts, it turns into a single lane road. My wife did not like this route back.

If you park in the Puuhonua O Honaunau Historical Park it will cost you $5. People do park outside along the road. A short walk will get you to Two Steps.

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Arguably one of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii.

We were told by locals that Two Steps is the best spot to snorkel on the Big Island. We concur, as Two Steps is even better than Kealakekua Bay State Park where the Captain Cook’s Monument is located. At least Two Steps is easier to reach.

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I love Kealakekua Bay near Captain Cook’s Monument. But, it is expensive and not easy to get to.

We found the snorkeling to be very clear, plenty of fish and we even came across sleeping sharks in a cave.

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Just your normal white tip reef sharks.
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Plenty of Yellow Tang in the area.

If you have time, we highly recommend visiting the historical park of Puuhonua O Honaunau next store.

It is operated by the National Park Service and there is a five dollar charge. If you are 62, highly recommend the senior pass that will get you into all the Federal parks for free, forever.

It was “A place of refuge” for those that broke Hawaiian laws. Puuhonua was the place to flee and be redeemed through a “ceremony of redemption.” It is 180 acres and some of the original places still exist. This ancient place is still regarded as sacred. Every so often, there are authentic ceremonies that go on with the entire Hawaiian motif.

The refuge and Two Steps sits right on the spectacular blue Pacific.

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The picture is actually taken north of Kona.

 

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