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Diving/Snorkeling Two-Step

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creekland
creekland
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Editor Pick

Two Step

  • December 14, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by rubylu from Sebastopol, California
Two Step

Two Step is my favorite snorkeling place on the Big Island. It has clear blue-green water, a wide variety of fish, and a good variety of coral, some of it looking very healthy.

To get to Two Step, drive south of Kona past Captain Cook and take the well-marked turnoff to Pu'uhonua O Honaunau (Place of Refuge). Turn at the sign to the Place of Refuge, and then take the first narrow road on the right. It's one-way, so you'll come out back on the main road when you leave. You can park along the road if there's a space, or pay $3 to park in the lot.

There is no sand beach. You walk across a small outcrop of lava rock. You can get into the water anywhere along the rock, but most people go in and out of the water at one spot where the rock is neatly worn into two steps that drop off into the ocean. You can sit on a step, put on your snorkel gear, and launch yourself very easily.

Two Step is popular with nearby residents and with tourists of the slightly more adventurous sort. The water is deeper than, say, Kahalu'u, but it is very clear and you have a great view. It's protected by a reef and is very safe. This trip was in November, before winter, and we were able to snorkel in the afternoon as well as the morning. Other seasons, the water can get choppy and cloudier in the afternoon.

Several snorkel trip boats were in the water, with the people from them snorkeling in the bay. I always worry about being hit by one of these boats and prefer snorkeling when they aren't there. Though I'm sure they pay a lot of attention and I've never heard of any accidents. Two Step is also adjacent to a boat launching harbor, and I try to avoid drifting over there, again because of the boats. Although, you could swim right across the harbor and into the small beach at the Place of Refuge. But there's a sign on the beach to stand back, so that wouldn't be kosher. Though if one were to do so, one would be right among a lot of turtles. Okay, ten years ago when I did that, it was supposedly okay to do.

After getting out of the water, it feels good to let the sun warm you while sitting on the rocks. You can watch the yellow butterflies flutter by (well, they do!) and watch the fish in the water and the people in the water and on the rocks. And the crabs on the rocks. And the birds flying. And look at the life in the tiny tidepools. Both times I did this on this trip, I managed to get a bit of a sunburn. So be warned--reapply that sunscreen after you get out of the water. And bring water and snacks with you; there are no services here.

From journal Big Island 2--Kona to Volcano

Editor Pick

Diving/Snorkeling Two-Step (Place of Refuge)

  • April 26, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by creekland from East Berlin, Pennsylvania
Diving/Snorkeling Two-Step (Place of Refuge)

Two Step is one of the most popular places to snorkel on the Big Island — and once you see it you understand why. It is located right next to Place of Refuge and one can easily see both places from the same parking spot (though we didn't have time to go over there—another trip we'll check it out).

 

For our trip here, we opted to dive and hired a guide from Jack's Diving Locker to go with us. Being novice divers, I'm glad we did—not because we needed the guide for diving, but because the guide was knowledgeable in where to find/see many of the best spots/animals under water. It saved us precious air time.

 

Underwater there is a really spectacular coral wall to be explored. It was awesome, and full of life, and only really explorable by diving (too deep for snorkelers). We also saw lots of turtles, eels, fish of all colors and sizes, and Spinner Dolphins. This was the best place for us to see Spinners putting on their free show—but I'm told they are not always there. We just happened to get really lucky.

 

We did two dives, then opted to snorkel longer to watch the dolphin "show." For snorkelers, there's a little bit of a haze (due to fresh water mixing in) on the top layer of water close to shore. Snorkeling is good, but diving this site is better.

 

As a tip, wear a wetsuit. The water is cold and most folks without a wet suit only stay in for a short period of time. You also can't "ease" in here—there are two steps (hence the name) directly from lava into the water. Going in elsewhere is dangerous (watch people to see where the steps are). The place is crowded, so when you're on the steps get in/out, or you're holding up the line. With a wetsuit, this is easy. Without... BRR! Reef shoes are highly recommended too but the water is deep enough that you seldom, if ever, touch bottom (saving the coral!).

 

Bring any food/drinks and have a picnic with a gorgeous view! Our kids also explored the tide pools and saw young eels/fish. We all loved it there and will return again someday!

From journal Hawaii Vacation: The Adventure Continues

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