place of refuge and snorkeling

[Majesty Fan]

Hubby and I are going to rent a car at the King Kam hotel and drive to Place of Refuge and were wondering where is the best place to snorkel? Is it better to do the POR first and then snorkel or snorkel the POR. We would like to see some turtles.

Lexi

[Ine]

It looks like you posted this question before. Look at this link for various answers. The city of Refuge is really beautiful, but bring a hat and water.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=484709

[mlprahl]

Hubby and I are going to rent a car at the King Kam hotel and drive to Place of Refuge and were wondering where is the best place to snorkel? Is it better to do the POR first and then snorkel or snorkel the POR. We would like to see some turtles.

Lexi

 

There's snorkeling at the Place of Refuge; we went last week when we were in Kona. Great place to SEE turtles; not a place to lay on the beach though, so prepare to be in the water if you decide to snorkel there. The shoreline is all rocks.

[Spikesgirl]

The bet snorkeling tends to shift, so just ask the park ranger when you enter where the best spot is for the day. He'll be happy to direct you.

 

Charlie

[beachchick]

There's snorkeling at the Place of Refuge; we went last week when we were in Kona. Great place to SEE turtles; not a place to lay on the beach though, so prepare to be in the water if you decide to snorkel there. The shoreline is all rocks.

 

Actually, the snorkeling is next to Place of Refuge at Honaunau Bay. It's a really important distinction because there no snorkeling at Place of Refuge itself, but the whole area tends to get lumped together in references.

 

IMO, the easiest entry is to the right of the boat ramp. If you're experienced, there is really good snorkeling off the lava "shelf" along the south end of the bay. It's one of those sometimes tricky entries. Watch or ask one of the locals for tips on where the best ledges are. That's what I did my first time, and it helped to know exactly where to find a good step off and step on.

 

beachchick

[CruisinMK]

That's a good place to snorkel, good chance you see some turtles

[sceneisle]

If, by some chance you don't see turtles at Honaunau (next to POR), stop off at Kahaluu Beach Park; just a few miles south of Kona. It's almost a guarantee you'll see turtles there.