Two Step Beach on Honaunau Bay

Two Step at Honaunau Bay is a lava rock shoreline with shallow saltwater pools and a just a few pockets of sand. This doesn’t sound like an appealing beach, but it’s one of the best-known snorkeling spots on the Big Island.

If you rent snorkel gear on the west side of the island, the rental shop will tell you about the Two Step even though it’s a bit off the beaten path. The snorkeling is as good as advertised with some shallow stuff near shore and deeper places for those that like to dive. Also, the chance to see spinner dolphins is high. If you see them, you are required to stay back about 150 feet, but if they are putting on a show by spinning out of the water, this is still a good viewing distance. Sea turtles are common here too.

There is a concrete boat ramp at Two Step that enters Honaunau Bay via Keoneele Cove and next to it you’ll find a small sandy beach that’s good for kids swim at. However most snorkelers will be getting into the water via the lava rock “steps” north of the ramp.

From downtown Kailua-Kona it’s about a 45 minute drive. From the resorts north of Kona, it’s over an hour drive, but it’s worth it no matter where you are starting from. And while you are in the area, you should visit Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park a.k.a. “The Place of Refuge” to learn some history and go for a hike.

To find the Two Step, follow directions to Puuhonau O Honaunau National Park via Highway 160 and just before the park’s entrance, turn right onto a one-way road with a Shoreline Public Access sign. If no free parking spots are available along Honaunau Beach Road, you’ll find an obvious parking lot with spots for a nominal fee.

Address

Honaunau Beach Rd
Captain Cook, HI 96704

Phone

808-961-8311

Park Name

Honaunau County Boat Ramp

Other Names

2-Step, Keoneele Cove

Owner

County

Pet Details

No dogs allowed at county beach parks

Fees

Free day-use parking, fees for camping permits

Activities

Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Boating, Picnicking, Fishing, Swimming, Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Amenities

Boat Ramp, Toilets, Picnic Tables, BBQs, Spinner Dolphins