Snorkeling in Hilo

Snorkeling in Hilo: Discovering Hawaii’s Underwater Rainforest

Hilo, on the lush eastern side of the Big Island, isn’t just a paradise of waterfalls and rainforests — it’s also home to some of Hawaii’s most fascinating marine life. While the Kona coast gets the headlines for snorkeling, Hilo’s calm bays and tide pools hide a colorful underwater world that’s every bit as vibrant. Here’s what you can expect to see beneath the surface.

🐠 A Rainbow of Reef Fish

Slip into the water at Richardson Ocean Park, Carlsmith Beach Park (Four Mile), or Leleiwi Beach Park, and you’ll be greeted by clouds of tropical reef fish. Some of the local favorites include:

• Yellow Tang – Their bright lemon color glows against the black lava rocks.

• Parrotfish (Uhu) – Watch them nibble coral, creating the fine white sand Hawaii is famous for.

• Butterflyfish – Tiny, colorful, and often seen darting in pairs around coral heads.

• Triggerfish (Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa) – Hawaii’s state fish, known for its quirky name and striking blue lines.

These fish are used to snorkelers, so you can often float quietly and watch them go about their day just a few feet below the surface.

🐢 Green Sea Turtles (Honu)

No Hilo snorkeling trip is complete without spotting a honu gliding gracefully through the shallows. They often come in close to shore to feed on seaweed that grows on the lava rocks. The calm waters of Carlsmith Beach Park are one of the best places to encounter them.👉 Remember: admire from a distance — touching or chasing turtles is illegal and harmful to them.

🐙 Octopus (Heʻe)

If you slow down and look carefully among the rocks, you might spot the elusive Hawaiian day octopus. They’re masters of disguise, shifting colors in seconds to blend into coral and sand. Catching sight of one hunting crabs or slipping into a crevice is a rare and thrilling moment for snorkelers.

🪸 Coral Gardens and Tide Pools

Hilo’s reefs are shaped by volcanic rock rather than sprawling coral beds, but you’ll still find pockets of vibrant coral gardens filled with sea urchins, starfish, and tiny gobies. Around Leleiwi Beach Park, shallow tide pools give you a safe place to explore if you’re new to snorkeling or just want to wade and peer into the clear water.

🐡 Other Marine Surprises

• Pufferfish hovering near the bottom

• Trumpetfish, long and slender, often shadowing larger fish for camouflage

• Moray eels peeking out of lava crevices

• Spinner dolphins, occasionally seen offshore in deeper water

If you’re lucky, you might even spot a Hawaiian monk seal resting on a quiet stretch of lava rock — though sightings are rare on this side of the island.

🌤️ Best Conditions for Snorkeling in Hilo

Because Hilo gets frequent rain, visibility can vary. The best time to snorkel is midday on a calm, sunny day when the tide is moderate and the water is clearest. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a mask that fits well, and take your time — much of Hilo’s magic is in the small details.

🌺 Final Thoughts

Snorkeling in Hilo feels like discovering a secret side of Hawaii — quieter, greener, and teeming with life. From curious turtles to shimmering schools of fish, each bay tells a different story. Whether you’re floating in a calm lagoon or exploring tide pools framed by black lava rock, Hilo’s underwater world will leave you with unforgettable memories.