Snorkel at the City of Refuge

Captain Cook, Hawaii

4.9/5

based on 5 reviews

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Really easy entry for a dive or snorkel. There are tons of fish in under ten feet of water

The city of refuge takes its name from the safe haven where defeated warriors and sacred lawbreakers would find sanctuary. The direction the bay faces protects it from most swells that hit the big island, making the calm water a great place to dive! The water stays shallow, around 10 feet deep before you get too far out and there's an abundance of sunlight, making visibility high if you're looking to snorkel. In the center of the bay, the depth drops to around 100 feet. The depth makes it a great place for both skin diving and scuba. This is where a lot of locals will head out to practice holding their breath and reach greater depths. Take a deep breath and dive down and see about every Hawaiian fish imaginable.

There isn't much around this beach, because it's on protected land, so be sure to pick up water, food, and maybe a couple beers and keep them in a cooler. Please don't feed, touch or alter the animal/ marine life's behavior in any way. To learn more, click here and here.

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Reviews

Margo Schmiederer

Snorkel at the City of Refuge

08/06/20

This is a well-known spot on the Big Island for snorkeling. You can get there a few ways, including kayaking, hiking, and/or driving

5.0

Chloe Kingstone

Snorkel at the City of Refuge

12/28/17

The main reason I love scuba diving is for the adventure, you don't know what it may happen or what you may find below the water surface. In the past years I've taken a lot of pictures which I store in the https://dive.site logbook, along with all my diving logs. It's cool that I can also search new dive spots or even add my own.

5.0

Whitney J

Snorkel at the City of Refuge

05/13/17

excellent views on the drive here if coming from the north; winding downhill roads through lush vegetation give way to views of the coast and the coastal flat lands. we came during the evening of a cloudy day and were still able to see a multitude of marine life in the water, just past the boat ramp. you would be remorseful if you come without goggles and a snorkel. would recommend water shoes if you don't have fins, urchins are rampant. brace yourself for up-close swims alongside sea turtles! gopro cameras offer the possibility of excellent shots also ;)

5.0

Liam McNally

Snorkel at the City of Refuge

10/02/15

do this. you won't regret it.

5.0

Kris Ann

Snorkel at the City of Refuge

06/01/15

Lots of good cave diving, and there's a chance you'll see a few reef sharks. Also check out the place of refuge park next to the bay and go on a little self-guided history tour.

4.5

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Snorkel at the City of Refuge

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Leave No Trace

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Snorkel Two Step Beach

Relax at Honokohau Beach

Explore Wawaloli Beach

Hike to Makalawena Beach

Catch a Sunset at Anaehoomalu Point

Hike Mauna Kea via Humuula Trail

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