Two Step

Do not waste your time and money on guided snorkel tours, this is were they take you. This is the BEST snorkeling spot for everyone, young, old, pro and beginner. Parking is limited so make this a morning trip, (get there around 8 or 9). There is no actual beach, all lava, but the bay is massive and the fish are PLENTIFUL. We even saw crowds of turtles. One thing to be wary of is the descent into the water. Like the name implies it is two rocks that step carefully, but sometimes slippery into the ocean. As the small lapping waves come up onto the steps they can pull at you. Nothing to be worried about, just be aware. Have Fun!

Busy spot! not a lot of parking in general but you can park at the state park right next door and walk out to the spot. I would highly recommend getting here early as in before 8 am and checking things out. The earlier you are the better the sites you will see.
Once you get here you walk down to some black rock facings where you can set your stuff down and then put your fins on and literally take 2 steps and jump in because you are right there at a coral reef along the bank. There was an additional reef directly out and some deeper spots where divers were seen going around in the coral. I was able to see tons of fish, a few red spotted eels, sea turtles, and occasionally (early) dolphins out here. The most people the less you can see but there will always be something going on here. Getting out can be a pain since there are only a few spots and the «two step» is usually clogged with families trying to get in.
Quick and easy snorkeling!

This place is a life experience! Had an amazing time diving and snorkeling. Got to swim with dolphins!

Beautiful snorkeling spot — it’s a gem. If you’re on the big island, you must stop by. You’ll be blown away with how many tropical fish you can see. We stopped by around 11 – 12 in the morning — it was definitely a busy location. However, there is plenty of space to find a nice spot of your own. If possible, bring a waterproof camera.
Yes it is crowded, but I firmly believe that it’s worth it. Get there early if you can, even if you only stay for an hour or so. Unfortunately I didn’t see any dolphins or turtles — but that’s okay, I’ll see them next time :)

Want to Snorkel?
Come here because there is a lot of fishes and the turtles will pop up to eat off the rocks.
We visited around 11 am one time and after 2 pm the other. Both times were great for snorkeling. Lots of active fish and turtles made this a great spot.

Beautiful snorkeling. Seen a vast variety of fish, no turtles or dolphins when we were there. Even though it’s busy, there’s a lot of room in the water and on the rocks. Parking seemed like it could be difficult, get there early. No showers/​bathrooms

I didn’t get to see any dolphins but got to see a wonderful sight of about 30 yellow school of fish swimming near some rocks. There was also a long skinny fish swimming about. I wish there were more and different fish to see, but as it seems that the place is getting popular, the fish is becoming unpopulated. This is a snorkeling spot, so don’t expect any showers or bathrooms.

Aloha!
Two step is a good beach for snorkeling and left part is great spot for kids. My daughter loved it out there.
I’m taking one star of because of parking situation and missing good facilities (shower, toilets — they have port-​a-​potty).
The best think to do there if you done with swimming is to see city of refuge.
Mahalo for reading this.

Pretty cool snorkel spot. We didn’t see any dolphins when we went but my in-​laws saw a ton the day before. Still, there were a lot of cool fish and it wasn’t too crowded. Someone also saw a white tip reef shark while we were there and a turtle.

Amazing snorkeling, with lots of beautiful fish and coral. I saw a turtle in one of the tide pools, but no dolphins for me. The water is warm and gets very deep very fast, but it is calm and easy to swim. Getting in was fairly easy, but getting back on the lava rocks was tricky with the waves, but worth it. It was crowded in the mid morning but still there was plenty of room. I went around sunset and it was much less crowded with people, and I saw tons of crabs. Also, some locals playing ukelele at a nearby picnic table. So nice. Can’t wait to go back!

Don’t bother going. There’s no parking, restrooms or shower, and it’s super crowded.
The dolphins rarely come into the bay anymore because hundreds of stupid tourists chase them around trying to touch them (which is illegal). And the water is murky and covered with an oil slick from everyone’s toxic sunscreen and beauty products oozing off their bodies. Yuck!
You will end up driving a long way, only to end up swimming with a bunch of annoying people and probably no dolphins.
And I got stung by some kind of weird jellyfish there. Ouch!
Save your precious vacation time and go on a dolphin boat instead, if you really want to swim with dolphins. :-)

Its true what they say that this is an amazing spot to snorkle. the dolphins come early in the morning or late during dusk. the turtles hang around in the really shallow rocky area just floating around. go out past the boat loading area and youll see extensive reef and a ton of fishes. i didnt see any rays but totally wanted to. the fish book on hawaii says pretty much everything on the big island frequents this area.
is this what dave matthews band sung about?

I almost hate to add to the zillion people all shouting how incredible this place is, because I’m sure it could potentially get too crowded, etc. But for now, though it’s popular, it’s nowhere near too full, and you should GET OFF YOUR BUTT AND GO before it gets that way!
We were on the Big Island to snorkel /​freedive, and though we had a double fistful of places to check out, we wound up back at this one twice (nearly three times, but we ran out of time before our flight out :). I could have done this every single day and been thrilled with my whole vacation, though: Two-​step is the best swimming and fish-​watching spot I’ve *ever* seen. The water is crystal and perfectly warm, getting in and out is quite easy (maybe a slight challenge if you aren’t a swimmer? but then why are you here? –but really, all you do is find a good position and fall in the water; my mom could do it) — and the reef, oh my GODS is it beautiful. From the moment you stick your face in the water, you’re in another world.
Go have your mind blown, have a wonderful time, and for gods’ sakes don’t do anything to damage this incredible environment (DO NOT TOUCH the reef or the fish, DO NOT HARASS the turtles (yes there are!!) or dolphins, and don’t litter) or I will come personally slap you sideways. Enjoy!

Most beautiful place ever that is park and walk type and not having to go anywhere far for snorkeling.
Abundance of fishes and coral. the coral wasn’t colorful but the fishes were.
The only thing dangerous is that you don’t really have a sandy beach. it is just rocks and you will just have to watch your steps before you jump in.
I heard in the mornings you will see dolphins. so i guess next time.

This was a great place to take the family out for our first ocean snorkel. Took the 8 year old and 11 year old out and had a great time. Saw a sea turtle and lots of fish.
Getting in and out was easy and the tide pools are awesome for hanging out between sessions.

Take your snorkeling gear this beach has so much to see out there. It’s perfect for kids– they have little pool areas you don’t have to worry about the current and they love it. We had a turtle swimming around all of us, it was epic. All of those beautiful exotic fish are here. We came here a couple of times, it’s definitely a favorite among the locals and they are all so friendly. You don’t have to swim far to see it either, lots to see in the shallow waters. No hard currents here either. :)) Love this place and I will definitely be back just to snorkel here.

Standby for pictures from me eventually but wow. I am an amateur snorkeler with fairly minimal experience and just getting my wife into it as well and we had an absolute blast here. There was barely any surf which helped make the water crystal clear. Down below, even close to the shore which is mostly just old, solid lava rocks now was a beautiful network of at least 3 identifiable types of coral, hundreds of tropical fish — I saw bright yellow ones, black with neon blue stripes, zebra looking fish, I mean, just an amazing amount of beautiful fish and coral.
The water was so warm; it was easy to slip right in in terms of temperature– but be careful! The rocks can be quite slippery!
The one downside is there are a ton of people here but the coral network was so large I had no problem being away from them and feeling like being underwater, I was the only one there. I loved it.

Some of the best snorkeling I’ve ever done. This island rocks for snorkeling, the best snorkeling areas aren’t sand beaches. the rocky, lava or coral is the best but it makes getting in and out of the water a pic tricky and you have to be careful not to get scraped on the rocks. the reviews said not to enter or exit by the boat ramp area but I did both the area they said off the lava and the boat ramp. The boat area is easier to get in the water you just risk getting hit by boats. We were there early through the week so not as crowded and felt safe risking it. use your best judgment. It was cloudy all the days we were there and the visibility still rocked. as for parking. helps to get there early and not on the weekend … there is a lot where you can pay to park 5 dollars, people parked along the road. Before you turn on the street there is some free parking within sight of the park that starts with a P. Or you can pay 5 dollars for that park that’s good all week and get to explore the park a little. Walking from the park isn’t far.
they do have porta pottys there. lucky didn’t have to use them. no food stands. the guy taking the money for the parking lot did have some beverages beer, pop, water but not much selection and not very cold so might want to bring your own snacks and beverages in a cooler.

One of my favorite snorkel spots on the island!
If you can’t find parking along the side of the road, you can park in the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park parking lot for a nominal fee.
This isn’t a nice white sandy beach. It’s mainly lava rock you have to trek over to get to the water. And of course there are two huge steps to help you get in and out of the water, hence the name «Two Step.» Be sure you are an average to strong swimmer and watch the tides as it can be tricky to get out of the water.
It’s definitely possible to spot some honu (turtles) and dolphins while you’re here, so keep your eyes peeled!

Amazing, We totally agree with the accolades. We saw Dolphins, turtles and an amazing variety of fish.
There were not many kids snorkeling, mostly adults.
The National Park next door is a must see, learning a bit about the Hawaiian people, customs and culture is absolutely incredible.