We loved the snorkeling at Puako Bay.

Puako Bay is located on the northwest side of the Big Island of Hawaii.

When you arrive you'll find a large parking lot, a boat ramp, and a trail heading north to the beach and snorkeling spot.

This is the small area to the left or south of the boat ramp you can snorkel.

Your other option is to snorkel from the boat ramp going north up the bay.

We decided to take the trail system and snorkel on the north end of the bay.

We took the Ala Kahakai Trail to the black sand beach and then just a little past it to a great snorkeling spot.

This little inlet was perfect for getting in and out of the water for snorkeling.

Here's an aerial view of this inlet at the north end of Puako Bay.

We got in the water and started snorkeling. The day that we went was really windy which created a little bit of chop on the water. Even with the chop, we still enjoyed snorkeling here.

After snorkeling, we got out of the water and walked the trail past the beach and back to our Jeep. 

Overall, we loved snorkeling at Puako Bay. We would love to come back on a calmer day so the water would be clearer, but even still we loved it here.

(Click on the map above to go to a Google Maps larger view.)

Puako Bay is free to park. 

Total Cost: $0

These are the checklist items I recommend:

• Bring your own snorkel gear.
• Bring some drinks and snacks.
• Bring reef safe sunscreen.