Puako Bay Tours

On the Big Island’s Kohala Coast, Puako Bay is a secluded inlet popular with divers and snorkelers for its lava tubes, impressive coral reef, and myriad colorful fish and other marine life. The rocky tide pools are also vibrant, fun places to explore. It’s lovely to relax on the bay’s long white-sand beach, but swimming can be dangerous. 

With its rocky bottom and steep underwater drop-offs, Puako Bay is a stunning place for seeing Hawaiian marine life and colorful coral reefs. On a clear day, there is amazing visibility of up to 70 feet (21 meters). It’s a favorite spot for experienced snorkelers—the water can be rough so it’s suitable only for strong swimmers. The nearby beach is a picturesque place to stretch out on a towel, before or after which you can explore the neighboring Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve.

Puako Bay is about 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of Kailua-Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island. Head up Highway 19 and, before mile marker 70, turn left onto Puako Road. There are six public access trails located by telephone poles number 106, 110, 115, 120, 127, and 137.

Clear, warm days are best at Puako Bay. Arrive in the morning, when the wind and water tend to be calmer. Winter months can mean hazardous waters, and swimming and tide pooling are not recommended in windy weather.

Not far from Puako Bay sits an expansive 223-acre (90-hectare) petroglyph field with more than 3,000 ancient carvings on lava rocks. Dating back to 1200 AD, the carvings—which depict humans, turtles, canoes, and other shapes—are thought to be representations of significant events. The petroglyph fields are an ideal spot for exploring with children, but be sure that everyone wears good shoes, as the ground is rocky and sometimes covered in thorns from the field’s kiawe trees.