Place of Refuge
Also known as: Two Step, Honaunau Bay, Pu'uhonua o Honaunau
Best time to dive
January to December; November to March
What you might see
- DolphinPossible
- Sea turtleLikely
Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.
Certification & difficulty
Advanced Open Water - advanced conditions (currents/depth); dive within your training.
Snorkelling
Snorkel-friendly - Yes - one of the Big Island's premier snorkel spots, popular for turtles and clear water, with real entry-hazard caveats
Safety notes
Surge/surf at entry ("washing machine" effect), sea urchins in lava crevices, slippery algae, coral-contact risk from crowding, active boat ramp traffic; protected-species distance rules (turtles 10ft, dolphins 50yd, whales 100yd per NOAA)
Permits & fees
No permit needed for the Two Step shore-access point itself (public coastal access, county-managed). The adjacent Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park charges its own entrance fee if visiting park grounds: $20/vehicle, $15/motorcycle, $10/person (16+) walk-in/bike, under 16 free; annual pass $35 (single park) or $55 (Hawai'i Tri-Park); card-only, no cash. Fees do not apply to snorkelers using the outside public access
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Location
Nearest hub: Honaunau
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand dive report. Coordinates are approximate.