Aloha! If you are planning a trip to The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort this March, you are arriving during a sweet spot in the Hawaiian calendar. The winter swells are starting to fade, but the humpback whales are still very much in town. This primer will guide you through the snorkeling conditions right at your doorstep and point you toward a few hidden gems nearby.
Home Base: Hapuna Beach
First, let’s talk about your home base, Hapuna Beach. It is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world, famous for its half-mile of soft, white sand. However, that sandy bottom means there isn't much coral in the center of the bay. For the best snorkeling here, you need to head to the rocky points at either end of the beach.
"Since you are staying at the Westin, the North point is the most accessible. It is right below the hotel, near the area often called the Cliff House."
You will find fish congregating around the lava rocks here. The South point, down near the public parking lot, also offers good visibility and marine life. Just be aware that March is a transition month. While the ocean is generally calming down, we can still get late-season winter swells. If the shore break looks heavy or the water is murky with stirred-up sand, it is best to stay on a lounge chair. Always check with the lifeguards on duty before swimming out.
Exploring Nearby Alternatives
If the water at Hapuna is a bit too rough, or if you want to see a denser coral reef, you have two fantastic options just minutes away.
Waialea Bay (Beach 69)
Your first alternative is arguably the best snorkeling spot in the area: Waialea Bay, locally known as Beach 69. It is located just a mile or so south of Hapuna. This bay is much more protected from the wind and swell. You are almost guaranteed to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, or Honu, grazing on the algae.
Mauna Kea Beach
Your second option is the sister property to the north, Mauna Kea Beach, also known as Kauna’oa Bay. The bay is generally calmer than Hapuna, making it excellent for beginners. The snorkeling along the north point there is spectacular.
Pro-Tips for your March Visit
- Go Early: The wind on the Kohala Coast tends to pick up by 11:00 AM. The best visibility is almost always between 8:00 and 10:00 in the morning.
- Listen Closely: Keep an ear out while you are underwater. In March, the Humpback whales are still singing, and you can often hear their songs clearly while you snorkel, which is a magical experience.
- Protect the Reef: Please use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate ecosystem you are there to enjoy.
Have a wonderful time exploring the underwater world of the Big Island!
Backgrounder Notes
As an expert researcher and library scientist, I have analyzed the provided text to identify key geographical, biological, and environmental concepts. The following backgrounders provide additional context to enhance a reader's understanding of the Kohala Coast ecosystem and local culture.
Humpback Whale Migration (Koholā) Every winter, thousands of North Pacific humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii’s warm waters to mate, give birth, and nurse their young. March is considered peak season for sightings, and the whales’ complex vocalizations are so powerful they can be heard by submerged swimmers miles away.
Shore Break A shore break occurs when waves break directly on the beach rather than over an offshore reef or sandbar. These waves can be exceptionally powerful and unpredictable, posing a risk of spinal injuries to swimmers who are caught in the "impact zone" where the wave meets the sand.
Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle) The Honu is a symbol of good luck and longevity in Hawaiian culture and is protected under both state and federal law. It is illegal to touch, chase, or harass them; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends maintaining a distance of at least 10 feet.
Beach 69 (Waialea Bay) This popular local nickname refers to the number "69" that was painted on a utility pole marking the original access road to the beach. While officially named Waialea Bay, it is designated as a Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD) to protect its high concentration of coral and diverse fish species.
Kiawe Trees The Kiawe is a species of mesquite tree common in Hawaii’s arid coastal regions, recognizable by its twisted branches and delicate leaves. Visitors should exercise caution near these trees, as they possess long, sturdy thorns that can easily pierce flip-flops or thin-soled water shoes.
Diurnal Wind Patterns The Kohala Coast experiences a daily wind cycle where the land heats up faster than the ocean, drawing in cooler sea breezes by mid-morning. These winds create "chop" (small, irregular waves), which stirs up sediment and significantly reduces underwater visibility for snorkelers as the day progresses.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen Legislation Hawaii was the first U.S. state to ban the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, chemicals that contribute to coral bleaching and disrupt marine endocrine systems. Travelers are advised to use "mineral-based" sunscreens containing non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to ensure the health of the reef.
Lava Rocks and Tide Pools The "rocky points" mentioned in the article are formed from basaltic lava flows that have cooled and hardened upon hitting the ocean. These structures create complex underwater topography and tide pools that serve as essential nurseries for juvenile reef fish and crustaceans.
Sources
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bigislandguide.comhttps://bigislandguide.com/5-must-visit-beaches-big-island-hawaii
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snorkeling-report.comhttps://www.snorkeling-report.com/spot/snorkeling-waialea-69-beach-hawaii/
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konahonudivers.comhttps://konahonudivers.com/how-to-check-ocean-conditions-for-the-big-island-hawaii/
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konasnorkeltrips.comhttps://konasnorkeltrips.com/blog/snorkeling-safety-tips/
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southkohala.comhttps://www.southkohala.com/blog/top-10/5-best-beaches-big-island-hawaii
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bossfrog.comhttps://bossfrog.com/maui-snorkel-conditions-report-by-boss-frogs/
