Lapakahi State Park

Lapakahi State Park is an excellent spot for recreational activities like hiking, sunbathing, and, best of all, snorkeling. You’ll also have the opportunity to swim with the dolphins on special occasions. For those who want to be less active, you can stroll around the artificial lagoon and enjoy a picnic while you watch colorful fish darting about in search of food. It’s easy to see why this site is one of Hawaii’s most visited parks!

The park has designated spaces for several local and world-renowned events like water skiing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking.

Many different tropical landscapes ranging from palm trees to dry savannahs, forests, and rainforests can be found throughout the park. Famous Hawaiian plants like “kukui nut trees” (native to Hawaii) and “aramaki” (native to the Philippines) are found near rivers. In addition, several hiking trails lead you through different ecosystems.

Lapakahi State Park was established in 1932 to serve as a retreat for plantation owners and their families.

Lapakahi State Park on the Big Island of Hawaii is an excellent place to snorkel. The lava flows, and lava tubes beckon you in, and when you enter the water, there is a great variety of sea life that can be seen. The park was created to preserve the ancient Hawaiian village site of Lapakahi. It contains a collection of stone fish traps or “aha” known in Hawaiian. The fish traps were used to catch octopus until the late 1800s. This was important due to the lack of fresh water on the island. The “aha” was created by piling rocks into a structure that formed a small pool of water. The “aha” was built into the lava coastline and is often seen from the beaches.

The park is located on Hwy 11 on the island’s west end. Most snorkeling is done off either Myrtle Beach or Halepalaoa beach. It is an easy seventy-five-yard walk down to Myrtle Beach and only ten yards to Halepalaoa beach.

There is an abundance of fish and spectacular corals on the reef.
Snorkeling in this park is the best thing to do if you are a beginner snorkeler.
Black-tip Sharks and Grey Reef Sharks may be encountered, but mostly they are seen on the north side of the reef.

The water temperature is hot (above 74 Fahrenheit), making it very comfortable to swim.
Other marine life includes green sea turtles, triggerfish, moray eels, butterflyfish, spotted eagle rays, yellow tangs, and golden trevally.

The best area for snorkeling is at the south side of the reef, where it is calm and less cloudy.
This area is suitable for all-level snorkelers since there are large rocks to rest on, and you can relax in between breathing. 

You may still get some waves on you, but it should not be a problem for a beginner snorkeler.
As you get on the rock or coral, remember to pick up what you brought with you, and don’t leave anything at the bottom. 

If you are lucky enough to find some corals, please be careful about how you touch them.
If you are a beginner snorkeler, it is good to take a guide with you who knows the area well.
The park’s trails are also great for hiking, but remember to stay on the trail and don’t get lost.

While snorkeling, you must take care of your gear. 

Wear a life jacket approved by the US Coast Guard, have a backup floatation device, and bring a waterproof container to put personal items in. 

Bring some wet wipes or soap so you can wash your hands after snorkeling.

If you are interested in booking a snorkeling tour at this location, please let us know in the contact form. We look forward to snorkeling with you!