Difficulty
beginner
Viz (last reported 1916h ago)
Max Depth
70ft
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Place of Refuge (Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park)
The Place of Refuge (also known as Two Steps) is a 'must-do' site. The drive to get there is wonderful, the entry is easy, and the diving is great. Turtles abound! The facilities are a little sparse. Take some water and a picnic lunch. There are porta-potties on the site.
Directions: From Kealakekua Bay, you can continue to travel South on Highway 160 for 3.2 miles to find the turn off. If this is your first destination of the day, you can take a faster route: from Kailua, drive south on Highway 11 for about 19 miles, well past Captain Cook. Take a right on Highway 160, Ke Ala o Keawe Road, (about mile mark 104) to Kealakekua Bay, and wind your way about 3.5 miles down to the ocean.
Access
shore
View
Nearby Shops
Tide Report
5
4
3
2
1
(101)
Currently viewing a specific review. View all reviews
Dan the man with a tan
Dec 20, 2005, 12:00 AM
scuba
Best shore dive for any level diver. Park in the parking lot (only $2 on honor system to support a Christian organization), it's easier than finding street parking since it is a zoo w/ snorkelers on the weekend. South West swell was pounding everywhere except in this protected bay. The light surge affected visibility above 15ft, but all was good below that. Please use 2 step area as the surrounding area has very shallow rocks that may look deeper than they are (ouch!). Don't go in elevator to the left of entry in high surge. Watch bottom time if you go over the drop! Look for big marlin-spike auger trails in the deep. Roi hang out everywhere as well as turtles. Saw mu, huge uhu & black kumu a plenty! Go easy on the hunting in this pristine site w/ plenty of people. If it swims like me, blows bubbles like me, & looks like me......It's ME; no shoot! Dive safe.
Other Locations Nearby
