Rick and Amy Decker are so well organised here. There is virtually everthing you can think of. We had loads of food waiting when we arrived. We can borrow fins and snorkelling gear, beach mats, rucksacks etc. There is a store of paperback books left by previous visitors if we need something to read. They even provide a computer to use.
Rick is a former president of the Hawaii Underwater Photography Society and his photographs adorn the walls. Adorn being the correct word as they are fantastic. A link to his website is here http://www.lightreflection.com/. He was also happy to help us with any questions on photography.
He recommended snorkelling at Kahalu'u beach for our first expedition. Also a place called Two Step near the Place of Refuge. (Melissa also mentioned this one)
Kahalu'u beach is about a 40 minute drive away. It was packed on a sunday afternoon but there was still space for us. Factor 50 sunscreen is pretty essential here as the sun is very strong. We saw loads of fish including some really large ones - parrotfish, moorish idols, butterfly fish and bright yellow tangs. And three green turtles - or else it was the same one three times. Not sure as we saw it in different areas. I've never seen a turtle in the wild before so that was pretty impressive and it was quite close - no more than a couple of metres away.
Place of Refuge or to give it the Hawaiian name 'Pu'uhonua o Honaunau' is sacred to the Hawaiians. No snorkelling in the park itself. We opted for a tour and glad we did as it is beautiful. Palm trees, sand and lava by the ocean. And I saw a couple more turtles as well. There was also an endangered monk seal - one of only 5 found on the Big Island so we were priviledged to see it. Chris picked up a coconut and shook it and it still had milk inside it. No snorkelling here today will have to return later in the week.
A narrow road took us to a place where you can see the monument to Captain Cook. Apparently this is one of the best places to dive/snorkel as there are lots of fish and resident dolphins and the possibility of whale sharks and manta rays. We'll have to come back another day...
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