This is the big pier/dock in downtown Kailua-Kona. Right next to it is a sheltered, sandy beach in front of the King Kamehameha Hotel. The water in the small bay near the beach is very murky from stirred-up sand and fresh water springs so for the best snorkeling, you have to swim out of the bay. One problem with this spot is the lack of public parking nearby. One of the times we went here we parked up the hill several blocks away at one of the big grocery stores. Another time, we parked in the King Kamehameha Hotel parking lot. You have to pay $35 to park, but you can stay all day so it might be worth it if you want to spent the whole day in the town. If it's any consolation, the hotel guests have to pay to park as well. Anyway, this is a pretty good spot to snorkel, with probably the easiest entry around.
