Police investigate possible drowning at Honaunau Bay, woman dies snorkeling

Hōnaunau Bay’s busy Two Step snorkeling area turned into a fatal emergency when a 65-year-old woman lost consciousness in the water and later died at Kona Community Hospital.

Hawaii Police Department officers said Kona patrol units were sent at 11:47 a.m. Saturday to the Hōnaunau Boat Ramp after a report of a swimmer in distress. The victim was identified as Mindy Morris of Panama City, Florida. Police said Morris had been snorkeling in the bay with family members when she reportedly began having difficulty breathing, then lost consciousness.

Morris was transported to Kona Community Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Detectives opened a coroner’s inquest investigation and ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Police said no foul play is suspected at this time.

The death unfolded at one of South Kona’s best-known ocean access points, Hōnaunau Bay, which is also widely called Two Step. The snorkeling area sits outside Puuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, near the boat ramp, and has long drawn residents and visitors for its clear water and easy entry. It is also a place where conditions can change fast.

The National Park Service says the snorkeling area can be dangerous and urges people to check ocean conditions before entering the water, snorkel with a buddy, and stay alert to boat traffic. Hawaii Ocean Safety advises swimmers and snorkelers to know their limits, obey warning signs and snorkel safely.

For Big Island ocean users, the fatality is a stark reminder that even a familiar site with a strong reputation can become hazardous in moments. In South Kona, where rescue response can depend on rapid dispatch from Kona and quick transport to the hospital, trouble in the water can escalate before bystanders have much time to react.