Kahalu'u Beach Park

This small and grey sanded beach is the most popular in the Kailua-Kona-Keauhou coastal corridor. The abundance of clear calm waters and the extensive reef system filled with colorful fish make it the perfect spot for snorkeling for everyone.

AT A GLANCE

Highlights: The most popular beach along the Kona coast.. Some of the best snorkeling available along the Kona Coast.

Activities: snorkeling swimming depending on ocean conditions. Sun bathing, snorkeling and diving.

Lifeguard: Daily between the hours of 9:30am-4:45pm

Warnings: Winter months bring higher surf and stronger rip currents, rough and dangerous conditions. Windy conditions are prevalent in the winter months. Stinging Portuguese man-o-war jelly fish frequent in varying numbers 10 days after the full moon. Do not leave any valuables in your car at anytime. Removal or collecting sand, rental cars and nudity are prohibited. Parking lot opens at 7a and gates close promptly at 11p.

Amenities: picnic pavilions, restrooms, showers, drinking water, a lifeguard tower, parking lot

HOW TO GET THERE

Kahalu'u Beach Park is located between the town of Kailua-Kona and the Keauhou Resort. From Kona International Airport at Keahole. proceed south along Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Highway 19) for 7 miles. Turn right onto Palani Road. Continue onto Ali'i Drive for 5 miles. The beach and entrance to the parking lot will be on the right at the intersection of Makolea Drive.

What this beach lacks in quiet and isolation and size is easily made up in a variety of features that range from snorkeling to ancient Hawaiian archeological sites. Encompassing just 4.23 square miles Kahalu'u is by far the most popular beach along the Kona coast. It attracts novice swimmers and families with children, because of the calm waters and lifeguarded setting that is perfect for that first-time snorkeler, novice swimmers and young children.

Surfers and body boarders know that during the winter months during periods of high surf, the entrance of the bay provides a seasonal surf break. The powerful rip currents are also present and surfing and body boarding in the area are recommended for experts only.

Aside from the stellar ocean conditions, the area is one of the most historical on the island. Petroglyphs or ancient Hawaiian rock carvings depicting ancient Hawaiian conflicts can be found often submerged at high tides along the edge of the bay while remains of an ancient Hawaiian sacrificial temple can be found at the ocean entrance to the bay. Arrive early for easy parking and smaller crowds

Address:

Along Alii Drive near mile marker 5
Kailua-Kona HI 96740
GPS: 19.578800 , -155.966321

http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/parks-and-recreation/