Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park in Kona, Big Island, Hawaii

Manini'owali Beach at Kua Bay

Kona, Big Island

The northernmost beach in the Kekaha Kai State Park, this picturesque beach is just one out of three splendid beaches located within an easy drive from all Kailua-Kona. Officially named Manini'owali Beach, it is loosely referred to by islanders as Kua Bay. Of the three beaches in Kehaka Kai State Park, Manini'owali Beach is the easiest to access because of the recently improved road. Therefore it has become the most popular in the park.

AT A GLANCE

Highlights: Beautiful unprotected beach with sparkling blue water and a soft sandy shoreline and seemingly eternally sunny conditions.

Activities: Boogie boarding, snorkeling, swimming depending on ocean conditions. Sun bathing, picnics.

Lifeguard: None

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. The park is open daily 9am-7pm daily. The gates are locked promptly at 7pm each day.

Amenities: Parking lot, paved walkways, handicapped parking area, restrooms, picnic tables, trash cans, showers.

HOW TO GET THERE

Manini'owali Beach is located 14 miles north of Kailua-Kona. From Kona International Airport at Keahole proceed north along Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Highway 19) for 7 miles. Turn left onto Kua Bay access road located between mile marker 88 and 89 and directly across the highway from the entrance to Hawaii State Veteran's Cemetery. The beach parking lot will be at the end of the road.

Located north of the 342 foot high cinder cone called Pu'u Kuili, this is one of the most beautiful and secluded beach in the North Kona district. The soft white sandy shoreline and sandy bottom contrasts with the dry lava outcropping scattered along the shoreline. There is one formation in particular that is in the shape of a woman. It is said that the formation is that of legendary princess Maniniowali who was turned to stone at the shore break.

Although it is simply gorgeous, this beach is probably not the best choice for families or those with novice ocean skills. Although it can be gentle and calm during the summer months when swimming is idyllic, this unprotected beach is subject to strong currents and large waves during the winter months. No lifeguards and almost no shade results in a beach best for the regular beach crowd, the experienced.

Take along a large shade umbrella, picnic lunch and beverages since there are no snack shop available.

Address:

Along Queen Kaahumanu Highway
Kailua-Kona HI 96740
GPS: 19.809346, -156.005977

http://hawaiistateparks.org/parks/hawaii/index.cfm?park_id=47

Mahai'ula at Kekaha Kai State Park

Kona, Big Island

This attractive beach is the southernmost at Kekaha Kai State Park. However, it is not the easiest to access. The rutted and unpaved road is deemed off-limits by car rental agencies and beach going islanders prefer to forgo the bumpy ride for a paved road at nearby Manini'owali Beach at Kua Bay. However, for those who want to brave the trek though the lava fields will be rewarded with one of the most deserted beaches on the island.

AT A GLANCE

Highlights: large quiet, secluded beach that is popular with shoreline fishermen.

Activities: Boogie boarding, snorkeling, swimming depending on ocean conditions. Sun bathing, picnics, walking, beachcombing.

Lifeguard: None

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. The park is open daily at 9am. The gates are locked promptly at 7pm each day. Nudity is prohibited.

Amenities: Parking lot, paved walkways, handicapped parking area, restrooms, picnic tables.

HOW TO GET THERE

Mahai'ula Beach is located 12 miles north of Kailua-Kona. From Kona International Airport at Keahole proceed north along Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Highway 19) for 4 miles. Turn left onto The Kekaha Kai Beach Park access road access road located between mile marker 90 and 91. The beach parking lot will be at the end of the road.

Well marked from the highway, the entrance to this beach is easy to find, however, the mile of unpaved and severely rutted road make it an uncomfortable ride and challenge for many most 2 wheel vehicles and certainly forbidden for rental vehicles. However, those who prefer their beaches quiet and secluded will love the reward at the end of the road.

The greater Mahai'ula Bay was originally an ancient village where fishing was plentiful and ancient Hawaii thrived for many years. The beach is still the location of many ancient Hawaiian archeological sites including burial caves along with a fishing diety rock formation Pohaku o Lama. Today, the beach is popular spot for shoreline fishermen who position their poles in the hopes of being rewarded with a host of tasty reef fish that frequent the area.

Mahai'ula beach is a rustic with a shoreline that varies from soft sand to eroded bench rock. Bordered by two coconut groves with a seasonal anchialine ponds on the south end, sand dunes in the center and a cluster of shady kiawe trees on the northern end. Those who enjoy plane-spotting will delight in watching the airplanes land at nearby Kona International Airport at Keahole.

While this beach has several amenities, it is secluded, remote and difficult to access and most of all lacks a full-time lifeguard. While it can be calm and inviting, it has also been known to be rustic, rugged and unpredictable. Therefore it may not be the best choice for families with small children or the inexperienced. Take along an umbrella, picnic lunch and beverages since there are no snack shop available.

Address:

along Queen Kaahumanu Highway between mile markers 90 and 91.
Kailua-Kona HI 96740
GPS: 19.769389 , -156.021641

http://hawaiistateparks.org/parks/hawaii/index.cfm?park_id=47

Laaloa Beach Park

Kona, Big Island

This small but lively beach is one of the few stretches of sandy shoreline in the heart of Kailua-Kona. Officially named after the historic Hawaiian land division or ahupua'a Laaloa it is referred to informally by several names including White Sands, Magic Sands or Disappearing Sands.

AT A GLANCE

Highlights: Popular white sand beach in the heart of Kailua-Kona. Busy and lively that attracts locals and island visitors.

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

Lifeguard: Daily between the hours of 930a-445p

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.

Amenities: parking, restrooms, shower, drinking water, beach volleyball sand court

HOW TO GET THERE

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 Alii Drive for 4 miles. The beach and entrance to the parking lot will be on the right.

One of only a few stretches of white sand within the Kailua-Kona-Keauhou corridor, the activity at this beach starts early and continues throughout the day. Islanders find this beach one of the best for boogie boarding and surfing. As a result, droves will arrive early and linger throughout the day and through the sunset hour especially during the periods of good surf. Many also find the rocky cove just south of the beach an excellent place for snorkeling and shoreline diving.

The sandy shoreline at Laaloa is a very seasonal occurrence. The beach boasts a thick sandy shoreline during the summer months when surf and ocean conditions are gentle and calm. During the winter months, the strong shore break erodes the sandy shoreline which results in the nickname Magic Sands or Disappearing Sands. Regardless of sandy or rocky shoreline, this beach is filled with action, surfers and everyone from Maine to Miloli'i. Arrive early for easy parking and smaller crowds

Address:

Along Alii Drive near mile marker 4
Kailua-Kona HI 96740
GPS: 19.593758 , -155.971216

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

Waiaha Beach Park

Kona, Big Island

Popularly known as Honl's, Waiaha Beach Park is a tiny sliver of white sand beach that is easy to overlook while driving along Ali'i Drive. However, many find this respite from the busier Kona coast beaches the perfect spot for a quiet relaxing beach experience.

AT A GLANCE

Highlights: Small, tiny and popular with body boarders and other expert ocean sports.

Activities: body boarding ocean conditions. Sun bathing, picnics

Lifeguard: none

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. Nudity are prohibited.

Amenities: restrooms, showers, picnic tables, parking

HOW TO GET THERE

Waiaha 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 Alii Drive for 2 miles. The beach will be on the right.

One of the best boogie boarding beaches along the Kona coast, Waiaha tends to be quieter on weekdays. Weekends bring regulars what is popularly known as the birthplace of body boarding. The rocky shoreline makes this beach not the first choice for swimming or snorkeling, but those who choose to make the short paddle out can enjoy a consistent supply of powerful and fast braking reef waves.

The lack of a lifeguard and the difficult access to the water makes this beach not the best choice for anyone other than experts. Although many with solid stand-up paddle board skills will enjoy the days when conditions are flat and winds are light.

Those just wanting to find a quiet spot under a coconut tree to read and relax will often gather toward the southern end of the beach where shade is abundant.

No website. Local knowledge only.

Address:

Along Alii Drive near mile marker 1
Kailua-Kona HI 96740
GPS: 19.628203 , -155.987872