Mahai'ula at Kekaha Kai State 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

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

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

Kona, Big Island

Located just minutes from the center of Kailua-Kona, this expansive park offers a wide range of activities along with a lot of sun under the auspices of the National Park Service.

AT A GLANCE

Highlights: white sand beach and archeological sites make his the perfect spot to explore, relax and refresh.

Activities: swimming, sun bathing, picnics, hiking

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 is prohibited. The main gate is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 PM daily

Amenities: restrooms, park rangers, bookstore

HOW TO GET THERE

Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park is located between the airport and the the heart of Kailua-Kona. From Kona International Airport at Keahole. Proceed south along Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Highway 19) for 4 miles. The entrance to the will be on the right.

Those who love mixture in their outdoor island experiences will enjoy the variety of activities that are available at this rugged and historic beachfront park. Operated by the National park Service, this park offers a calm protected beach, several archeological sites, hiking trails, ancient fishponds, petroglyphs and hiking trails.

The lovely protected beach is located at the south end of the park. Accessible by trail or through the adjacent harbor area, the small beach has a sandy shoreline an ancient Hawaiian fish trap, temple and tidal pools. Calm and clear waters are perfect for small children and sunbathers.

Hiking trails connect the beach area with the many archeological sites in the park. One can explore the trails and view the flora and fauna along with migratory birds. Many find this park the perfect spot to enjoy in the afternoon and watch the gorgeous Kona sunsets.

Address:

Along Queen Kaahumanu Highway
Kailua-Kona HI 96740
GPS: 19.678657 , -156.019592

http://www.nps.gov/kaho/index.htm