Posts Tagged ‘Kona Beaches’

When staying at the Na Hale O Keauhou Resort which is just a few miles  south of the town of Kona on Alii Drive in the Keauhou Bay Resort area there is great snorkeling just a short distance away.

Simply walk out the front door of Na Hale O Keauhou #L-4 with your owner supplied beach towels, beach chairs and ice chest for lunch or drinks,  exit the resort to the right/north and walk or drive about 1/4 mile to Kahalu’u Beach Park.

This beach will give you access to one of the most amazing snorkeling experiences that you will ever witness.  The beach is protected by a reef that juts out from the south and protects most of the beach from surf.  Once in the water the bottom is rocky so it is a good idea to wear water socks or dive boots before putting your fins on.

Once in the water swim out towards the reef and you will see an amazing collection of brightly colored tropical fish in bountiful numbers and an occasional sea turtle in this protected cove.

It is best to go early as the hotel just to the south feeds a lot people into these waters so it can get crowded later in the day.  Also, remember that the coral that makes this experience possible is very fragile so please do not touch any of the coral as it will die if touched.

In addition, on the north side of this beach, which is not reef protected, a surfing school operates teaching people to surf in the small swells that come into the north side of this cove.  Have a great time.

One of the best places that I’ve snorkeled in Hawaii is at Kahaluu Beach Park in Kona.

Only 4 miles south of the center of Kailua-Kona this park used the be the playground of the Hawaiian Royalty – including four kings that lived only 1/8 of a mile away!

One of the reasons that they liked it here so much is because of the wonderfully protected beach and hundreds of fish that you’ll find in the shallow, calm waters.  And there are so many turtles here that you really have to watch your step getting in and out of the water!  No wonder the nickname for the park is Turtle Beach.

Recently (2006-2007) there was a new development of luxury Kona condos built right across the street called The Beach Villas at Kahaluu. These luxurious condos make the joy of spending time at Kahalu’u Beach Park so convenient.  You just have to grab your snorkel gear and towel and cross the street to hang out with the fish and turtles.  And if you’ve forgotten your sunblock, it’s only a 1 minute walk back to your condo!

I really recommend this place for those vacation renters that want to maximize their vacation time interacting with the beautiful creatures of the sea.

The Big Island of Hawaii is not known for its spectacular beaches. However, contrary to popular belief, Hawaii does offer a few wonderful rustic beaches open to the public.

Nature at its Best

Beaches on the Big Island are often littered with rocks, crags of lava, sea vegetation, and wildlife! The natural setting of beaches near Kona provides excellent opportunities for viewing Hawaiian wildlife in their natural habitat.

Natural Beaches Near Kona

Magic Sands (La Aloa) Beach is a unique beach that loses its sands to rising waves in March and April. Layers of craggy rocks border this beach known for its large waves. The beautiful combination of rugged rocks and waves can be dangerous at times, so use caution.

This beach serves as an idea whale watching spot during whale season. Showers and restrooms are provided at the beach.

Makalawena Beach is off the beaten path, but it rewards visitors for their perseverance by offering secluded bays, beautiful views, and great waves for boogie boarding. This white sand beach is preferred by locals and is not often crowded.

Makolea Beach is a beautiful black sand beach near Kona. Makolea offers terrific snorkeling and fishing and is even suitable for swimming.

Wawaloli Beach is an ideal beach for families because of its calm waters. Old Airport Beach and Pawai Bay is a popular Kona beach because of its clear waters,

snorkeling caves, and rare selection of coral. Showers, picnic areas, and restrooms are offered on the beach. Old Airport Beach contains many areas with a rocky bottom, and some type of foot protection is necessary if you plan to go into the water. Snorkeling is better in the Pawai Bay area to the south.

Kona’s More Refined Beaches

For those seeking a more refined, tourist beach, Kona does offer a few selections as well. The King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel offers a small stretch of sandy beach that is open to the public.

Kamakahonu Beach, as it is called, is popular for kayaking, canoeing, and families with small children. Waves are minimal to non-existent and the water is often cloudy. Amenities include walking distance to attractions, restrooms, and rental equipment.

Kahaluu Beach is another groomed white sand beach. Located near the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort, this beach is open to the public and is very popular. Sand space is limited, but the large bay area provides plenty of room in the water for all.

Amenities offered include a picnic area, showers, restrooms, and a basketball court. This beach is home to many sea turtles, tropical fish and octopus. Hang out long enough and a sea turtle may climb up on the sand with you!

These Kona Hawaii beaches offer a variety of activities and views to suit the vacationing needs of every visitor. If you know where to look, you don’t have to go far to find a great beach near Kona.