Beaches around Kailua-Kona

Sabbatical 2002-2003

Hawai'i

Anaeho'omalu Bay ('A-Bay') - This is a very nice white sand beach where the water is calm when the surf is up elsewhere. Popular with windsurfers and swimmers, it is less attractive to snorkellers. It has good facilities, including toilets and showers. The trick is to find it the first time you go - you would almost think the resort owners didn't want you to go there, it is so poorly signposted. When you turn off highway 19 to Waikoloa and the Kings shops, 24 miles north of Kailua-Kona, you will come to a crossroads with a sign to the shops and the petroglyph trail on the right. Opposite that is an unsigned road that leads to the public car park that is open from 6.00am to 8.00pm.

Old Airport Beach - This is a good beach for lots of different uses, located on the north side of Kailua-Kona. There are toilets and fresh-water showers. There is also a footpath at the north end of the runway that leads to a scuba dive, shore entry.

King Kamehameha Hotel Beach - The water is calm here even when the surf prevents swimming anywhere else. It is a popular, sandy beach in Kailua-Kona, with nearby toilets, fresh water showers and shops. Lots of snorkellers and serious swimmers, and a few scuba divers enter the water on the other side of the Pier, where the less experienced go boogie-boarding.

Natural Energy Lab - Take the turn-off from the highway just south of the Keahole Airport turn-off. The parking area is obvious. There is a shallow, natural pool that is safe for keiki and a challenging entry for experienced snorkellers. It is very dramatic here when the surf is up. There are toilets and a fresh water shower.

Kaunaoa Beach - This is 31 miles north of Kailua-Kona on Highway 19 at the Mauna Kea resort turnoff. This is your classic white, sandy beach in a relatively sheltered bay. Good for swimming and snorkelling.

Kawaihae - There is a small beach near the wa'a halau (canoe shelters) where you can swim and snorkel. A good location for whale watching. There are fresh water showers in the nearby harbour and toilets in the nearby shops. It helps if you like an industrial setting - we do.

Kahalu'u Beach Park - This is five miles south of Kailua-Kona on Ali'i Drive. Snorkellers mingle with the turtles on the south side of the bay while surfers catch the waves on the north side. Don't go to the wrong side or someone will get annoyed. There are toilets and fresh water showers. There is a car park and you can also park on the mauka side of the road.


Pu'uhonua o Honaunau	Resting Green Turtle

Honaunau Bay - Take the sign-posted turnoff nineteen miles south of Kailua-Kona. Turn off to the beach just before you get to the Place of Refuge car park. This is a nice site for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. The easiest way to find the usual entry is to follow all the other people. There is an easier entry next to the boat ramp, but you have to zig-zag around the rocks to get to the best snorkelling - useful when the surf is up, but still not for beginners. No facilities, but a very nice area.