Beaches :: Mahukona ~ Kapaa Beach

From Mahukona to Kapaa Beach, these are the beaches of Hawaii Big Island's North Kohala Coast. Read this "Star-Bulletin" article about beach safety in Hawaii.

Mahukona Beach County Park

Northern Kohala, Big Island, Hawaii. The beach here doesn't see much tourists, because it is itself not much to see; the best swimming and snorkeling can be found off of the nearby pier jutting out into the harbor. The waters of the harbor are rife with scrap metal and industrial debris, making for some interesting underwater exploration, but die-hard snorkelers are encouraged to swim out farther, to the remains of a wrecked steamboat lying 150 yards offshore.

Location :: Just north of Lapakahi, off of Queen Kaahumanu Highway.

Access :: Queen Kaahumanu Highway.

Services :: Cold water showers, restrooms, electrified pavilions, picnic tables, tent/trailer camping (with permit; disregard the numerous "No Camping" signs).

Notes :: Do not swim here during the winter months. The surf is rough, the waves are high, and the currents fierce.

Kapaa Beach County Park

Northern Kohala, Big Island, Hawaii. A generally unremarkable beach with poor swimming and decent fishing, Kapaa sees even fewer visitors than nearby Mahukona (see above).

Location :: Five minutes north of Mahukona, off of Queen Kaahumanu Highway.

Access :: Queen Kaahumanu Highway.

Services :: Cold water showers, a restroom, pavilion.