Beaches :: Kahaluu ~ Old Airport Beach
From Kahaluu to Old Airport Beach, these are the beaches of Hawaii Big Island's Kailua-Kona Coast. Read this "Star-Bulletin" article about beach safety in Hawaii.
Kahaluu Beach Park
South/Central Kona, Big Island, Hawaii. Even though the beach is usually crowded, the fantastic swimming at Kahaluu is enough to make a visit essential even for the agoraphobic. Gentle wave action within the confines of the bay creates a situation ideal for the beginning swimmer or snorkeler. But be careful not to venture outside the protected waters of the bay. Deadly riptides lurk just beyond. Kahaluu is the site of more rescues than any other Kona beach.
Location :: Kailua-Kona, on Kahaluu Bay, along Alii Drive.
Access :: Alii Drive.
Services :: Showers, restrooms, picnic facilities, basketball court.
Notes :: Though its diversity of marine life (including angelfish, parrotfish, and unicornfish) is enough to qualify Kahaluu for status of a marine life conservation district, the deeply-entrenched local tradition of hukilau net fishing insures that Kahaluu remain a fishing ground.
White Sands Beach County Park (Magic Sands, Disappearing Sands)
South/Central Kona, Big Island, Hawaii. White Sands Beach's other names both derive from a strange annual phenomenon in which rising waves in March and April swallow the white sand beach entirely. Even when the beach is absent, the park is still worth a visit. White Sands Beach serves as the perfect vantage point for watching migrating humpback whales. When the sands return, both locals and tourists begin to arrive in droves, and with good reason: the waters at White Sands are perfectly suited to a number of water sports, most notably, bodysurfing (See NOTES). The best surfing can be found north of the beach in an area locally known as "The Banyan."
Location :: Kailua-Kona, along Alii Drive.
Access :: Alii Drive.
Services :: Showers, restrooms.
Notes :: The Magic Sands Bodysurfing Contest is held here annualy each winter.
Kamakahonu Beach
Northern Kona, Big Island, Hawaii. The gentle wave action here has earned Kamakahonu the name "Kids' Beach" among the locals. If the name isn't a dead giveaway, this beach is a must-visit for any vacationing family with small children. Kamakahonu has much to offer to its more mature visitors as well. The onsite Beach Shack rents out snorkeling gear, Hobie Cats, and kayaks, all at reasonable prices.
Location :: Downtown Kailua-Kona, near Kailua Pier and King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel.
Access :: Beach is withing walking distance of most downtown Kailu-Kona hotels.
Services :: Restrooms, Rentals (see INTRODUCTION).
Notes :: The annual Ironman Triathlon every year begins at Kamakahonu.
Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area
Central/Northern Kona, Big Island, Hawaii. Once the site of Kona's airport, the old runway was shutdown in 1970, and the area between the runway and the water's edge converted to a beach park named, fittingly enough, Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area. The swimming is all-around decent, but be sure to wear beach shoes when entering the water to avoid cutting yourself on the rocky bottom. If you're going for a dip, it would probably be best to swim in a tiny pocket of sand towards the southern end of the beach. The snorkeling is generally okay, best towards the beach's northern end.
Location :: Downtown Kailua-Kona, a few hundred yards north of King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, on the site of the old Kona airport.
Access :: Follow the shoreline north from King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel for a few hundred yards to reach the beach.
Services :: Showers, picnic accomodations, restrooms. Though camping is not technically allowed at Old Kona Airport, many choose to pitch their tents anyway. If you decide to join them, keep in mind that you're in violation of beach regulations.
Notes :: The beach is most popular with local bodysurfers, due to a break in the offshore reef that creates good waves. The beach's gates close at 8:00 PM.
