Beaches :: Honokohau ~ Kua Bay

From Honokohau to Kua Bay, these are the beaches of Hawaii Big Island's North Kona Coast. Read this "Star-Bulletin" article about beach safety in Hawaii.

Honokohau Beach

Central/Northern Kona, Big Island, Hawaii. Once known as the most prominent clothing-optional beach in the Kona vicinity, Honokohau has since been incorporated into the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park and is finding itself forced to accept change as a result of its new status. A recent push is being made to outlaw nude bathing at Honokohau.

Location :: Three miles north of Kailua-Kona, off of Queen Kaahumanu Highway.

Access :: To reach Honokohau, take Queen Kaahumanu Highway north for three miles until you come to a left turn leading to the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor. Follow this road to a nautical scrapheap and park in the dirt parking lot. From there, climb over the berm and follow a path into the vegetation. After a few minutes, you should arrive at the beach.

Services :: None.

Notes :: Visit the nearby "Queen's Bath," a brackish pond currently being considered for status as a historical site. Swimming here is not recommended. A ranger is usually on duty at the pond, and anyone caught taking a dip in the Queen's Bath can expect, at the least, a stern reprimand.

Kaloko Beach

Central/Northern Kona, Big Island, Hawaii. This small beach features a series of beautiful sea arches, easily explored with flippers and a snorkel. During the evening, green sea turtles often congregate on and around the beach. Quite a sight, especially when seen from the water.

Location :: North of Honokau.

Access :: Hike north from the Queen's Bath for ten minutes to reach this tiny, well-hidden beach.

Services :: None.

Notes :: Like nearby Honokohau Beach, a part of the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park.

Mahaiula Bay

Central/Northern Kona, Big Island, Hawaii. Along with Makalawena Beach and Kua Bay, the sandy beach at Mahaiula Bay is a part of the Kona Coast State Park. This beautiful 200-yard stretch of white sand is far removed from the hustle and bustle of Kailua-Kona and is unimproved, but tranquil.

Location :: Kona Coast State Park, north of Kailua-Kona.

Access :: Two miles north of the Kona airport while traveling on Queen Kaahumanu Highway, turn onto the rough dirt road and follow the road for a mile-and-a-half to the designated parking area. Right before you reach the parking lot, you'll notice a small footpath on your right. Park in the lot and follow this trail to this beautiful beach.

Services :: A generally clean portable toilet can be found along the footpath that leads to the beach.

Makalawena Beach

Central/Northern Kona, Big Island, Hawaii. Its name is slightly misleading as Makalewena Beach is in fact a series of three small, secluded beaches. All three, like Kaloko, (see above) are good for snorkeling, and are favorite evening gathering spots for green sea turtles.

Location :: Kona Coast State Park, north of Kailua-Kona.

Access :: To reach these three beaches, continue north on Queen Kaahumanu Highway instead of turning off to go to Mahailua Bay. Approximately two miles north of the Mahailua turnoff, you should reach a rugged dirt road. This road should only be attempted if you are equipped with four wheel drive. If not, pull off the highway and traverse the dirt road on foot.

Services :: None.

Kua Bay

Central/Northern Kona, Big Island, Hawaii. The third and final major beach in the Kona Coast State Park, Kua Bay is not as easily reached as Mahailua, nor is it as secluded as Makalawena. Conditions at Kua make it a favorite local swimming and boogie boarding spot.

Location :: Kona Coast State Park, north of Kailua-Kona.

Access :: To reach Kua Bay, continue north on Queen Kaahumanu Highway instead of turning off to go to Makalawena. After a few minutes, you should see the turnoff for Kua Bay. The road may look paved, but don't be fooled. The road almost immediately gives way to dirt, lava, and coral, and should only be braved with four wheel drive. If your car is not so equipped, pull off the highway and hike down the road on foot.

Services :: None.