Big Island Beaches

  Kealakekua Bay.  (Snorkeling. Surfing. Open 24hr.) The steep-cliff crescent of Kealakekua Bay was formed when many acres of land plunged into the sea, and the bay and its spectacular coral reef haven’t changed much since. What visitors see today is much like what Captain Cook saw upon his arrival over 200 years ago. The area is a Marine Life Conservation District, which makes this a truly fantastic place to snorkel. In addition to a launching site, the park has restrooms, picnic tables, some big surf, and Hikiau Heiau State Monument, a significant Hawaiian temple. (To reach the park from Rte. 11, take Napoopoo Rd. between mi. markers 110 and 111. The road winds down the mountainside for a few miles before joining Middle Keei Rd. and continuing on to the bay. The only part of the bay accessible to automobiles is the southeastern end of the bay at the end of Napoopoo Rd.)

Hookena Beach Park.  (Open 24hr.) Another of the island’s black sand beaches, Hookena doesn’t stand out save its camping, but it’s worth a visit, especially for those traveling with children; the beach is protected by a natural barrier, which means calm waters. Full facilities make it easy to spend a day here. (For directions, see Accommodations.)

Milolii Beach Park.  (Surfing. Open 24hr.) In the no-man’s-land of lava fields and forest between the Kona coast and the pastures of Kau is Milolii, one of the Big Island’s last true fishing villages and a vestige from another era. The serpentine drive down to the town provides panoramic views of the titanic lava flow that devastated the area in 1926, and there is still so little vegetation that the lava seems freshly cooled. At the end of the road is Milolii Beach Park, a popular surf spot. The park offers restrooms, a sheltered picnic area, and camping. (5 mi. below Rte. 11, just after mi. marker 89.)