Beach Day
Beach Day
Consistently rated one of the most beautiful places anyone has ever been, Hapuna Beach takes the Kona coffee cake! This state recreation area, which offers shelters for camping, sits pretty on Hawaii’s northwest coast. Waves and weather dictate whether Hapuna’s waters are suitable for swimming or expert body boarding. Talk to the lifeguards, and if the waves are over three feet, stay safe on shore. $5.00 parks a vehicle. Enjoy, and aloha!
Number 1: Kahalu’u Beach Park
Kahalu’u is one of the best Kona beaches for anyone who wants to go snorkeling, especially those new to the sport. The shallow water there ensures that you are close to the fish you’d like to spend time with. This place is also protected by a break offshore, so the visibility is almost always good regardless of the ocean conditions outside. Kahalu’u is probably the most popular of the Kona beaches, but that doesn’t detract from it at all. Because people love it so much, there are restrooms, shade, lifeguards, several food trucks, and plenty of parking!
Kahalu’u hosts an enthusiastic group of reef education specialists, too! You won’t find these teachers on other Kona beaches. Because the life in our ocean has always excited me, this is probably my favorite aspect of this beach. These volunteers stand on the shore to describe the fishes and other organisms inhabiting the water. They will help you to recognize what you are seeing beyond the animals’ rainbow of colors. They’ll also explain how to care for the habitat you’ll be swimming in. A coral reef is a bit like a living museum, so it’s best not to touch anything. Feel free to bring a whole list of questions; these folks will love answering you!
You’ll want snorkel equipment to play at Kahalu’u, of course. One plan to save money (and return-trip luggage space) is to rent the good stuff at Boss Frog’s Dive and Surf. Walk-ins are welcome, and you can also rent snorkel gear and underwater cameras online, before you get to the island! Boss Frog’s is in the heart of Kona town, just 15 minutes from Kahalu’u.