Keawaiki - all beaches

The beach is truly impressive, with an abundance of lush vegetation, exotic marine creatures, and my personal favorites - the sea turtles that remind me of the beloved characters from Finding Nemo. It's definitely the ultimate destination for snorkeling enthusiasts.

This beach is an absolute gem, complete with all the amenities one could ask for - showers, comfortable chairs, and cozy cabanas, all available on a first come, first served basis. But what truly sets this beach apart is the incredible snorkeling experience it offers. Venture beyond the cove and explore the sea wall, where you'll be treated to a truly breathtaking underwater world. It's an experience that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed, and one that you won't soon forget. 🐠🌊

This beach is conveniently located near the parking area, making it easily accessible. It offers public bathroom and shower facilities for visitors. The waves are gentle and tranquil, making it a perfect destination for families. The Queens market and various restaurants are just a short 10-minute walk away. If you're looking for a place to surf, this may not be the ideal beach for you. However, if you're seeking some water fun with your loved ones or just want to unwind with a good book, this beach is undoubtedly one of the best options available.

This stunning beach boasts black sand that's sure to take your breath away. However, before you can access the road leading to the beach, you'll need to wait until 7:00 for the guard to open the gate, as the road runs through a private neighborhood. If you plan on driving, be aware that the parking lot is small, so arriving early in the day is highly recommended.

This journey starts with a significant hike from the parking area at the end of a dirt road off the highway. Opting for the hike from the highway's shoulder might be shorter, but you'll miss out on the scenic route. Starting from the parking near the turnabout, the path leads to the beach, following the shoreline straight to the cove. Along the way, you'll walk over black pebbled beaches, passing by grand mansions, including the notable Bali House (which is worth a quick lookup on Wikipedia), and several private residences at the bay's entrance. The trek continues across a vast expanse of lava, especially as you venture further into the cove. I was curious to see if the water at the cove's end was shallow enough to allow a clear view of the bottom, but unfortunately, the soot from the brackish water rendered snorkeling almost useless. While you can spot plenty of fish and turtles, snorkeling here isn't recommended. The bay area and along the beach hike is a haven for turtles. We spotted about 20 of them feeding in the waves, in water as shallow as six inches, making them easy to see and photograph. However, snorkeling in such shallow waters doesn't make much sense. The hike itself is an adventure, mostly flat but akin to walking on sand due to the pebbled terrain. I suggest wearing at least closed-toed shoes for comfort. We even saw some elderly folks on the trail, though they seemed quite exhausted from the walk. Flip-flops are a definite no for this trek. Near the beach entrance, to the right, there's a flooded lava tube, but it's important to note that entering lava tubes is now illegal. If you're up for a bit more adventure, I highly recommend heading into the cove's greenish-blue waters to enjoy some rock jumping off the lava formations. It's a thrilling addition to the hike!

This beach park is an absolute gem. Located a short distance away from Kona, it's a simple drive up the coast to reach it. As you make your way towards the park, the road leading up to it is a sight to behold. It's as if you've been transported to another world, with volcanic rock boulders dotting the landscape. Once you arrive, you'll be greeted with stunning hiking paths that run parallel to the ocean. There are plenty of shaded areas along the way, perfect for taking a break and soaking in the beauty of the waves crashing against the shore.