Ho'okena Beach Park

Ho'okena Beach Park, Big Island

Ho'okena Beach Park, located on the Big Island's west shore, was once an important inter-island steamship landing site. In the early 1880s, Ho'okena grew into a busy trading village. It had a wharf, a school, courthouse and even a jail. Eventually, cars and trucks replaced steamers and by the mid-1930s, storms and high surf had destroyed the landing at Ho'okena and most villagers moved away from the shoreline and closer to the highway farther inland.

Ho'okena Beach is located at the northern end of Kauhako Bay, which is bordered by sea cliffs. The beach itself has fine, black detrital sand mixed with white sand, giving it a gray color. The shoreline is rocky, but there are a few sandy entry and exit points to get in and out of the water. The waters are generally calm here, but strong currents can occur during times of high surf.

On the shore, there are a number of trails that lead to tree groves, boulder formations and other interesting features. The area is good for a picnic, with a small coconut grove and several trees that provide shade. In calm conditions, Ho'okena is also used for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Key Features

Historic west shore beach at Kauhako Bay

Former inter-island steamship landing and trading village

Gray shoreline made from black detrital sand mixed with white sand

Rocky sections sit along parts of the beach

A few sandy entry and exit points break up the shoreline

Sea cliffs border the bay setting

Coconut grove and trees provide some picnic shade

Trails near shore lead toward tree groves and boulder formations

Ho'okena Beach Road is narrow and winding

Strong currents can occur during high surf

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time should visitors allow?

Many visitors allow 1 to 3 hours, depending on parking, ocean conditions, picnic time and how much of the shoreline they want to see.

What is the road to Ho'okena like?

Ho'okena Beach Road is narrow and winding as it drops toward the coast, so drive slowly and be ready for blind turns and local traffic.

What is the sand like at Ho'okena?

The beach has gray sand made from black detrital sand mixed with white sand, with rocky sections along parts of the shoreline.

Why is Ho'okena historically important?

Ho'okena was once a busy inter-island steamship landing and trading village with a wharf, school, courthouse and jail.

When should visitors be extra careful?

High surf can bring strong currents and rougher entry points, so the beach is safer and more comfortable when the ocean is calm.