Kahaluu Beach at a Glance
The Big Island has some outstanding underwater scenery, but Kahaluu Beach on the island’s west coast just south of Kailua-Kona stands out in particular. The fish here aren’t at all wary of the swimmers, as they tend to be in other areas. Indeed, if you hang around long enough, some of them will come up to you and swim by your side.
Over 100 species of fish can be observed here. The beach is one of the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island. In fact, many tourist maps refer to Kahaluu as “Snorkel Beach.” Not only humans and colorful tropical fish love Kahaluu Beach, but sea turtles as well. You’ll probably be able to see some in the water here.
The cove is ideal for novice swimmer and snorkelers as the water is almost always calm (except when there’s a big storm or ocean swell coming in). That’s because the beach is protected by a partially submerged rock wall, which keeps strong currents and larger waves out.
Also, the water is very shallow in the cover, around neck deep in most spots and around 10 feet (3 m) in the deepest area. This is probably one of the reasons why the fish are so plentiful here. The sunlight can reach all the way to the bottom, which grows healthy corals and seaweed. The ocean bottom at Kahaluu Beach has a mix of lava rock, corals and patches of sand. A little bit inland, many Hawaiian house ruins, heiaus and petroglyphs are located in the area, between the park and Keauhou Bay.
The shoreline consists of white sand speckled with black lava fragments. It’s best to get into the water via these sandy areas. During low tide, a few shallow tide pools surface, which can also be explored. During times of high surf, experienced bodyboarders and surfers venture out to the seaward edge of the reef in the outer area of the bay. A strong rip current may form during strong ocean swells in the area north from Kuemanu Heiau along the rugged shoreline rocks.
Kahaluu Beach in Bullet Points
- One of the best snorkeling beaches on the Big Island
- Shallow, calm waters on most days of the year
- Many colorful tropical fish and turtles can be ovserved
Kahaluu Beach Facilities (top)
- Showers
- Restrooms
- Picnic pavilions
- Drinking water
- Parking
- Lifeguard
Kahaluu Beach Water Activities
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Nearshore scuba diving
- Bodyboarding
- Surfing
- Fishing
Kahaluu Beach Driving Directions / Location
From Kailua-Kona, head south on Alii Drive for about 4.5 miles (7.2 km).
Address: 78 6699 Alii Dr., Kailua Kona, Hawaii 96740
Kahaluu Beach Map (top)
Loading...
Kahaluu Beach Weather (top)
Now
72°F
Windchill:
72°F
Cloudy
|
Location: Kailua Kona, HI, US
Wind: 15 mph N
Humidity: 73%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 30.01 in rising
Sunrise: 6:30 am
Sunset: 6:34 pm
|
Thu
Hi: 80°F
Low: 69°F
Mostly Sunny
|
Fri
Hi: 79°F
Low: 69°F
Scattered Showers
|
Kahaluu Beach Photos (click to enlarge)
(top)
Kahaluu Beach Reviews and Comments
(top)
Safety Tip
Whatever beach in Hawaii you visit, please have in mind that the ocean can
be very dangerous. Never turn your back against the waves and watch out for underwater
currents and always check the surf conditions. Pay attention to signs posted on
the beach. If you are not sure about the conditions, ask the lifeguards (if any
on the beach). Please
click here to
read more about ocean safety in Hawaii.
|
