Honoka'ope Beach

Honoka'ope Beach, Big Island

Located at the south end of the Mauna Lani Resort area, Honoka'ope Beach is a small salt-and-pepper beach that's only sparsely visited. The beach is backed by several luxury homes, and access to Honoka'ope requires getting a beach access pass at the gate (there are 20 parking spaces).

When the ocean is calm, snorkeling is possible here, and since the other resort beaches in this area are sandy, Honoka'ope makes for an interesting change. From Honoka'ope Beach, a trail leads north along the lava cliffs to 49 Black Sand Beach.

Key Features

Mauna Lani-area beach: Small shoreline near Puako on the Kohala Coast

Salt-and-pepper sand: Dark lava sand mixed with lighter coral fragments

Quiet cove setting: Limited public parking helps keep crowds lower

Lava cliff scenery: Coastal trail leads north toward 49 Black Sand Beach

Calm-condition snorkeling: Possible when surf is low and water is clear

Rocky entry: Use caution around lava rock and uneven footing

Limited parking: Paved lot has 20 spaces and access requires a gate pass

Facilities

Restrooms

Showers

Paved parking lot (20 spaces)

Activities

Swimming

Snorkeling

Plan Your Visit

Honoka'ope Beach is best for quiet shoreline views, calm-condition snorkeling, short coastal walks and lava-cliff scenery. Public parking is limited to 20 spaces, access requires a gate pass, and rocky entry makes ocean conditions important.

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Browse Honoka'ope Beach photos featuring the Big Island's black-sand shoreline, beachfront naupaka, public access trails, rocky coastal areas, beach shower, warning signs and small beach park facilities.

Location, Parking and Directions

Honoka'ope Beach is located at the end of Honokaope Place in Puako, HI 96743, near the Mauna Lani resort area on the Big Island's Kohala Coast. Between mile markers 74 and 75 on Highway 19, turn onto Mauna Lani Drive. At the roundabout, take the third street right onto Kaniku Drive, then turn left on Honoka'ope Place and follow it to the end. From the parking lot, it is a short walk to the beach. The source lists access hours as 8 am to 5 pm.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Honoka'ope Beach located?

Honoka'ope Beach is located at the end of Honokaope Place near Puako and the Mauna Lani resort area on the Big Island's Kohala Coast.

Is Honoka'ope Beach good for snorkeling?

Snorkeling can be possible when the ocean is calm and visibility is clear, but entry can be rocky and conditions should be checked first.

How many parking spaces are available at Honoka'ope Beach?

The source page says the paved parking lot has 20 spaces, and beach access requires getting a pass at the gate.

What activities are listed for Honoka'ope Beach?

The source page lists swimming and snorkeling.

What facilities are available at Honoka'ope Beach?

Facilities include restrooms, showers and a paved parking lot with 20 spaces.