Honokohau Beach
Honokohau Beach is a scenic salt-and-pepper sand beach on the Big Island's west shore, located within the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park. Known for its archaeological sites, Queen's Bath lava pool, and calm snorkeling waters, this beach blends natural beauty with rich cultural heritage.
Honokohau Beach, Big Island
Honokohau Beach, located on the Big Island’s west shore, is a long salt-and-pepper sand beach, with fragments of ground-up seashells, coral and lava rock. There’s a low lava shelf at the water’s edge that lines most of the shore. The nearshore ocean bottom is shallow and rocky, and an offshore fringing reef shelters the beach from strong surf and currents. This is a good place for snorkeling.
A little inland near the northern end of the beach, there is a trail that leads across a lava field to a brackish-water pool, known as Queen’s Bath. It’s a spring-fed lava pool that some people use to rinse off after a swim in the ocean. To get here from the northern end of Honokohau Beach, walk approximately 600 feet (180 m) north until you reach a rock wall. From here, walk toward the mountains (toward the rock mounds) until you reach the pool, which is located right behind the rock mounds.
Honokohau is one of the many beaches that form the Kalolo-Honokohau National Historic Park. This 1160-acre (4.7 sq. km) park boasts some of the best archaeological sites and artifacts in the state, including ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings), temples, burial sites, trails, house platforms and three fishponds – Aiopio, Aimakapa and Kaloko – all of which is evidence that this area once supported a Hawaiian settlement of several hundred people.
Key Features of Honokohau Beach
- Salt-and-pepper sand: The beach is made up of a mix of black lava rock, white coral, and crushed seashells.
- Historic surroundings: Located within Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park, home to ancient petroglyphs, fishponds, and archaeological remains.
- Queen's Bath: A spring-fed lava pool located inland near the beach, used as a rinsing spot after ocean swims.
- Good snorkeling: Protected by an offshore reef, the beach offers calm waters with marine life in shallower areas.
- Access through Honokohau Harbor: Visitors typically park near the harbor and follow a shoreline trail to reach the beach.
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Honokohau Beach located?
Honokohau Beach is situated on the west coast of the Big Island, just north of Kailua-Kona, within the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park.
How do I access the beach?
Most visitors park at Honokohau Harbor and follow the coastal trail to the beach. There is no direct road access to the beach itself.
Can I snorkel at Honokohau Beach?
Yes, snorkeling is possible when the ocean is calm. The beach is protected by a fringing reef, but the entry is rocky and best suited for experienced snorkelers.
What is Queen's Bath?
Queen's Bath is a spring-fed lava pool near the beach, often used for rinsing off. It's accessible via a short hike from the beach's northern end.
What makes the area historically significant?
The surrounding park contains petroglyphs, ancient temples, house platforms, and historic Hawaiian fishponds, making it an important cultural site.