Keokea Beach Park

Keokea Beach Park is a North Kohala shoreline park near Kapaau, with a rocky bay, grassy picnic areas, pavilion space and rough open-ocean views.

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Keokea Beach Park

Keokea Beach Park, Big Island

Located on the Big Island's rocky North Kohala shoreline, Keokea Beach is a boulder beach backed by sea cliffs. The swimming conditions are rather poor here because the bay is not protected by offshore reefs, so the surf is strong and the water rough on most days. Local residents have built a breakwater of boulders to improve the cove.

There is a small stream in the park area where children can play, but make sure to keep an eye out so they don't stray off to the rocks. What it lacks in the water, Keokea makes up for on the coast. This beach has some of the best facilities in the area, including picnic tables, pavilions, fire pits, barbecue grills, restrooms and showers. The beach is a popular picnicking spot and gets crowded during the weekends and holidays. Keokea Beach Park sits along the North Kohala coast beyond Hawi and Kapaau, where rugged shoreline views continue toward Pololu Valley Beach. Ocean conditions are often rough, so fishing is usually a better fit here than swimming.

Key Features

North Kohala shoreline park near Kapaau
Rocky bay and open-ocean surf make swimming poor much of the time
Grassy picnic areas sit close to the shoreline
County facilities include a pavilion, restrooms, BBQ pits and grills
The road down from Highway 270 is narrow and steep in places
Fishing is the main ocean activity on calm days
Waves can hit the rocks hard when surf is up
Keokea is a good North Kohala picnic and ocean-view stop
The park sits near the route many visitors take toward Pololu Valley
No lifeguards are stationed at the park

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Keokea Beach Park a sandy beach?

No. Visitors should expect a rocky North Kohala shoreline with grassy picnic areas and a small bay rather than a wide sandy beach.

Why is swimming usually poor at Keokea Beach Park?

The bay is exposed to open-ocean swell, and waves can push hard into the rocky shoreline. Visitors should avoid the water when surf is active.

What should visitors know about the road down?

Keokea Park Road is narrow and steep in places, with curves on the way to the shoreline. Visitors should drive slowly and allow room for local traffic.

What facilities are available for a picnic?

The county lists a pavilion, restrooms, BBQ pits and grills, with grassy areas near the shoreline for a short picnic stop.

Is Keokea Beach Park close to Pololu Valley?

Yes. The park is along the North Kohala drive that many visitors take toward Pololu Valley, making it a possible rest or picnic stop before or after the lookout.