Kiholo Bay

Kiholo Bay, Big Island

If you were to squeeze the Big Island into a single beach, you'll end up with something like Kiholo Bay (view panorama) × . This Kohala Coast beach has a little of everything: beautiful sights, fascinating wildlife, tide pools, ancient ponds and rock formations. There's even a mini-island made of lava rock right at the heart of the bay.

The bay itself consists of a mix of fresh and salt water, surrounded by dark lava rocks and a usually calm lagoon. The lagoon is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, since the water in it is usually calm compared to the rest of the bay.

Much of the bay was once a Hawaiian fishpond built in 1820 by King Kamehameha I. Its boundaries were 2 miles (3.2 km) long and its rock walls were 6 feet (1.8 m) tall and 20 feet (6 m) wide. In 1859, a lava flow from the Mauna Loa volcano, located 30 miles (48 km) away from here, reached Kiholo Bay and destroyed the southern portion of the ancient fishpond and created the lagoon you see today.

At the northern end of the bay is Wainanali'i Pond, which is connected to the ocean via a man-made channel. It is an important feeding and sleeping site for green sea turtles. However, it is located on private property and therefore not accessible. Bordering Kiholo Bay to the south is Luahinewai Pond, a freshwater pool that's surrounded by coconut palms and lush vegetation. This area is also on private property and off-limits to visitors.

On your way to Kiholo Bay, stop at Mile Marker #82 on Highway 19 at the Kiholo Bay Scenic Overlook, from where you can see most of the bay and its sprawling coastline (see below for directions on how to access the bay).

Key Features of Kiholo Bay

• Natural lagoon: Calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling, fed by freshwater springs and ocean tides.
• Green sea turtles: Frequent visitors to the bay, often seen feeding or resting along the shore.
• Historic fishpond: Built by King Kamehameha I in 1820 and partially destroyed by lava in 1859.
• Remote and undeveloped: No public restrooms or lifeguards; visitors must bring their own supplies.
• Scenic overlook: Panoramic views from Mile Marker 82 along Highway 19 before hiking or driving down.
• Location: Kohala Coast, between Mile Markers 82 and 83 on Highway 19, north of Kailua-Kona

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Reviews and Comments:   The N end features many turtles enjoying the bay. But do not go to Luahinewai Pond on the S end of the bay. The pond is on private property and not accessible from the beach. Some friends got arrested for trespassing there. It is KAPU. Paul Simon, Wed Jun 29, 2011

Location: Kohala Coast, Big Island of Hawaii (about 19 miles north of Kailua-Kona)

Directions: From Highway 19, turn on the public access road between mile markers 82 and 83. It is a narrow gravel road, but drivable with a 2WD, except for the last stretch. Alternatively, you can access the bay via a foot trail that begins from the highway just south of mile marker 81 (about a 20-minute walk). There is a small gravel area next to the highway where you can park (just north of the guardrail).

• No facilities
• No lifeguards

• Swimming
• Snorkeling
• Surfing
• Fishing

Kiholo Bay aerial

Kiholo Bay aerial