Kahalu'u Beach Park
Kahalu'u Beach Park
4.5
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
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  • Eric H
    Moose Pass, Alaska64 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Like Swimming in a Fish bowl
    Like snorkeling in a fish bowl. So much Variety of fish and marine life. THis is a must stop for us in Kona. We have been three times over the last 8 years or so and it never disappoints. The volunteers are helpful with information about the reef and fish that live there. This is almost a guaranteed opportunity to see Green Sea Turtles, at least we have seen them on every trip. The whole area is protected by a reef and safe for children who know how to swim and snorkel.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 30 November 2023
  • kbqhills
    Ogallala, Nebraska1,224 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing place to snorkel
    This is an amazing place to snorkel. There is offstreet parking if you get there soon enough, otherwise the parking lot is $12 for four hours. You won’t be disappointed as I was able to see plenty of different different types of fish, coral, and even a turtle from a distance. The water was clearand the views were spectacular!
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 9 December 2023
  • Troy H
    West Jordan, Utah44 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great beach for snorkeling and learning to surf
    This beach is all about snorkeling and surfing. The snorkeling is easy and really accessible. The parking fills up fast and there isn't much street parking. There is a great shop across the street to rent snorkel and surf gear. I am not a surfer but it the surf shop gives lessons here so it looks to be mainly for beginners.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 29 March 2024
  • Hal72
    Olympia, Washington650 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our favorite beach
    Our favorite beach. We arrive early before the lifeguards arrive. Getting into the water is a little tricky as one must walk over pillow lava. Walk carefully. The best way to get out into the bay is to lie down in the channel and swim out. Even though the docents suggest people do there there is often a clot of walkers. Once outside the water is 3-5 feet deep with lots of fish to see. We have a route to follow, out towards the breakwater as fish are different. There are some turtles to find and see. There was one shark reported that closed the beach on day after we had left. There is a charge for parking in the lot, but street parking is available. Nice restrooms and a pavilion with tables. Showers available to so you wash off the salt.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 29 March 2024
  • Manarola3
    Austin, Texas105 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good snorkeling
    Small and crowded but good snorkeling when the surf isn’t too rough. The small parking lot (pay) fills up fast. Alternative is to park on the street. It does have an outside shower and building with restroom.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 9 April 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles449 reviews
Excellent
273
Very good
126
Average
38
Poor
6
Terrible
6

flashncrash
Berkeley, CA674 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
We came to Kahala'u Beach and kept coming back. It was close to where we were staying plus since it was warm enough by 8:30am we didn't have any problems grabbing a parking spot in the lot that was closer to the water. There is a covered area with concrete tables/benches as well as restrooms. A volunteer group shows up to promote the marine life and food trucks may be present. The more south section with a mix of sand and small rocks has some trees that provide shade but also, I feel, the less comfortable way to enter the water. The section just north of the covered picnic tables is where it is more comfortable to access the water. After walking on the lava rock you can find a place at the edge of the water to sit and put your fins on before heading out. Some areas have a clear path out from the lava while others you will have to maneuver around the lava. Depending on the tide and surf can determine how easy or difficult it is to enter and exit the water. Once underwater there is plenty of area to explore and follow the variety of sea life including turtles. We have been told that through the years there has been a decline of the numbers of fish which is unfortunate. Kahala'u Beach is not an expansive sandy beach with a gentle slope into the water but it is a sweet spot right off Alii Dr to get some snorkeling in.
Written 27 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TravellingAussieMum
Melbourne, Australia199 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Short of time (one day in port on Pride of America) we decided to visit the beach for snorkelling. Hired gear from lovely, enthusiastic volunteers who gave lots of advice about how to enjoy the snorkelling without hurting the fish. As a weak swimmer I appreciated the complementary pool noodle to keep me safe and buoyant in the water!
I'm over fifty and found it a bit difficult getting into water from slippery, rough rocks at shore. From then on, absolutely loved seeing the huge numbers and range of fish. Must have seen twenty five different species at least, including schools of gorgeous yellow tangs, raccoon butterflyfish, and many others.
Good facilities including lifeguard, change rooms and toilet, snorkel rental, food truck.
Because time was tight we took a Lyft from town to beach and back again instead of waiting for the trolley shuttle which was about 1 1/4 hours wait. Very cheap and convenient for our group of three.
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

T L
Daly City, CA14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022
This is by far the best beach we have been for snorkeling! We went there twice. Best time to go is early morning when fishes are more alert and we can see right to bottom of ocean, easy access, and parking is good. Plenty of fishes. Wear water shoes though! There are 2 lifeguards, 2 restrooms, and showers to rinse off. Be prepared to enjoy a fabulous time!
Written 20 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hal72
Olympia, WA650 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 • Couples
Excellent beach and reef system to snorkel. Waters are generally well protected and calm. Lots of fish to see and they are rather tame allowing for good photo opportunities. Access is a tad tricky getting a old body over the lava boulders but once in the water it's easy. Can be crowded. Local beach docents try hard to get people safely in and out of the water; listen to them. The only fly in the ointment is that parking for non-residents is now $12 for 4 hours. This year all the money "stays in the bay" for restoration, education, and such. Next year who knows.
Written 23 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hal72
Olympia, WA650 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
Our favorite beach. We arrive early before the lifeguards arrive. Getting into the water is a little tricky as one must walk over pillow lava. Walk carefully. The best way to get out into the bay is to lie down in the channel and swim out. Even though the docents suggest people do there there is often a clot of walkers. Once outside the water is 3-5 feet deep with lots of fish to see. We have a route to follow, out towards the breakwater as fish are different. There are some turtles to find and see. There was one shark reported that closed the beach on day after we had left. There is a charge for parking in the lot, but street parking is available. Nice restrooms and a pavilion with tables. Showers available to so you wash off the salt.
Written 29 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ellen E
Falls Church, VA6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022
This beach park just happened to be right by our condo. It turned out to be a highlight of our trip. There is a nice “beach” area with a bathhouse and rinsing showers, as well as some shade and a large picnic area. Getting in and out of the water can be a bit tricky with a rocky rim that is super sharp and slippery. However, it is SO worth it - it is the best snorkeling I’ve ever done in my life. The array of fish who are totally unafraid of you is amazing. We saw a moray eel, octopus, and hosts of brightly colored fish. One day, there was a sea turtle hanging out in one of the tide pools, too. The lifeguards call out advice for snorkelers who get a bit lost or have trouble. You can also watch the surfers on the far side of the bay as they catch the waves.
Written 17 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

kbqhills
Ogallala, NE1,224 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Couples
This is an amazing place to snorkel. There is offstreet parking if you get there soon enough, otherwise the parking lot is $12 for four hours. You won’t be disappointed as I was able to see plenty of different different types of fish, coral, and even a turtle from a distance. The water was clearand the views were spectacular!
Written 9 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

3anja3
New Egypt, NJ53 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022
Snorkeling here was awesome! I do agree that swim shoes is a really good idea and I was sorry I didn't have them. The rocks are sharp here and slippery and lots of sea anemones. I would've been more confident getting in and out of the water with swim shoes on. Shoes would've helped with the hot sand as well. But once in the water it was great. The water was crystal clear and the sun was shining so the fish were very visible. I had an underwater camera and got some fantastic pictures. They are also very protective of their beach so be mindful of that! Certain sunscreens and walking on the coral is frowned upon. And with good reason! We would love to go back again! If you park in the lot you will have to pay to park but when we went we were able to park on the street and walk a short way to the beach!
Written 7 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jeff C
Sandy, UT259 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
My wife wanted to see sea turtles and she read this was the place to see them. The reviews were correct and we saw one. With that in mind I can share that there are better places to find sea turtles- Kaloko-Honokohau to name one. The selling point for this beach is that it’s within walking distance of hotels and condos along Ali I drive in Kailua. It’s not an overly large beach and we were fortunate to find a parking spot in the parking lot. The beach has some sandy areas interspersed with rocks and almost a tide pool look. It’s very popular with snorkelers and all services are available, including restrooms, food, and rentals (snorkel gear too). However, my opinion is that there are a number of beaches in Kona that outshine this beach.
Written 4 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Fred L
San Jose, CA1,430 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
While on our vacation in Kona, we met some family friends at Kahalu'u Beach Park. There is a small parking lot which could fill up during busy times. The kids (two 6 year olds and an 8 year old) really enjoyed exploring and seeing fish by the shore and tide pools. A few of the adults in the group went out snorkeling. I did not snorkel but based on the reports they saw lots of fish and some turtles and really enjoyed it. During our stay in Kona we went to Anaehoomalu Bay, Magic Sands and Kua Bay. These were much nicer, less crowded, cleaner beaches with clearer water and soft sand. I would highly recommend these beaches over Kahalu'u Beach. One benefit that this beach has over the other beaches I mentioned is that it is close to a KTA store and not far from Ali’i Drive restaurants.
Written 14 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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KAHALU'U BEACH PARK (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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