Kohanaiki Beach Park

Calling all surfers, snorkelers, and history buffs! Kohanaiki Beach Park is an outdoor paradise waiting for you to discover its riches. 

Known as "Pinetree," Kohanaiki Beach Park blends modern establishments and long-standing local traditions. 

Unlike many of Hawaii's tourist-centric beaches, Kohanaiki Beach Park exudes a more subdued ambiance, primarily attracting locals. The park's dual nature of sand and rock shores caters to diverse beach activities. 

The sandy shores house a small, safe pool area for children's swimming and wading. In contrast, the rocky shores are a haven for surfers, offering them challenging waves and a vibrant surfing culture that has thrived for decades​.

The park is also equipped for overnight stays, with camping spots allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

While the water conditions can be too rough for winter swimming, the summer brings more favorable conditions, transforming the park into a more family-friendly beach destination​. 

The park's relatively recent establishment remains popular for relaxation and active water sports. It maintains its unique character amidst the evolving landscape of Hawaii's beach parks.

Fun Facts & Cool Features

A striking feature of Kohanaiki Beach Park is its beautiful coral reefs paired with ancient Hawaiian fishponds. This combination of natural and cultural attractions is unique among Big Island's beach parks. Visitors can indulge in snorkeling to explore the vibrant marine life of the coral reefs and take leisurely strolls to discover the fishponds, which are a testament to the ingenuity of early Hawaiian people​. 

The park was once a significant fishing and agricultural area for ancient Hawaiians. The preserved fishponds within the park serve as a living reminder of early Hawaiian civilization's resourcefulness, where they utilized these ponds to raise fish for sustenance. 

The park is located along the Kohanaiki Trail, stretching from Mount Hualalai to the ocean shore. This trail is part of the ancient Hawaiian land division system known as an ahupua'a, which was a sustainable way for upslope (mauka) and shore (makai) communities to share and benefit from resources in both locations. 

Visitors can explore two historical trails dating back to the 1800s: Ala Kahakai (Trail by the Sea) and Ala Mamalahoa. Scattered around the area are 14 ancient shrines or altars. A unique artifact is the Konane Board, akin to a Hawaiian version of Chinese Checkers, carved into flat rock.

Whether you come for the surf, the snorkeling, or the historical artifacts, visiting Kohanaiki Beach Park will enhance your Kona getaway. 

Getting There

Here's how you can reach Kohanaiki Beach Park from Kailua-Kona:

• Head 7 miles north of Kailua-Kona.
• Make a turn toward the sea at Hulikoa Drive. This turn is across from the Pine Tree Cafe and Minit Stop Gas Station.
• After turning, you'll be on the road leading to the Kohanaiki Private Club.
• Before reaching the guard gate of the private club, turn right and drive around the golf course.
• Keep following the road until you reach a small parking lot with a hut.
• After reaching the parking lot, head down the small paved road.
• Parking is available along the road, which stretches for quite a distance. The surfing area is mainly at the southern end.
• Address: PX23+72, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Cost

• Kohanaiki County Beach Park does not charge an entrance fee.​
• Camping Fees: Kohanaiki Beach Park camping fees are $21 per night for non-residents and $5 for Hawaiian residents. 
• Reservations for camping must be made online before arrival, and these fees can be paid via the Hawaii County website.​

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.