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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Top ways to experience Kahalu'u Beach Park and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
37 within 3 miles
Attractions
105 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Eric HMoose Pass, Alaska63 contributionsLike Swimming in a Fish bowlLike 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 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 30, 2023
- kbqhillsOgallala, Nebraska1,222 contributionsAmazing place to snorkelThis 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 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 9, 2023
- Troy HWest Jordan, Utah44 contributionsGreat beach for snorkeling and learning to surfThis 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 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 29, 2024
- Hal72Olympia, Washington649 contributionsOur favorite beachOur 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 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 29, 2024
- Manarola3Austin, Texas106 contributionsGood snorkelingSmall 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 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 9, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
452 reviews
Excellent
274
Very good
127
Average
38
Poor
6
Terrible
7
Hal72
Olympia, WA649 contributions
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 March 23, 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, WA649 contributions
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 March 29, 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
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 July 17, 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, NE1,222 contributions
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 December 9, 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
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 January 7, 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, UT258 contributions
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 March 4, 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, CA1,396 contributions
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 August 14, 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.
Khoi N
Washington DC, DC4,736 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
Beautiful black sand beach with amazing views and a bathroom close by. There’s plenty of parking and great spot to check the sunset. Don’t go too far to the left as some of the property is private and you’ll be trespassing. Waves overall are pretty calm but there are plenty of rocks all around
Written October 6, 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.
Kala
California52 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
This is a must do and excellent spot for snorkeling for both beginners and those comfortable with snorkeling. We saw a ton of fish and if lucky you may see octopi and turtles.
So very thankful to ReefTeach volunteers who are in the location for their helpful advice on 1) reef safe sunscreen (most likely your sunscreen is not reef safe—use the sun screen from the dispenser provided); 2) best way to get in and out of the water; 3) how far to go during high/low tide, especially for beginners. You are all amazing and our snorkeling experience was great because of you! Thanks to the lifeguards who were alerting those who went too far or were stepping on corals to back off. It was a great to know that the reefs were being protected especially since they were able to naturally recover from human influences during COVID-19 pandemic.
So very thankful to ReefTeach volunteers who are in the location for their helpful advice on 1) reef safe sunscreen (most likely your sunscreen is not reef safe—use the sun screen from the dispenser provided); 2) best way to get in and out of the water; 3) how far to go during high/low tide, especially for beginners. You are all amazing and our snorkeling experience was great because of you! Thanks to the lifeguards who were alerting those who went too far or were stepping on corals to back off. It was a great to know that the reefs were being protected especially since they were able to naturally recover from human influences during COVID-19 pandemic.
Written July 3, 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.
nctraveler315
Winston Salem, NC171 contributions
Jul 2021
We just stopped by, did not go in the water. There were small areas of calm water good for small children or just cooling off. The far left end of the beach where the large shelter is located was packed with people. Further down the beach it was less crowded and it looked like it would be a good place to snorkel. Standing on the wall by the beach we could look down into the water and see all kinds of tropical fish.
Written August 2, 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.
can you snorkel right from the beach? how much are the snorkel equipments to rent?
Written August 14, 2019
Yep, you sure can. We didn’t rent snorkeling gear there. I want to say it was under 25 bucks. We brought our own because I’m not thrilled of the idea of sucking on someone else’s used snorkel. 😁 There are plenty of stores that sell snorkels. For me, even if you don’t keep it when you leave, the cost is worth it. You can buy a snorkel and flippers for around 30 or 40 bucks and it has never been slobbered on. For this germaphobe, that’s the way to go.
Written August 15, 2019
Curious if the beach is within walking distance of the Sheraton Resort?
Written August 7, 2016
That really depends on how fit you are. It's only 2 miles away but some of it will be uphill and you may not want to carry your beach stuff that far. It's only a 5 min drive by car.
Written August 8, 2016
What would be the best way to get to the beach? We will be arriving aboard The Pride of America cruise ship.
Written November 30, 2015
there seems to be a shuttle which one apparently buys on the ship which includes snorkel gear. Also, possible to take a taxi, or a bus -- I don't have enough info on the bus schedule, but surely someone will. It's about 5 miles walk, along the ocean, so probably too far to walk both ways, anyway. Good luck -- and I hope you enjoy Kona while you're here and will want to return for more days sometime.
Written December 1, 2015
hi there-
I'd like to take a surfing lesson when I go in Sept. at this beach. Did your son do a group lesson? That's what I'm interested in. Also, do you remember the name of the place that you used for the lessons? Thanks!!!
Written August 10, 2015
Camie B
Damascus, Maryland
Regarding Snorkel equipment rentals: how much? and do they have sizes for kiddos? Thanks so much!
Written July 21, 2015
Hi,
We bring our own gear from home as we like to snorkel on our vacations. There is a truck at the beach to rent gear or you can rent in town at Snorkel Bob's for a daily or weekly rental. That chain has many locations on all the islands. You could also stop by WalMart and buy a set. Enjoy the adventure!
Written July 22, 2015
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