In the days of the Hawaiian kings, with many of the islands' beaches having dangerous surf and riptides, King Kamehameha wanted a safe place for his family to enjoy the ocean. He had his workers construct a seawall in the surf to protect a small cove on the sunny side of the Big Island. This cove today is known as Kahaluu Beach Park - one of the most popular swimming and best snorkeling sites in the Kona district.  The beach is salt-and-pepper colored sand with lots of shady trees surrounding it.  There is a sandy entrance to the water for snorkelers on the north side of the beach.  Often, you can see turtles swimming the shallow waters right from the beach or while you walk on the sea wall!

 
View HI-Kahaluu Beach Park in a larger map

The best snorkel route (see light-blue line in map above) is to head to the southwest, towards the lava rock breakwater (aim for the pavilion restaurant) - this keeps you swimming against the current.  Swim against the current on your way out, that way you are swimming with the current on your way back to shore.  Try to head out to the lava rocks into as shallow water as possible - once you get into about 2-feet or less of water, the coral reef is pristine and the underwater life is spectacular.  The coral reef is most prolific out here, in the shallow water adjacent the lava break water.  Also, most of the tourists will stay closer to shore - so if you make it out here, it will be just you, the coral, and the colorful fish!  Slowly swim to the North as the current pushes you that way.  As you circle through the deeper water on your way back to the beach, you will more than likely see some green sea turtles swimming.  In the most vibrant part of the reef you are certain to see numerous large parrot fish, puffer fish, butterfly fish, and the usual myriad of Hawaiian tropical fish.  Some of the fish congregate in huge groups almost like a giant cloud of colorful fish.  Enjoy the great snorkeling! 

Kahalu'u is a Family Beach
Kahaluu is well visited because of the calm, protected waters - perfect for families and kids.  Because of its popularity, parking can be hard to find, so come early! The shallow, clear waters are abundant with sea life.  Shady trees surround this beautiful sandy beach.  Facilities include a pavilion, rest rooms, showers, a lifeguard tower, and limited parking.  This beach is baby stroller accessible.  Concession stands and beach rental gear stores are located nearby.  A narrow path takes you directly to the Resort's Beach Bar & Grill, which serves sandwiches and plate lunches.  Young kids will love to play in the sand and the shallow water as sea turtles crawl up on the beach next to them.  Older kids and teenagers will enjoy the wonderful snorkeling or sit on shore watching the surfers catch their sets.
 

Virtual Tour: Take a Virtual Tour of Kahalu'u Beach
Virtual Tour: Take a Virtual Tour of a Hawaiian Coral Reef
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Directions: Kahaluu Beach Park is located 5 1/2 miles south of Kailua-Kona on Ali'i Drive, at the 5-mile marker, just south of Magic Sands Beach and near the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort.  PHONE: 808/961-8311.  View map of Kahalu'u Bay. 

Nearby Attractions: Alii Drive Shops and Restaurants, Kailua-Kona Town, Alii Gardens Outdoor Shops

Kona Snorkeling: Check out our Kona Snorkeling Section for more information on snorkeling Kahaluu and other great locations.  Want to take your digital camera underwater? Check out our water-proof underwater cases.

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