Hawaii Big Island Beaches



 

Best Beaches

Hapuna Beach
Kua Bay Beach
Mauna Kea Beach
Kahaluu Beach Park
Anaehoomalu Bay
Makalawena Beach
Kikaua Point Beach

Spencer Beach Park

Photo Galleries

Hawaii Photos
Hawaiian Sea Turtle
Volcano Photos

Sunset Photos
Diving Photos
Send an e-Postcard

Virtual Tours

Kailua Bay Panorama
Kailua Pier Panorama
Coral Reef Panorama

Hawaii Souvenirs

Hawaiian Shirts
Macadamia Nuts
Hawaiian Flowers
Kona Coffee
Hilo Hattie Store
Hawaiian Surfwear

 

You are here: Big Island > Beaches > Kona > Snorkeling > Kahaluu

Kahalu'u Beach Park, Kona

Big Island Beaches | Kona Snorkeling | Kona Diving

Kahalu'u beach park, Kona

  turtle at kahaluu beach

Lizard Fish at Kahaluu

Reef and fish at Kahaluu

Snorkel Kahalu'u
Kahaluu Beach ParkKahaluu is one of the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island.  Many of the tourist brochures and maps simply refer to this place as "Snorkel Beach".  Fed by a fresh water spring, up to 10 million gallons per day.  These waters are almost always calm, with colorful Raccoon Butterfly Fish at Kahaluucorals, rock formations, and 100+ species of fish.  Swim with huge schools of colorful fish and green sea turtles in these protected waters; don't forget your underwater camera!  The north end of the beach is where the waves break and is best for body boarding and surfing.  Check the water conditions; when ocean swells are present, the water can be murky. 

Swim with the Sea Turtles!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 Snorkelers at Kahaluu Beachcove 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

Green Sea Turtle at KahaluuThe 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, Coral Reef at Kahaluuthat 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 Colorful coral reef at Kahaluuthat 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.
 
 

Kahaluu Beach - Kids and Turtle

Sandy Beach at Kahaluu

Turtle at Kahaluu Beach Park

Virtual Tour: Take a Virtual Tour of Kahalu'u Beach
Virtual Tour: Take a Virtual Tour of a Hawaiian Coral Reef
Online Poll:
Vote for your Favorite Big Island Beach

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

Puffer fish at Kahaluu BeachKona 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.

Kona Hotels starting at $78
Our comprehensive Hotel Search Engine finds the best hotels at the lowest prices.  Check out our Kona Hotels Finder - focused search of Kona Hotels, sorted by price. 

Vacation Rentals Near Kahaluu
Check out our extensive listing of over 100 Big Island vacation rentals, most are near Kailua-Kona - and many are within walking distance of Kahaluu Beach Park.  From economic beachfront one bedrooms, to large condos for multiple families.

Hotels Big Island  |  Car Rentals Big Island  |  Vacation Rentals Big Island


Plenty of shade
and picnic areas

Lifeguards on duty

Snorkel to your heart's content!

Sparkling clear waters

Surfers and body boarders
at the north end of the beach

Rocks at the edge of the cove form a natural break water
turtle at kahaluu beach
Snorkel with the Turtles
Moray Eel at Kahaluu Beach
Moray Eel at Kahalu'u

Plenty of shady trees
and picnic tables

Turtle in shallow water

Turtle in shallow water
Puffer Fish at kahaluu Beach
Puffer Fish at Kahaluu

Snorkeling Tours of the Big Island
We offer a variety of guided snorkel tours for all ages and abilities.  Designed for beginners and adventurers alike, you’ll paddle along the scenic Kohala Coast and enjoy excellent snorkeling in warm, clear Hawaiian waters.  Discover the Big Islands most remote snorkeling spots along the pristine Kohala Coast, Pawai Bay, Kealakekua Bay, and more.  Check out our large sail and snorkel tours and our exciting zodiac tours for smaller groups.

Body Glove Dolphin Snorkel Sail
Body Glove SnorkelGo sailing with Body Glove Cruises - see playful Hawaii dolphins, and snorkel with brilliantly colored tropical fish and sea turtles on a snorkeling adventure at Pawai Bay, near Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii!  The whole family will love the 15-foot waterslide, and the high-dive platform makes a big "splash" with the kids, as well as those who are kids at heart.

Fair Wind Kealakekua Bay Snorkel
Captain Cook Snorkel Slide down the Fair Wind II's water slide into the pristine waters of Kealakekua Bay, a marine sanctuary, and enjoy snorkeling or diving with 80-100 feet visibility!  Everything you’ll need for snorkeling is provided – masks, snorkels, fins, etc.

Sea Caves Snorkel and Kayak Adventure
Kayak the Sea CavesKayak along beautiful sea cliffs, over underwater lava tubes, into mysterious sea caves and go snorkeling in aqua waters filled with tropical reef fish!  After traveling along sea cliffs adorned with interesting arches and blowholes, you’ll kayak into a sea cave with pink walls and electric blue waters.  Explore a protected, clear, calm cove for snorkeling and swimming.

Sea Quest Ocean Rafting Adventure
Sea Quest Ocean Rafting AdventureJoin Sea Quest for a rafting adventure along the Kona Coast! Explore lava tubes and sea caves, and enjoy snorkeling at the Place of Refuge and Captain Cooks Landing!  After snorkeling, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking cruise along the Kona Coast taking in the spectacular coastline and exploring ancient lava tubes and sea caves.

International Phone Cards | International Calling Cards | Traveling Europe | GSM Phones

©2010 Let's Go Hawaii.  All Rights Reserved.
Home | About |
Contact | Links | Blog | Search

Big Island Hawaii

Kona Hawaii Big Island

SITE SEARCH

BEACHES
Hawaii Beach Guide

OCEAN
Snorkeling
SCUBA Diving
Kayak Hawaii

SIGHTSEEING
Big Island Sights
Hawaii Hiking

HAWAII VOLCANO
Active Lava Flow
Volcano Hiking

KONA
Kailua-Kona
Kohala Coast

HILO
Liliuokalani Gardens
Farmer's Market

Travel Resources

Discount Hawaii Airfare
Big Island Hawaii Hotel
Hilo Hawaii Hotels
Kona Hawaii Hotels
Kona Vacation Rentals
Kona Rental Cars

Tours and Activities
Hawaii on a Budget
Big Island Weather

Hawaii Books

Maps of Big Island
Travel Guides
Hawaiian Islands
Diving and Snorkeling

Photo Galleries

Hawaii Photos
Hawaiian Sea Turtle
Volcano Photos

Hawaii Sunsets
Diving Photos


Big Island Beaches



Snorkel Big Island


SCUBA & Snorkeling