Kona Beaches

Kailua-Kona is not known for it's beaches, but it does have a few. The Big Island itself is not real big on beaches. It's too new, but there are some to be found. Plus, snorkeling directly off beaches on the Big Island will generally be better than on other islands because the beaches on other islands are just miles and miles of sand, while the beaches on the Big Island are often bordered or punctuated with rocks or old lava, which will attract sea life.

The beach at Otech. Not the highest recommended - it looks nice from a distance, and there is a picture in the Big Island Revealed that makes it look heavenly, but it's not all that great. The sand is kind of gritty, there is no shade, and if the tide is low there is no water! Also, if you travel out past the first large tidal area the rocks are covered with poky sea urchins. This is actually kind of neat to look at but dangerous if you slip. You can also find lots of brittle starfish and crabs and shells and dead chunks of coral, so it's a nice place to go exploring but not so great for beachgoing. Good for small kids also because there are no waves.

This is the Kailua Bay beach, just on the town side of the Kailua Pier, close to the King Kam and the Kona Seaside Hotel. This beach is small and sometimes swallowed completely by the waves, but the water is clear and the area snorkeling can be good.

This is the Kamakahonu beach, The beach of the King Kam Hotel, but anyone can go. There is a lot of canoe and kayaker traffic here, and the water can be a bit cloudy, but this is especially nice for small kids as there is almost no wave action.

This is Kahaluu Beach, right next to the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort at the far end of Alii Drive near the 5 mile marker. This is an extremely popular beach. It's the biggest one right in town, and although the sand can get crowded the bay area is huge and big enough for everyone. The snorkeling is excellent, and sea turtles come right up on the rocks to eat (see next picture). Also, there is plenty of shade and a few concessions and even outdoor showers. ... but minimal parking. Think about what day of the week it is before you come here - try to come on weekdays. Stay away on holidays - it's packed.

This is Magic Sands Beach, also called White Sands Beach, Disappearing Sands Beach, and Laaloa Beach near the 4 mile marker of Ali'i Drive. Sometimes it has sand and sometimes it doesn't. Waves are almost always big here. This is kind of a younger crowd that hangs out at this beach (younger than me, anyway).