Kahaluu Beach - Keauhou, Big Island, Hawaii - Public Beach for Snorkeling and Surfing

Also known as "Snorkel Beach,'' Kahaluu is one of the best spots for diving and underwater adventures on the Big Island. The calm waters are filled with coral in vibrant hues, fascinating volcanic rock formations, and more than a hundred species of fish. The small bay that Kahaluu Beach faces is also noted for surfing, featuring three different layers of cresting waves that stretch out over natural reefs just past the tranquil lagoon.

According to historical records, King Kamehameha himself is responsible for this fine venue that tourists and locals now enjoy. Wanting to create a safe haven for his family to enjoy the ocean, away from the beaches with dangerous surf and riptides, he selected Kahaluu Bay and had workers construct a semicircular, 3,900-foot-long offshore seawall that would protect the small cove here.

Today, the area is known as Kahaluu Beach Park. It was originally maintained by the County of Hawaii under lease from then-owner Bishop Estate, starting in 1953. Later, in 1966, the property was deeded over to the local government and dedicated as a permanent public beach park for the use of Kona residents.

The beach area itself is a dark strip of salt-and-pepper colored sand, surrounded by an abundance of shady trees. It is not as wide as many beaches used for seaside recreation, but it makes up for it with its unique aquatic attributes. The lagoon is fed by a fresh water spring that pours in up to 10 million gallons per day. This makes visibility excellent and attracts a wide variety of ocean life, including huge schools of fish and federally protected green sea turtles.

Snorkelers can enter the water where the sand slopes down to the water at the north end of the beach. A journey to the coral reef, which extends over 25 acres, starts by swimming against the current southwest toward the lava rock breakwater. Past the ruins of the old seawall, the shallows of the reef attract tropical fish, including large parrot fish, puffer fish, and butterfly fish. They gather in groups so large that they resemble huge, colorful living clouds.

The north end of the beach is also where the waves beckon, and both body boarding and surfing are possible. The first surf breaks just past the snorkeling lagoon forming a beginner's wave. Waves that tube and peel can be caught further out by intermediate surfers. And the outer reef is the place for longboarding, with high peaking surf and full-faced slopes that experienced wave-riders treasure.

Other attractions near Kahaluu Beach include St. Peter's Catholic Church and the Ku'emanu Heiau, a sacred site where chiefs once prayed for good surfing conditions. There is also a stagnant pond called Waiku'i that was once filled with freshwater and used for rinsing off after surfing. More recently, showers have been installed at the beach, along with other modern conveniences: picnic pavilions, restrooms, drinking water, a lifeguard tower, and a small parking area.

Kahaluu Beach is located at mile marker #4.8 on Ali'i Drive, Keauhou, Hawaii 96739. It is about a 20-minute drive from Kona Airport.