With approximately 750 miles of coastline, the Hawaiian Islands are home to countless incredible beaches, beautiful inlets, jaw-dropping peninsulas, and breathtaking bays. Many of these devastatingly gorgeous spots are ideal spots to spend a summer afternoon soaking up the bright, Hawaiian sunshine, but one bay, in particular, stands out in a crowd. Featuring a series of glistening turquoise tidepools inside of a protected bay, Kiholo Bay might just become your new favorite destination this summer. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Nestled along Hawaii Island’s North Kona Coast is the Kiholo State Park Reserve, a striking slice of paradise just waiting to be discovered.
Chase Crowson/Flickr
The land surrounding the bay is flanked to the south by a lava flow from Mount Hualalai, circa 1801, and another flow from Mauna Loa, circa 1859.
Heather Harvey/Flickr But that’s not the only history you’ll find here: in 1820, Kiholo Bay was created as a man-made fishing pond for King Kamehameha the Great, a recreational area bordered by rock walls six feet tall and 20 feet wide. During the 1859 lava flow, much of the structure was destroyed, and now, you will find the remnants as large stones surrounding the tide pools. The hardened lava from the eruption is also the cause of the bay’s black pebble beaches.
At approximately two miles long, this is one of the Aloha State’s longest bays. It is also one of Hawaii’s most secluded and beautiful destinations as well.
Heather Harvey/Flickr
This wasn’t always the case, though. Some say the bay used to be “loved to death” by locals and tourists alike, but conservation efforts — including a ban on driving along the coastline — has aided in restoring this phenomenal bay to its former glory.
Heather Harvey/Flickr
Now, the only way to see all this stunning destination has to offer is to hike.
Rosa Say/Flickr While the trailhead is found near the center of Kiholo Bay, you will need to hike to experience the bay’s western and eastern sides. The trail is approximately 2.8 miles round trip, and you will need to carry in all of your beach gear. The trail surrounding Kiholo Bay takes hikers to a black sand beach, a flooded lava tube, and some incredible sights. Don’t forget your camera!
The area is littered with brackish tide pools like this one just waiting to be explored.
Troy Mckaskle/Flickr
On the northern end of the bay, you will find Wainanaliʻi Pond, a unique body of water nestled between a lava flow and a grove of coconut trees. This area is known to locals as the Blue Lagoon and is an oasis for Hawaiian green sea turtles who use this destination to feed and bask on the rocks.
Erik Wilde/Flickr
Here’s your chance to go swimming with sea turtles!
Erik Wilde/Flickr Tourists should always remember that honu are protected under state law and are not to be disturbed.
Care to extend your beach day into an entire beach weekend? You’re in luck!
jongela19/Flickr Camping is permitted Friday through Sunday nights only, and starts at just $12 per night, per campsite (up to six guests) for Hawaii residents.
Heather Harvey/Flickr Be warned, though: this is as primitive as camping gets. You will not find any facilities (or fresh water) in this remote bay.
There is something absolutely magical about the contrast between the stark, lava-covered coast and the crystalline turquoise waters, wouldn’t you agree?
Rosa Say/Flickr
Kiholo Bay can be found at 71-1890 Queen Ka’ahumanu Hwy., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. During the summer, Kiholo State Park Reserve is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Click here to learn about camping in this striking locale.
Chase Crowson/Flickr
Heather Harvey/Flickr
But that’s not the only history you’ll find here: in 1820, Kiholo Bay was created as a man-made fishing pond for King Kamehameha the Great, a recreational area bordered by rock walls six feet tall and 20 feet wide. During the 1859 lava flow, much of the structure was destroyed, and now, you will find the remnants as large stones surrounding the tide pools. The hardened lava from the eruption is also the cause of the bay’s black pebble beaches.
Rosa Say/Flickr
While the trailhead is found near the center of Kiholo Bay, you will need to hike to experience the bay’s western and eastern sides. The trail is approximately 2.8 miles round trip, and you will need to carry in all of your beach gear. The trail surrounding Kiholo Bay takes hikers to a black sand beach, a flooded lava tube, and some incredible sights. Don’t forget your camera!
Troy Mckaskle/Flickr
Erik Wilde/Flickr
Tourists should always remember that honu are protected under state law and are not to be disturbed.
jongela19/Flickr
Camping is permitted Friday through Sunday nights only, and starts at just $12 per night, per campsite (up to six guests) for Hawaii residents.
Be warned, though: this is as primitive as camping gets. You will not find any facilities (or fresh water) in this remote bay.
Where is your favorite summer swimming spot in Hawaii? Perhaps it’s one of these little-known beaches? Share your favorite Hawaii beach photographs with us in our Hawaii Nature Lovers Facebook group! Who knows, you might even discover your new favorite beach!
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