Kahalu’u Beach Park is the most popular destination on the island for snorkelers and divers, and is commonly referred to as “snorkel beach.” During the reign of King Kamehameha it was decided that a sheltered beach was needed for the king and his family. A thick seawall was built protecting the bay that Kahalu’u Beach Park now occupies. The seawall creates a calm and peaceful beach environment for snorkelers, swimmers and families.
Arrive at the beach early to ensure you get a parking spot and a patch of sand, as Kahalu’u is extremely popular. As such, the atmosphere is lively and a great place to meet locals and fellow travelers.
The beach is well serviced, with food, drinks and equipment rental all available nearby. A shaded pavilion, lifeguards, and public toilets and showers make this an excellent beach for families.
Rent a mask and snorkel and venture into the shallow water. Kahalu’u is an excellent place for inexperienced snorkelers as it is easy to enter the water, there are no waves and the underwater views are rewarding.
Those with more diving experience should head closer to the seawall. Swim with Hawaiian turtles, or watch them crawl along the sand between sunbathers at one of the most common homes of the animals. Watch as the beautiful raccoon butterfly fish dart in and out of the coral reef below you, or be engulfed by a huge school of tropical fish in one of the best dive sites on the island.
Kahalu’u Beach Park is located on Ali’i Drive, approximately 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) from town, and is best reached by car, but parking is limited. There is limited public transportation to the beach however, taxis will take you there from the town. The beach is open daily and is free of charge.
Kahalu'u Beach Park Tours
Visit Kahalu'u Beach Park
Plan a trip to see Kahalu'u Beach Park
Aston Kona by the Sea
Reviewed on 2025/1/7
Hamakua Hotel
Reviewed on 2025/1/17
Browse tours and tickets to explore Kahalu'u Beach Park
Tours & day trips
See all 96 activitiesHawaii Volcanoes National Park Experience Departing from Oahu
Water activities
See all 77 activitiesBig Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Cruises & boat tours
See all 45 activitiesCaptain Cook Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay
Classes & workshops
See all 9 activitiesKona: Hawaiian Salt Farm Tour
Shows & concerts
See all 4 activitiesVoyagers of the Pacific Luau at the Royal Kona Resort
Reviews of Kahalu'u Beach Park
5/5 - Excellent
Get there early for parking and fish are more plentiful
4/5 - Good
Wonderful snorkeling!
4/5 - Good
This beach used to be a nice location to see turtles in their native habitat. This is not so true anymore. There are few coral formations to see and the presence of turtles seems to be on the decline. Furthermore, I've noticed a change in the rock formations which make water entry more challenging and the offshore reef seems to have deteriorated to the point where swimming at the beach during high or changing tides is difficult. Best to go at low tide.
3/5 - Okay
Go to Kua Bay for a great beach day instead
5/5 - Excellent
Fantastic snorkeling! We loved it!
5/5 - Excellent
Great for snorkeling! You can go in barefeet but reef walkers are definitely handy.
Popular places to visit
Keauhou Shopping Center
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Keauhou Shopping Center during your visit to Keauhou. Amble around the area's seaside or seek out the snorkeling spots.
Magic Sands Beach
Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Magic Sands Beach during your travels in Kailua-Kona?
Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden
Discover the origins of Hawaii’s vibrant flora at this peaceful botanical garden.
Honl's Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Honl's Beach during your trip to Kailua-Kona? Discover the beautiful sunsets in this walkable area, or enjoy its snorkeling spots.
Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory
You can search for that perfect souvenir at Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory during your trip to Kailua-Kona. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches, or simply savor its seafood restaurants.
Keauhou Bay Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Keauhou Bay Beach during your trip to Keauhou?
Best Lodging Options Near Kahalu'u Beach Park
Check availability on hotels close to Kahalu'u Beach Park
- Vacations and getaways similar to Kahalu'u Beach Park
- Hotels near popular Kailua-Kona Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Kailua Pier
- Magic Sands Beach
- Kailua-Kona Wharf
- Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
- Kona Country Club
- Keauhou Shopping Center
- Kohanaiki Beach Park
- Kamakahonu Beach
- Manini'owali Beach
- Kiholo Bay
- Kona Brewing Company
- Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden
- Hulihee Palace
- Haleo Luau
- Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary
- Hotels near Kailua Pier
- Hotels near Magic Sands Beach
- Hotels near Kailua-Kona Wharf
- Hotels near Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
- Hotels near Kona Country Club
- Hotels near Keauhou Shopping Center
- Hotels near Keauhou Bay Beach
- Hotels near Kohanaiki Beach Park
- Hotels near Captain Cook Monument
- Hotels near Kamakahonu Beach
- Hotels near Big Island Country Club
- Hotels near Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area
- Hotels near Kona Le'a Plantation
- Hotels near Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
- Hotels near Kona Brewing Company
- Hotels near Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden
- Hotels near Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park
- Hotels near Hulihee Palace
- Hotels near Haleo Luau
- Hotels near Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary