You’ve subsequently made it to the Kaloko Beach on Hawaii’s Big Island and can’t wait to explore all the natural wonders it has to offer. There is no higher place to start than Kaloko Beach. With its black sand, calm waters, and stunning views, it’s just the right beach for a low-key day of swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up the Hawaiian sun. At least a hundred words long, this little seashore packs a punch when it comes to relaxation and scenery. Don’t miss swimming with sea turtles in the enclosed waters or photographing palm trees swaying over the seashore. A day at Kaloko Beach is the quintessential Hawaiian experience you’ve been dreaming of. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to plan your visit to this hidden Big Island gem.
Overview of Kaloko Beach on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Kaloko Beach, also called Honokohau Beach, is located on the Kona Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. This secluded black sand beach offers beautiful views and opportunities for fun in a natural environment.
Picturesque coast.
Kaloko Beach is located in the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park, so the coastline remains largely undeveloped. The coast is framed by lava cliffs and dotted with coconut groves, creating a non-violent and untouched landscape. You may also spot turtles basking on the shore or dolphins gambling at sea. The juxtaposition of jet black sand and brilliant blue water is a photographer’s paradise.
Outdoor adventure.
There are many ways to enjoy the natural environment of Kaloko Beach. You can go beach combing and look for exciting seashells, sea glass and various ocean treasures along the coast. When the tide is low, you will be able to walk to a small island just offshore. The beach also offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkeling. Only at sea can you discover healthy coral reefs and a variety of tropical fish.
Important considerations.
As with any herbal placement, there are a few important things to keep in mind. The shore has no facilities, so % discard any trash you carry. Ocean conditions can be dangerous, especially inside the ice, so check surf reports and be careful across the water. The hot lava rocks and black sand can get extremely hot, so wear shoes with thick soles. Portions of the beach may be closed throughout the turtle nesting season to protect endangered loggerhead sea turtles.
Kaloko Beach provides a great escape to nature. Its scenic beauty and wealth of outdoor recreation will appeal to any beachgoer looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience on Hawaii’s Big Island. With a few simple precautions, you will be able to fully experience all that this unique location has to offer.
Arrival at Kaloko Beach.
Getting to Kaloko Beach is half the adventure on Hawaii’s Big Island. Located in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, it is located on the coast 30 minutes from the metropolis of Hilo. Drive in the wind through lush rainforest and behind dramatic sea cliffs.
Take a drive or take a look
You have several alternatives to get to Kaloko Beach. If you have a condominium, you can push yourself effortlessly. Just head south from Hilo on Highway 11, turn right on Highway 137 and follow the signs for Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. The beach may be on your left. If you don’t have a vehicle, many tour groups offer guided trips to Kaloko Beach from Hilo and Kona. These tours will handle all the usage while you sit back and enjoy the scenic experience.
Limited parking.
Parking is limited once you arrive at Kaloko Beach. The simplest are about 20 stalls on a small plot of land. If the lot is full, maybe you should stick to the street to the next lot at Ahalanui Beach Park and go about 1/2 mile down. The parking fee is $1 according to the vehicle, so be sure to bring a few small bills.
Harsh and distant.
While the pressure inside is beautiful, the street itself is difficult, winding and generally unpaved. Drive slowly, especially if it’s raining. The remote location means there are no services on the beach, so come and organize everything you want for the day, such as food, liquids, towels and sun protection. You have not found any stores or providers here.
The remote and natural location is part of the attraction for many visitors seeking Hawaii’s unspoiled coastline. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, Kaloko Beach offers a laid-back, laid-back slice of Big Island paradise. The scenic adventure of getting there makes the joy of a secluded coastal stopover all the more rewarding.
Things to do at Kaloko Beach.
Once you discover the way to Kaloko Beach, you will have plenty of sports to keep you entertained for hours. Start your journey off right by exploring the sea itself. Kaloko Beach offers picturesque black sand made of lava rocks and crystal clear turquoise waters that can be perfect for swimming and snorkeling. In addition to sea turtles, you can spot tropical fish such as tangos, wrasse and butterflyfish in the shallow reef.
Go snorkeling or diving.
The reef at Kaloko Beach has an abundance of marine life that can be seen just below the floor. If you’ve by no means snorkeled before, it’s a great place to study with usually calm, shallow waters and plenty of sight-seeing. Or if you are scuba certified, you can dive 30 forty fingers to explore the reef and its population up close. Either way, you’ll get a glimpse of Hawaii’s underwater paradise.
Take a kayak trip
For a special perspective of the sea and the reef, go on a kayak trip. Guided kayak tours depart from Kaloko Beach and take you to remote locations now inaccessible from the coast. As you paddle, your guide will include exciting notes on the native flora and fauna and history of the neighborhood. Some tours even stop at remote seashores where you can swim and snorkel. It is a journey that the entire circle of relatives will experience.
Relax on Black Sand Beach.
From the direction, you can usually clearly relax on the picturesque coast with black sand. Kaloko Beach has picnic areas with grills in case you need to cook dinner and enjoy it by the sea. Find a secluded spot to kick back, take in the perspectives, explore an e-book, or just relax. As the sun sets over the Pacific, the sky lights up in a vibrant array of pinks, oranges, and reds—a fitting end to a perfect Big Island seaside day.
Kaloko Beach offers natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation in a pristine location. Whether you go snorkeling, kayaking, or just beachcombing, you’ll find your own piece of paradise on the shores of this exact black sand coast. Make the most of your time to explore all it has to offer.
Nearby attractions to check out after Kaloko Beach.
Once you’ve taken in the scenic beauty and outdoor fun of Kaloko Beach, there are some nearby sights worth visiting. Head just 15 minutes south to Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, a sacred retreat in ancient Hawaii. This national park preserves the websites of historic Hawaiian religious shrines and offers insight into traditional Hawaiian religious practices and retreats.
Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
Just a 20-minute drive from Kaloko Beach is the Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, home to the historic Pu’ukohola Heiau Temple and the birthplace of King Kamehameha III. This sacred website turned into built in 1791 by means of King Kamehameha I and held a critical position in the unification and religious customs of the Hawaiian Islands. You can take a guided tour to discover the cultural significance of this historic area.
Kealakekua Bay.
For stunning views and opportunities to spot dolphins and whales (in season), head to Kealakekua Bay, just 30 minutes upstream south of Kaloko Beach. This is a protected area for marine life and a popular spot for snorkeling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. You can also catch a glimpse of the monument that marks the spot where Captain James Cook first landed in Hawaii. The picturesque bay is bordered by dramatic sea cliffs and lush greenery.
Kona Coffee Living History Farm.
If you need to study all the approximately well-known Kona espressos, visit the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, handiest 15 minutes from Kaloko Beach. This historic coffee farm offers daily tours where you can see how Kona coffee was historically grown, harvested and processed. You will discover a farm from the nineties, a coffee grinder and drying terraces. And you can taste delicious Kona espresso along the way! The farm is open Tuesday through Sunday for self-guided tours.
With many herbal, cultural and ancient attractions nearby, you can easily spend days exploring Kaloko Beach. Discover the sacred web sites, marine life, espresso backgrounds, and stunning views of this picturesque area of Hawaii’s Big Island.
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Frequently asked questions about visiting Kaloko Beach on the Big Island.
Are there any centers on the coast?
There are no major facilities at Kaloko Beach as it is in an extra remote location. You didn’t get toilets, showers or lifeguards. Undeveloped beach within reason so come organized with everything you might want such as towels, snacks, umbrellas and sunscreen. The rustic nature of the coast adds to its charm and natural beauty.
Is the coast suitable for swimming?
Kaloko Beach typically has calm waters, making it suitable for swimming, especially in the summer months from May to October, when the surf is smaller. However, there are no mandatory lifeguards, so swim at your own risk. Be aware of high surf warnings before heading out into the ocean. The coast has a shallow reef and the water gets deep quickly, so it may not be anything special for the youngsters.
Do you need to park near the beach?
There is limited access roadside parking at Kaloko Beach on the edge of Highway 19. The parking lot is not paved, so your vehicle can get extra dusty. Parking spaces are first-come, first-served and can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Some visitors recommend arriving early to secure a spot, otherwise you might want to park on the street and walk to the sea.
Are there hiking trails nearby?
One of the highlights of visiting Kaloko Beach is hiking the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park Trail. The trail begins at the north end of Kaloko Beach and continues about a mile along the coast, passing anchialine pools, native vegetation, and providing beautiful views of the ocean and Maui in the distance. The moderate hike takes around 2 to 3 hours. Be sure to wear hiking boots, bug spray and bring plenty of water. The entrance to the park and the trail is open.
What is a satisfactory time of year to visit?
The dry season from April to October is usually the best time to visit Kaloko Beach. During these months, you’ll experience little chance of rain, less surf, and warmer temperatures. The summer months tend to be the most popular, particularly on the weekends, so go during the week if you need to stay away from the bigger crowds. The winter rainy season still has long sunshine and smaller crowds, be prepared for occasional downpours and excessive surf.
Conclusion.
So there you have it – Kaloko Beach is a true hidden gem on the Kona Coast that’s definitely worth checking out on your next visit to Hawaii’s Big Island. From its calm turquoise waters, which can be best for swimming and snorkeling, to its black-sand coastline, which provides stunning views, it’s clear why this secluded spot remains popular with locals and visitors alike. Just make sure you arrive early to get a parking spot and s
