Kahaluʻu Beach Park

What to expect

If you’re snorkeling, park in the south-side lot next to the restrooms. You get in through a channel in front of the first lifeguard tower, crossing a little lava rock to a sandy area. Inside, a shallow reef arc encloses a calm pond with turtles, octopus, eels, and many reef fish. Surfers use the break at the north end, to the right as you face the sea, and a second lifeguard tower marks where the snorkel zone ends. The shore itself is rocky and busy, with only a shaded patch under the palms, so this is a place for the water, not for sunbathing.

Know before you go

Parking

Non-residents pay $12 for four hours, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. daily, through ParkMobile (zone 13300) or by cash or card at the information tent. Hawaiʻi residents and visitors with disabilities register with the attendant for a free pass. Overflow parking is up Makolea Street.

Lifeguards

Lifeguards are on duty daily, 9:30 a.m.–4:45 p.m. Outside those hours, call 911 and give the location as “Kahaluʻu Beach Park snorkel beach.”

Water conditions

A current flows north and out to sea through the reef opening at the north end, and it strengthens with big swell. Stay inside the sheltered area and don’t go past the second tower.

Reef etiquette

Float over the reef and never stand on coral. Kahaluʻu Bay Education Center volunteers teach reef etiquette on the beach, and two free mineral-sunscreen dispensers at the pavilion run 9 a.m.–3 p.m. daily. The beach sometimes closes during coral spawning.

Honu

Turtles are in the bay nearly every day. Stay at least 10 feet away, in the water and on land.

Facilities and history

The park has restrooms, outdoor showers, a covered pavilion, and picnic tables, and snorkel sets rent across the road. Kuʻemanu Heiau overlooks the surf break on the north side, and the small blue St. Peter’s by the Sea church dates to 1880.