Honokohau Beach, also known as Aimakapapa and locally called Turtle Beach, occupies a protected stretch of gray and white sand shoreline within Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park just north of Kailua-Kona. Located immediately adjacent to Honokohau Small Boat Harbor at 74-381 Kealakehe Parkway, this expansive uncrowded beach combines excellent swimming and snorkeling conditions with significant Hawaiian cultural sites including ancient fishponds and settlement remains preserved within the national historical park boundaries. The beach has earned its Turtle Beach nickname from the numerous Hawaiian green sea turtles that frequent the shallow protected waters and haul out on the black sand and lava rock shores to bask in the tropical sun, creating exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities for visitors who maintain proper respectful distances. The offshore protective reef ensures almost perpetually calm waters except during the worst weather conditions, making Honokohau one of the Kona Coast's most reliable swimming and snorkeling destinations regardless of ocean swells affecting more exposed beaches. The combination of easy access from the harbor parking area, consistent calm conditions, abundant marine life, and rich cultural heritage makes Honokohau Beach a versatile destination serving families, snorkelers, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone seeking authentic Hawaiian coastal experiences beyond typical tourist beaches.
Swimming conditions at Honokohau remain excellent throughout most of the year thanks to the protective reef system that shelters the beach from strong currents and large waves, creating safe, enjoyable water recreation particularly suitable for families with children ages 10 and up who possess basic swimming competence. The rocky entry requires reef shoes for comfortable access, as the lava rock and coral fragments covering the nearshore bottom can prove challenging for bare feet despite the shallow, clear blue-green water. Snorkeling ranks as outstanding at Honokohau, with the small reef on the south end creating particularly protected conditions where tropical fish thrive in easily accessible depths. Underwater observers can expect to encounter needlefish, yellow-tailed coris, manini, goatfish, Moorish idol, parrotfish, saddleback wrasse, threadfin and multiband butterflyfish, and sea cucumbers living among the coral formations. Exceptionally large green sea turtles patrol these waters, gliding gracefully through the reef zones while foraging for algae and occasionally surfacing for air before returning to their underwater feeding grounds. The combination of calm conditions, easy entry despite the rocky bottom, and diverse marine ecosystems creates ideal snorkeling for all skill levels while the shallow water allows nervous swimmers to maintain comfortable depth awareness.
Accessing Honokohau Beach requires driving 3.7 miles north from Kona town on Queen Kaahumanu Highway, turning left onto Kealakehe Parkway at the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor entrance between mile markers 97 and 98, taking the first right turn past the harbor facilities, and parking on the lava on the left hand side opposite the boat launch. A 3-minute partially shaded walk brings visitors from the parking area to the beach, making this one of the Kona Coast's most easily accessible quality snorkeling and swimming destinations. Alternative access exists via the park visitor center located further inland, though the 1-mile hike from that entrance makes the harbor route far more practical for most visitors seeking beach recreation. The harbor parking area remains open beyond the visitor center hours of 8:30 AM to 4 PM, with the beaches and park grounds accessible during all daylight hours, providing flexibility for early morning or late afternoon visits. The complete absence of amenities at the beach means visitors must arrive self-sufficient with adequate water, sun protection, reef shoes, snorkel equipment, and all supplies needed for extended visits, then pack out everything brought to this protected national park setting.
After enjoying Honokohau's calm waters and marine life, visitors can drive south toward Kailua-Kona's diverse dining scene, with restaurants like Hugos serving upscale oceanfront seafood, Island Lava Java offering fresh locally-sourced food with 100 percent Kona coffee in an oceanside setting, and Big Kahuna Beach Grill providing beachside dining with front-row views of Kailua Bay. Umeke's Fish Market Bar and Grill specializes in fresh poke and seafood dishes showcasing daily catches, while Pine Tree Cafe delivers generous local plate lunches and island comfort foods perfect for post-snorkeling appetites. Da Poke Shack has earned recognition throughout the Big Island for exceptionally fresh poke bowls, and Magics Beach Grill offers creative Pan-Asian American cuisine with sand-level or sunset deck seating opposite Magic Sands beach. The cultural and ecological significance of Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park extends far beyond beach recreation, as this protected area preserves evidence of sophisticated Hawaiian communities that thrived here for centuries before Western contact, managing fishponds, settling coastal villages, and developing resource systems that sustained populations while maintaining environmental balance. Modern visitors honor this heritage by respecting archaeological sites, staying on designated trails, maintaining minimum distances from basking or swimming sea turtles, properly disposing of all waste, and recognizing that access to this national park represents both privilege and responsibility. Those seeking a Kona beach that combines reliable swimming and snorkeling conditions, easy access, abundant marine life including turtles, and connections to authentic Hawaiian cultural history will find Honokohau Beach delivers that complete package within a protected setting that ensures its preservation for future generations who deserve opportunities to experience these special coastal treasures.
