Keei Beach lies tucked along the South Kona Coast between the famous Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and Kialoa Point, offering one of the Big Island's best-kept secrets for those willing to navigate rough access roads to reach this secluded cove. The beach features white sand speckled with black lava fragments, creating a distinctive appearance that reflects the area's volcanic geology. Located just south of where Captain James Cook met his death in 1779 at Kealakekua Bay, Keei Beach occupies a quieter corner of this historically significant coastline, visited primarily by local fishermen, experienced surfers catching south swells, and occasional sightseers who discover the unmarked turnoff along Highway 160. The relatively hidden location between mile markers helps preserve the beach's uncrowded character, and on clear days visitors can glimpse the white Captain Cook Monument across the water at Kealakekua Bay. The 300-yard reef extending from the beach creates a protected marine habitat that supports diverse underwater life, making this a treasured spot for those who appreciate excellent snorkeling conditions combined with peaceful isolation from the more developed resort areas to the north.
Swimming conditions at Keei Beach present challenges due to the very shallow and rocky nearshore ocean bottom that makes entry difficult across most of the beach. However, a narrow sandy channel at the northern end of the beach provides the best swimming access for those willing to locate it carefully. The beach's primary appeal lies in snorkeling and scuba diving rather than swimming, with the extensive reef system providing habitat for abundant tropical reef fish, colorful corals, whitetip reef sharks, and Hawaiian green sea turtles. The clear waters and diverse marine life make this a 4.42-star-rated dive and snorkel site, though conditions require some ocean experience to navigate the rocky bottom and occasional currents. Local surfers favor Keei Beach during south swell periods when waves wrap into the cove, but these same conditions can make snorkeling inadvisable. No lifeguards patrol this remote beach, and emergency services are distant, requiring visitors to assess ocean conditions independently and possess solid swimming and ocean safety skills. The best snorkeling typically occurs during calm morning hours before afternoon trade winds pick up, with water clarity highest during these periods.
Access to Keei Beach requires navigating unmarked dirt roads that can challenge visitors unfamiliar with Big Island back roads. From Highway 160 (also called Puuhonua Road) between the Keei transfer station and Keawaiki Road, turn makai (toward the ocean) onto an unmarked dirt road and drive slowly and carefully toward the coast - four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended though standard cars can manage with extreme caution on the rutted surface. The parking area accommodates approximately 8 vehicles, with additional limited street parking available near the entrance, so arriving early is advisable, especially on weekends when local families use the beach. From parking, visitors must walk either along the rocky shoreline or down a narrow dirt road (restricted for residents vehicles only) to reach the sandy cove beach. The beach offers essentially no amenities - some sources mention picnic tables near parking areas and portable toilets, but visitors should assume no facilities and bring all necessary supplies including drinking water, snorkel gear, reef-safe sunscreen, sturdy water shoes for the rocky entry, and sun protection. The lack of shade structures means extended exposure to intense Hawaiian sun, making umbrellas or pop-up shelters valuable for those planning to spend several hours enjoying the snorkeling.
Dining options near Keei Beach center on the nearby South Kona communities of Kealakekua and Captain Cook along Highway 11. Keei Cafe in Kealakekua serves contemporary Hawaiian cuisine with Asian influences, featuring fresh daily catch preparations and creative dinner dishes in a casual atmosphere, though visitors should verify current operating status as ownership has changed. The Coffee Shack in Captain Cook offers breakfast and lunch with spectacular views overlooking 26 miles of Kona coastline including Kealakekua Bay, serving excellent Kona coffee, homemade bread, and island-style breakfast plates from their hillside location. Menehune Restaurant on Mamalahoa Highway provides local-style breakfast and lunch from 6 AM to 3 PM with generous portions and affordable prices. Big Jakes Island BBQ in Captain Cook specializes in authentic Hawaiian barbecue with smoked meats and local side dishes, while Rebel Kitchen serves creative lunch plates featuring local ingredients in the Kainaliu-Kealakekua area. The cultural and historical significance of Keei Beach extends beyond its proximity to Kealakekua Bay where Captain Cook died - this entire coastline served as an important Hawaiian fishing ground and settlement area for centuries, with the excellent reef system providing abundant resources for traditional Hawaiian aquaculture and fishing practices. Visitors snorkeling at Keei Beach swim above reefs that sustained Hawaiian communities for generations, making this a meaningful location for understanding the connection between healthy coral ecosystems and traditional Hawaiian culture, while the beach's continued use by local fishermen and families demonstrates the ongoing importance of accessible shoreline in Hawaiian life.
