Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
land road was built, the steamers stopped coming and people moved away. By the 1920s
the town was all but deserted.
Beaches
Hoʻokena Beach Park
BEACH
The modest-sized, charcoal-colored beach here is backed by a steep green hillside. When
calm, the bay's waters are good for swimming, kayaking and snorkeling (though it drops
off pretty quickly). There are strong currents further out. When the winter surf is up, loc-
al kids hit the waves with bodyboards. Look for dolphins and humpback whales here
from December to April.
The beach park was once grotty and unfriendly, but today it's one of the prettiest, well-
maintained public spaces on the island. There's a picnic pavilion, bathrooms, showers, a
concession stand and drinking water, all thanks to vigorous community organizing. You
can
camp
right on the sand, at the base of the cliffs. Sites are awesome and security is-
sues have been addressed by implementing a guard patrol, and through the activism of
permits and rent camping gear on their website. Permits ($5) can also be obtained from
the Department of Parks & Recreation. A neighborhood
potluck
is hosted Wednesday af-
ternoons here; all are welcome.
The signed turnoff is located between mile markers 101 and 102. A narrow road winds
2 miles down to the beach. Veer left at the bottom.
Pebble Beach
BEACH
Not quite pebbles, the smoky stones of this beach at the bottom of the Kona Paradise
subdivision range from gumdrop- to palm-sized. This is a popular kayak put-in and of-
fers a good dose of peace and quiet. Lounge for a bit, paddle a while or watch the sun go
down.
The beach is 1 mile down very steep and winding Kaohe Rd, accessed between mile
markers 96 and 97. Though Pebble Beach is reached through an ungated subdivision,
there are signs saying 'private road' and 'keep out' - seek permission from locals. Also,
be watchful for sneaker waves (a woman died here in 2009).
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Miloliʻi
