Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP OF CHAPTER
Kaʻupulehu
Once a thriving fishing village among many dotting this length of coast, Kaʻupulehu was
wiped out by the 1946 tsunami and abandoned until the Kona Village Resort opened here
in 1965 (ironically and sadly, the resort closed indefinitely following damage sustained
as a result of the 2011 tsunami in Japan). The luxurious Four Seasons Hualalai - the is-
land's poshest - followed in 1996. By law, these and other resorts must provide public
coastal access, meaning you can enjoy some fine beaches without the resort price tag.
What you can't do is hit the links at the PGA-tour
Four Seasons Hualalai Course
(
325-8000;
www.fourseasons.com/hualalai/golf.html
;
72-100 Kaupulehu Dr)
, designed by golfing
legend Jack Nicklaus; it's for members and guests only.
Beaches
Kikaua Beach
BEACH
MAP
On the south end of Kukio Bay, this beach is accessed through a private country club.
This lovely, quiet, tree-shaded beach contains a protected cove where kids can swim and
snorkel in bathtub-calm water; around the kiawe-covered point, sea turtles line up to nap.
Both this and Kukio Beach have bathrooms, showers and drinking water.
Come early, as beach parking is limited to 28 stalls and can fill up. Access is via
Kukiʻo Nui Rd near mile marker 87; request a pass at the gate.
Kukio Beach
BEACH
MAP
From Kikaua Beach, you can see (and walk to) the bay's northern Kukio Beach, which is
within the grounds of the Four Seasons. This picture-perfect crescent of sand is great for
swimming or lounging away an afternoon. You can follow a paved footpath north past
some intriguing lava-rock coastline to another beach.
To drive here, turn onto the (unsigned) Kaʻupulehu Rd between mile markers 87 and
86; go to the Four Seasons gate and request a beach pass. Public parking accommodates
50 cars and almost never fills up.
Sights
