Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From Hwy 137, a mile south of the lighthouse, turn onto Kapoho Kai Dr, which winds
a little and dead-ends at Wai Opae; turn left and park in the lot. A $3 donation is reques-
ted by the local community, which is fair enough. There are no facilities.
This area is also peppered with vacation rentals.
Ahalanui Beach Park
It's called 'the hot pond' because of its main attraction - a large, spring-fed
thermal pool
(
7am-7pm)
that's set in lava rock and deep enough for swimming. It's a pretty sweet
bathtub: water temperatures average 90°F (cooler with incoming tide), cement borders
make for easy access, tropical fish abound and, though the ocean pounds the adjacent
seawall, the pool is always calm. However, despite being regularly flushed by the sea,
the pond contains a risk of bacterial infection.
The park gates are never locked - early and late soaking is the best crowd-beating
strategy. The park has picnic tables, portable toilets and a lifeguard daily. Don't leave
valuables in your car.
Isaac Kepoʻokalani Hale Beach Park
This rocky beach park is extremely popular with locals. It encompasses restless Pohoiki
Bay, where the waves are usually too rough for swimming but some of the gnarliest
breaks for bodyboarding and surfing. The boat ramp area is still a popular fishing spot,
and beyond that, a well-worn path leads (past a private house) to a small natural
hot
pond
.
Across the road from the beach, the
camping
area consists of a pristine lawn, trim as a
putting green, with 22 sites, picnic tables, BBQs, and bathrooms with flush toilets and
drinking water. A security guard checks permits (folks used to squat here). Lava boat
tours leave from the camping area.
MacKenzie State Recreation Area
This grove of ironwood trees edging sheer 40ft cliffs above a restless ocean is a moody,
windswept spot. During the day this quiet, secluded park makes an unforgettable picnic
spot. Exploring the
lava tube
just back from the precipitous ledge a moment's walk from
the pavilion makes a memorable post-lunch adventure. Head into the forest facing the
ledge to find the entrance (requires a short, steep descent and a little boulder scrambling);
after about 20 minutes walking on uneven lava rock you'll be dumped a little ways down
and across the road from the park entrance.
Camping
at MacKenzie is allowed, but not
