Outdoor Experiences
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Outdoor Experiences
Retreats
Weddings
When you think of Hawaii, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For most travelers, it’s the beaches! Hawaii’s islands are some of the most beautiful in the world, so it’s no surprise that the beaches are stunning too. The Big Island beaches are no exception. In fact, there are a few beaches that are special in ways that few other beaches in the world can compare. So, if you want beach experiences that are truly one of a kind, this guide is perfect for you. We’ll cover the best Kailua Kona Beaches for an unforgettable vacation.
Kailua Kona is a historic, seaside town located on the west coast of the Big Island. The town is right in the center of both the island’s North and South districts, making it the ultimate hub of activity in the area. Of course, the activity you’re here for is the beach, and Kailua Kona doesn’t disappoint! You’ll find plenty of white sand beaches within 30 minutes of the town, many of which have excellent snorkeling opportunities. So, let’s talk about what makes each of these Kailua Kona beaches great!
There are plenty of discoveries to be made just beneath the surface of the water on the Kona Coast, and what better way is there to uncover them than by snorkeling? Of all the Kailua Kona beaches, the best one for snorkeling is the Kahalu’u Beach Park. The waters here are calm thanks to the fringing reef protecting the sea area, making it ideal for new snorkelers. Don’t worry, though, there’s a lot to love even if you’re no stranger to snorkeling. You’ll be surrounded by tons of colorful marine life like yellow tang, orangeband surgeonfish, and butterfly fish. Of course, you’ll find plenty of sea turtles swimming around, too! Needless to say, there’s a lot to see when you go snorkeling at Kahalu’u Beach Park. Kahalu’u also doubles as a great surf spot, so it’s definitely worth your time!
Sometimes, you just want to sit back on a gorgeous beach and enjoy the views. If that’s what you’d prefer, Hapuna Beach is one of the best beaches in Kailua Kona for you. This is the island’s largest white sand beach, so you’ll have plenty of room to lie out a blanket and soak up some rays. Of course, Hapuna isn’t just great for sunbathing. The beach also features several large shaded gazebos with picnic tables and barbecue grills. So, if you want to gather with your group for a good meal by the water, this is a great place to do it! If your ideal beach experience is less about what you do and more about who you’re doing it with, you can’t go wrong with Hapuna Beach.
While there are plenty of beaches that let you relax or snorkel, our next Kailua Kona beach offers a pretty unique experience. At Honokohau Beach, you get the chance to explore. The beach preserves treasures of ancient Hawaiian civilization, with many significant artifacts and historical sites. If you’re up for a bit of hiking, you can also find Aiopio Beach within walking distance. Here, you’ll get to see a Hawaiian temple, and you might even catch a glimpse of some sea turtles!
All of the spots we’ve talked about shine for different reasons, but they all have something in common: they’re popular! While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, if you want to visit one of the more secluded beaches in Kailua Kona, you might want to look elsewhere. Like at Makalawena Beach! To get here, you’ll have to walk about a mile across a dry lava field. Not exactly the same as parking ten feet away from the sand. Sure, you have to put in some effort to reach this Kailua Kona beach, but it’s worth it! Makalawena is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling. Plus, you’ll have plenty of peace and quiet. So you can enjoy listening to the waves and gentle sea breeze while taking in the beauty of the beach.
Of course, if you want to visit all the best Kailua Kona beaches, you’ll want a good place to stay nearby. That’s where Pacific 19 comes in! Renovated and reopened in 2023, this boutique hotel has a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere. It’s also near plenty of great beaches! So, if you want comfy accommodations and easy access to the ocean, it doesn’t get better than Pacific 19.
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If you’re looking for more exciting getaways, you’ve come to the right place. At Nook Outdoors, we believe the best memories are made just a little off the beaten path. That’s why we’re constantly on the lookout for stunning vacation properties surrounded by the beauty of nature. So, whether you want to take a family vacation in the southeast or a romantic getaway in Texas, Nook has you covered. Click the button below to plan your next adventure today!
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