Ocean Explorations

Discover Coastal Creatures!

NPS photo by Natasha Moore

Life on the Kona Coast

Imagine how the ancient Hawaiian people who lived here used the ocean and its abundant resources? This was a beautiful but difficult place to live hundreds of years ago.  While you are here take a tidal pool walk (but be careful the rocks can be slippery!), and visit the parks two beaches. Explore in the evening and watch a beautiful sunset along the seashore. Fishing and gathering of some ocean resources are allowed and are managed by State of Hawaii regulations.

Ocean Awareness

Remember, the ocean is part of nature and can be dangerous and unpredictable at times. Prepare for a safe visit when you are on the coastline. Be aware of and attentive to slippery surfaces, wave movement, tidal fluctuations, and other changing elements. There are NO LIFEGUARDS. Check with the Hale Ho`okipa Visitor Center for the latest information about ocean currents, high surf warnings or weather advisories when planning your ocean activities.

Reef-Safe Sun Protection

The Kohala Center & ReefTeach at Kahaluʻu Beach's informational graphic on best practices for reef friendly sun protection.

The Kohala Center & ReefTeach

The State of Hawaiʻi was the first state in the nation to ban the sale of sunscreens with chemicals harmful to ocean corals. The law goes into effect January 1, 2021, so harmful sunscreens are still available in stores at the moment. Please do your part to protect our ocean's coral reefs by not using sunscreens with the following chemicals:

• Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, and Nanoparticles

For more information on why these chemicals are harmful, how to choose reef-friendly sunscreens, how to dispose of chemical-based sunscreens, and more resources check out the Protect Yourself, Protect the Reef page.

Details

Duration

30-90 Minutes

Activity

Wildlife Watching

Explore the coastline of the Park! Some of the wildlife you may see are birds, turtles and if you're lucky a monk seal!  Look beneath your feet for ocean creatures that live in the tide pools and along the lava bench too,,,

Pets Allowed

Yes

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Tide Pools and Lava Bench

Walk on an ocean lava bench with tide pools and ocean creatures. Area is north of the beach area at 'Ai'opio fishtrap

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

There is limited accessibility along the coastline.  Trails and surfaces are rough and require sturdy shoes or reef shoes.