Honl's Beach
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Honl's Beach

4.4
·505 reviews·Kailua-Kona, United States

A charming, smaller beach in Kailua-Kona known for its stunning sunsets, resident cats, and tide pools, offering a peaceful escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoons

Perfect for sunset views

CrowdMedium
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Honl's Beach

Honl's Beach

Best Time

Late afternoons

Perfect for sunset views

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming, smaller beach in Kailua-Kona known for its stunning sunsets, resident cats, and tide pools, offering a peaceful escape.

4.4
(505 reviews)

"Absolutely beautiful beach! There is also a bathroom and shower across the street."

Vertical photo
TIP

⚠️ Heed Shark Warnings

Be aware of potential shark sightings and always check local advisories before swimming.

☀️ Ample Shade Available

Enjoy the grassy area with trees for a shaded picnic or relaxation spot.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sunset Views

Sunset Views

Experience breathtaking Hawaiian sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the ocean. A truly magical end to the day.

Instagram+1
Wading & Tide Pools

Wading & Tide Pools

Enjoy gentle wading in the shallow ocean entry and explore fascinating tide pools teeming with small marine life.

Reddit
Feral Cat Colony

Feral Cat Colony

Observe and appreciate the resident colony of friendly feral cats that often gather on the beach.

TikTok
Surfing & Canoeing

Surfing & Canoeing

Watch skilled surfers ride the waves or observe local canoes gliding across the water.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Shark Awareness

While Honl's Beach is beautiful, be aware of potential shark sightings. Locals and visitors have noted their presence, advising caution, especially when swimming. Always check local advisories before entering the water. TikTok+1

Beach Conditions & Amenities

Honl's Beach is a smaller, often less crowded spot perfect for sunset views and wading. Waves can be large, making it less ideal for young children or snorkeling at times. Facilities are basic, with restrooms and showers across the street. Reddit

Best Times

When
Late afternoons
Why
Perfect for sunset views
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer mornings
Why
Calmer waters for wading
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

There’s a special place in heaven for these folks 🥹 #cats #feralcats #hawaii #kailuakona #kona
@ronacine
58.3K likes • 192.1K views

⚠️ Heed Shark Warnings

Be aware of potential shark sightings and always check local advisories before swimming. TikTok+1

☀️ Ample Shade Available

Enjoy the grassy area with trees for a shaded picnic or relaxation spot. Reddit

A beautiful day in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii ☀️ #travel #vacation #bucketlist #PlacesToVisit #hawaii #thebigisland #beach
@_exploringnature
39.1K likes • 422.3K views
Some swim-throughs near Honl's Beach. #hawaiiinstagram #hawaii #hustle #hawaiilife #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #relaxation #tranquility #smallfarm #smallfarms #farmhawaii #tropical #beachlife #sunset #airBnB #vacationrental#scuba#scubadiving#scubadive#scubadiver#freediving#freedive#freedivingphotography#manta#mantaray#
matthewmcconaughray
17 likes • 128 views

👟 Wear Water Shoes

The shore can be rocky; water shoes are recommended for comfort and safety. Reddit

🚗 Easy Roadside Parking

Free parking is available along the side of the road, usually with plenty of spots. Reddit

Beautiful Wedding Couple Daniel & Maria Declared their love for each other forever, With @konaweddingofficiant under beautiful blue skies at Kona’s Honl’s Beach 3.18.2025 #konaweddings #kona #photographer #hawaii
cynthiartphoto
29 likes • 436 views

Tips

from all over the internet

⚠️ Heed Shark Warnings

Be aware of potential shark sightings and always check local advisories before swimming. TikTok+1

☀️ Ample Shade Available

Enjoy the grassy area with trees for a shaded picnic or relaxation spot. Reddit

👟 Wear Water Shoes

The shore can be rocky; water shoes are recommended for comfort and safety. Reddit

🚗 Easy Roadside Parking

Free parking is available along the side of the road, usually with plenty of spots. Reddit

🧘‍♀️ Beach Yoga Sessions

Join donation-based yoga classes held right on the beach. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(505 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Honl's Beach is praised for its stunning sunset views, peaceful atmosphere, and unique charm, including its resident feral cats and tide pools. While not ideal for swimming due to larger waves, it offers a beautiful spot for wading, photography, and relaxation. Some visitors note the limited facilities and the occasional presence of vagrants, but overall, it's considered a lovely, less crowded gem in Kailua-Kona.

"Absolutely beautiful beach! There is also a bathroom and shower across the street. There is a seawall, so you can sit and have a perfect view. We saw many surfers and people in canoes."

Micaela El Fattal

"We love Honl's beach. Definitely great for sunset views and small kiddos. Parking is on the side of the road, few spots. Enjoyed every minute"

Kailee Marisch

"Visited Honl's beach in May 2023 and May 2024 with my Partner whilst our stay in Kona. It is a lovely beach quite small but it wasn't busy. Both times we were there the waves were quite big so I wouldn't say it would be suitable for kids of snorkeling, but maybe more into summer the waves die down a wee bit. There wasn't much facilities ie restrooms, eateries etc, but you not far away from the centre of Kona. There is shaded bit from the sun in a grassy area which has a few trees, would be good for a picnic. I would recommend visiting Honl's beach as we liked it, you may spot sea turtles and you may find seashells. There was also a plack in the shape of a surf board saying that is where the surf board came from years ago. Steve and Jacqui fae Fife."

steven clegg

What People Like

Beautiful sunset views
Peaceful and less crowded
Feral cat colony

What People Dislike

Large waves for swimming
Limited facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Honl's Beach is conveniently located in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. It's easily accessible by car, with free roadside parking available. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from nearby accommodations. TikTokInstagram

Yes, there is ample free parking available along the side of the road next to the beach. Spots are generally easy to find, even on weekends. Reddit

Honl's Beach is situated close to the heart of Kailua-Kona. Depending on your accommodation, it can be a walkable distance, offering a pleasant stroll along the coast. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Honl's Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy its beauty and amenities free of charge. Reddit

Honl's Beach is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. There are no specific closing times, allowing visitors to enjoy the beach throughout the day and for sunset. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Swimming conditions at Honl's Beach can vary. While there's a sandy entry for wading, the waves can be quite large, making it less suitable for young children or snorkeling at times. It's more ideal for enjoying the shoreline and tide pools. Reddit

Snorkeling at Honl's Beach is possible, but conditions can be challenging due to larger waves. Some visitors have reported seeing tropical fish and marine life, especially in calmer periods. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are restroom facilities and an outdoor shower located across the street from the beach, providing convenient amenities for visitors. Reddit

Honl's Beach is generally less crowded than some of the larger, more popular beaches in Kona. It offers a more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, especially during weekdays. Reddit

Visitors often spot sea turtles and may find seashells along the shore. The beach is also known for its resident colony of friendly feral cats. TikTokReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While Honl's Beach itself doesn't have on-site dining, it's located very close to the center of Kailua-Kona, where you'll find a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and eateries to choose from. Reddit

Yes, the grassy area with trees provides a lovely spot for a picnic. You can bring your own food and enjoy a meal with a beautiful ocean view. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Honl's Beach is a photographer's delight, especially during sunset. Capture the vibrant colors of the sky, the surfers, the unique rock formations, and the resident cats. Instagram+2

Absolutely! Honl's Beach provides a stunning backdrop for wedding photos with its beautiful ocean views and tropical ambiance. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Honl's Beach can be a good spot for families, but with caveats. While the waves can be large, making swimming difficult for very young children, the shallow wading areas and tide pools offer safe and engaging fun. The grassy, shaded area is perfect for picnics and letting kids play away from the sun. Keep a close eye on children near the water due to wave activity and be mindful of the feral cats, which can be a fun distraction. Reddit

Parking is easy and free, and the proximity to Kailua-Kona means you're never far from more extensive facilities or dining options if needed. It's a great place for a relaxed afternoon, especially for watching surfers and enjoying the sunset, but perhaps not for a full day of swimming for toddlers. Reddit

❤️ Couples & Photographers

For couples and photographers, Honl's Beach is a dream destination, particularly for sunset. The intimate size of the beach, combined with the dramatic ocean views and the possibility of spotting sea turtles or even wedding ceremonies, provides endless photographic opportunities. Instagram+3

The tranquil atmosphere, especially outside of peak hours, makes it ideal for romantic strolls along the shore. The unique charm of the feral cat colony also adds character to photos. It's a perfect spot for capturing memorable moments against a stunning Hawaiian backdrop. TikTok

🧘‍♀️ Yoga & Relaxation Seekers

Honl's Beach is a serene spot for those seeking relaxation and mindfulness. Donation-based yoga classes are regularly held on the beach, offering a unique opportunity to practice amidst the soothing sounds of the ocean. Instagram

The peaceful ambiance, ample shade, and beautiful ocean views make it an ideal location for meditation, reading, or simply unwinding. While swimming might be challenging, the gentle wading and the chance to observe marine life and local activities provide a calming experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding Honl's Beach Conditions

Honl's Beach is a unique stretch of coastline known for its beauty rather than its swimming conditions. The shore is a mix of sand and rocks, and the waves can often be quite large, making it less suitable for casual swimming, especially for families with young children. Visitors have noted that during certain times of the year, particularly in summer, the waves might calm down slightly, but caution is always advised. Reddit

Despite the challenging swimming conditions, the beach offers a lovely sandy entry point for wading and exploring the fascinating tide pools that form along the rocky edges. These pools are miniature ecosystems, often teeming with small marine life, providing a safe and engaging activity for those who prefer to stay closer to shore. Reddit

For those interested in water activities, Honl's Beach is a popular spot for local surfers and canoeists. Watching them navigate the waves can be an entertaining pastime. Additionally, the beach is home to a well-known colony of feral cats, which are often seen lounging in the sun or interacting with visitors, adding a unique charm to the experience. TikTokReddit

Safety and Wildlife at Honl's Beach

When visiting Honl's Beach, it's crucial to be aware of the potential for shark sightings. Several TikTok videos and local discussions highlight the presence of sharks in the waters off Kona, and Honl's Beach is no exception. Visitors are strongly advised to stay informed about local advisories and exercise extreme caution before entering the water. TikTok+1

Beyond the potential for sharks, Honl's Beach is a haven for other wildlife. Sea turtles are frequently spotted along the shore, offering a wonderful opportunity for observation. Visitors may also find unique seashells scattered along the sand. The beach's most visible inhabitants, however, are its friendly colony of feral cats, who are accustomed to human presence and often add a delightful, albeit unexpected, element to the beach experience. TikTokReddit

While the beach itself offers limited facilities, restrooms and an outdoor shower are conveniently located across the street, providing essential amenities. The grassy area with trees offers ample shade, making it an ideal spot for a picnic or simply relaxing away from the direct sun. Reddit

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