Kīholo Bay
Discover Kiholo Bay's protected marine sanctuary, featuring black sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and abundant sea turtle sightings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calmer waters for better viewing
Kīholo Bay
Best Time
Calmer waters for better viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Kiholo Bay's protected marine sanctuary, featuring black sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and abundant sea turtle sightings.
"The absolute prettiest experience ever! Worth every step."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Pebbles & lava rocks make flip-flops a no-go. Tennis shoes are best!
🐢 Respect Wildlife
Keep your distance from turtles & seals. No chasing for photos!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sea Turtle Haven
Turtle Cove
Witness numerous Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) basking and swimming in calm, clear waters. A truly magical sight!
Turquoise Lagoon
Southern end of the bay
Discover a stunning lagoon where freshwater meets the ocean, creating vibrant turquoise hues perfect for snorkeling.
Black Sand Beaches
Kiholo Bay shoreline
Stroll along unique black sand beaches formed by ancient lava flows, offering a dramatic coastal landscape.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating to Kiholo Bay
What to Wear and Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Pebbles & lava rocks make flip-flops a no-go. Tennis shoes are best!
🐢 Respect Wildlife
Keep your distance from turtles & seals. No chasing for photos!
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
The hike can be long; stay hydrated and fueled up.
🚗 4WD Recommended
The road to parking is bumpy. A 4WD helps, but rentals can manage.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Pebbles & lava rocks make flip-flops a no-go. Tennis shoes are best!
🐢 Respect Wildlife
Keep your distance from turtles & seals. No chasing for photos!
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
The hike can be long; stay hydrated and fueled up.
🚗 4WD Recommended
The road to parking is bumpy. A 4WD helps, but rentals can manage.
🤿 Snorkel Gear Essential
Explore the vibrant underwater world and see marine life up close.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Kiholo Bay's stunning natural beauty, particularly the chance to see sea turtles and the unique turquoise lagoon against black sand beaches. While the hike can be challenging and the access road rough, the reward of pristine nature and abundant wildlife makes it a highly recommended spot for those seeking an authentic Big Island experience.
"Check all trails or Google maps for hike in locations. This is an awesome spot to see sea turtles and if you bring snorkeling gear it is great for that. It was best for us to hug one of the banks ( lava rock or rocky / sandy side) to see many animals. Lots of things to see. Hike was easy, maybe best to have shoes so small rocks don't interfere with flip flops."
AJ Miller
"When you exit the parking lot and reach the beach, turn right and walk for about 2.5 miles. You’ll cross a small bridge where turtles are often seen hanging around. On your right, you’ll see the lagoon that’s in the photo. Keep walking and go over the rocks — you’ll find this amazing sea turtle spot with super calm waters, perfect for snorkeling. I saw 13 turtles there that day! Try to go in the morning, because after 2 p.m. the ocean gets really rough, which can make it harder to see them. It’s a long walk but totally worth it!"
Jhenifer Andrade
"The place is not clearly marked and the road to the parking lot is very bumpy and unpaved. I recommend to use a 4WD but you can use a rental car. After we parked, we saw several goats walking around. The bay is very pretty but the hike there is long and rocky: about 4-5 miles and I recommend to use water shoes or walking shoes not slippers. If you walk a bit further you will see a monk seal and if you go all the way to the bay and if you are lucky, you will see some sea turtles. The place is not very crowded and has a lot of animal life"
Cathy Wang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kiholo Bay is located north of Kailua-Kona. The drive from Kailua-Kona is about 40 minutes. The road to the parking lot is unpaved and can be bumpy, so a 4WD vehicle is recommended, though rental cars can often manage.+1 Follow signs for the Kiholo Bay State Park.
The road is unpaved and can be rough. While a 4WD is ideal, many visitors have successfully navigated it in standard rental cars, though caution is advised.
There is a designated parking area. Just before the main parking spots, there's a slightly rocky section that's manageable with a Jeep or similar vehicle.
Yes, you can visit with a regular rental car, but drive slowly and carefully due to the unpaved and bumpy conditions.
While the bay itself is beautiful, reaching it involves a hike. The access road can be challenging, and the trails are rocky and uneven.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kiholo Bay is a state park and generally does not require an entrance fee. However, it's always a good idea to check for any updated park regulations or potential parking fees before your visit.
Kiholo Bay is typically open from sunrise to sunset. It's a natural area, so there are no strict 'opening' or 'closing' times like a museum, but it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
Currently, there are no entrance fees for Kiholo Bay State Park. Enjoy this natural wonder responsibly!
Yes, camping is permitted at Kiholo Bay. It's a great way to experience the bay's beauty, especially the sunsets. Make sure to check with the Hawaii State Parks for any camping permits or regulations required.
Visitors are asked to 'Travel Pono,' which means respecting the land and culture. This includes staying on marked paths, not disturbing wildlife, and leaving no trace.
🎫 🤿 Onsite Experience
You can hike along the coast, snorkel in the clear waters, spot sea turtles and other marine life, and enjoy the unique black sand beaches. Camping is also an option.
Absolutely! The bay's calm waters, especially in the morning, are perfect for snorkeling. You can see beautiful fish, and if you're lucky, even stingrays and turtles.
Kiholo Bay is famous for its Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu). You might also spot monk seals, various fish, and even goats roaming the area.
The hike to the lagoon can be around 2.5 miles one way, making it a 5-mile round trip. The total coastal trail can be longer, around 5.1 miles out and back.
The hike is generally considered easy to moderate, but it's rocky and can be uneven. Sturdy footwear is highly recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The turquoise lagoon, the black sand beaches, and the sea turtles are prime subjects. The dramatic coastline and sunsets also offer stunning photographic opportunities.
Yes, Kiholo Bay offers spectacular sunsets. The colors reflecting off the water and the unique landscape make for breathtaking evening shots.
Drone usage in Hawaii State Parks may be restricted. It's crucial to check the latest regulations from the Hawaii State Parks department before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
Mornings offer calmer waters and softer light, ideal for wildlife and snorkeling shots. Evenings provide dramatic sunset colors, perfect for landscape photography.
Keep an eye out for the Hawaiian green sea turtles, especially in the shallows. The contrast of the black sand against the turquoise water is also a photographer's dream.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photographers
+1 Sunsets here are particularly stunning, painting the sky with vibrant colors that reflect beautifully on the water. Consider visiting in the early morning for softer light and calmer seas, or in the late afternoon for golden hour and sunset magic.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Encounters at Kiholo Bay
+1 Visitors are urged to maintain a respectful distance and never touch or feed them. Beyond turtles, you might also spot Hawaiian monk seals, which are also endangered and require significant space.Responsible wildlife viewing is paramount. Signs are posted to guide visitors on how to interact safely and ethically with the local fauna. Chasing or disturbing animals for photos is strictly prohibited and harmful to their well-being.
Conservation efforts are ongoing at Kiholo Bay, with organizations working to protect its natural and cultural landscape.
By visiting responsibly, you contribute to the preservation of this unique ecosystem for future generations.The Hike to Kiholo Bay's Lagoon
While the hike is described as easy to moderate, the uneven surfaces and lava rock formations require careful footing. Many visitors recommend bringing plenty of water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized, as there are no facilities along the trail.
It's important to note that the ocean conditions can change rapidly. Mornings generally offer calmer seas, which are ideal for snorkeling and wildlife viewing. By the afternoon, the ocean can become quite rough, making it more challenging to enjoy the water and spot marine life.
Historical and Cultural Significance
+1 These ponds are a testament to the ingenuity and deep connection ancient Hawaiians had with the ocean and land. The area also features lava flows from past volcanic activity, shaping the dramatic black sand beaches and coastal landscape that visitors see today.For generations, Kiholo Bay has been a vital resource for local communities, providing sustenance and a place for cultural practices. The 'Ahuena Ahu, a reconstructed royal temple, is located nearby, highlighting the area's importance in Hawaiian history and spirituality. The bay itself is considered a sacred place, and visitors are encouraged to approach it with respect and reverence, embodying the spirit of 'Malama Aina' (to care for the land).
+1Understanding this rich history enhances the visitor experience. It transforms a simple beach visit into an opportunity to connect with the enduring legacy of Hawaiian culture and the profound relationship between people and the natural environment. Organizations like Hui Aloha Kiholo are dedicated to protecting and perpetuating this cultural and natural heritage through community stewardship.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit