Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area Hawaii
A beloved local park featuring a scenic beach, vibrant community gardens, and a walking path. Free to enter, it's a peaceful escape with a strong comm...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area Hawaii
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved local park featuring a scenic beach, vibrant community gardens, and a walking path. Free to enter, it's a peaceful escape with a strong community vibe.
"Such a wonderful and free place to visit with ample parking! This spot has it all!"
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
Lots of rocks make water shoes a must for comfortable beach access and exploring.
🌸 Explore the Gardens
Don't miss the beautiful community gardens along the Maka'eo path; they're a local highlight.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Maka'eo Walking Path
North end of the park
A scenic 0.7-mile loop through stunning community-maintained gardens with exotic flowers and art.
White Sand Beach
Central beach area
A beautiful, often quiet stretch of sand perfect for swimming and sunbathing, with a hidden gem at the north end.
Community Gardens
Along the Maka'eo path
Vibrant gardens showcasing exotic plants, attracting birds, butterflies, and bees. A true visual delight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Be Beach-Ready
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
Lots of rocks make water shoes a must for comfortable beach access and exploring.
🌸 Explore the Gardens
Don't miss the beautiful community gardens along the Maka'eo path; they're a local highlight.
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Plenty of parking available, making it easy to access this local gem.
⚠️ Be Shark Aware
While not common, sharks have been spotted. Always check local advisories before swimming.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
Lots of rocks make water shoes a must for comfortable beach access and exploring.
🌸 Explore the Gardens
Don't miss the beautiful community gardens along the Maka'eo path; they're a local highlight.
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Plenty of parking available, making it easy to access this local gem.
⚠️ Be Shark Aware
While not common, sharks have been spotted. Always check local advisories before swimming.
🧘♀️ Relaxed Local Spot
Enjoy a more local vibe; it's a favorite spot for residents.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
This free, local-favorite park offers a beautiful beach, stunning community gardens along a scenic walking path, and a playground. Visitors appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and ample parking, though some note the rocky shore and basic restroom facilities. It's a peaceful escape with a strong community feel.
"Such a wonderful and free place to visit with ample parking! Where to begin? This spot has it all! There is an awesome playground in the midst of the ball diamonds and horseshoe pits. Also, a mediocre skate park. Of course, the 0.5 mile stretch of white sand beach is great for swimming and there is even a hidden gem of a sun bathing beach at the north end of the park. But probably the nicest feature is the 0.7 mile loop walking trail that leads through community maintained gardens. The plant life you will encounter here is stunning!"
Michelle Porter
"We had some extra time before our flight and visited this garden. It was beautiful!!! There were birds, butterflies, a few pretty spiders in between flowers, different types of bees busy at work, and these little ferret looking creatures running around. We loved the custom garden art pieces and recycled art. So many exotic flowers in one place! Thank you to all those who put in the work to keep it so pretty."
Brittney Molina
"Beautiful, long beach. Amazing botanical gardens along the one mile Maka'eo walking path."
Angela Newland
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is easily accessible by car in Kailua-Kona. It offers ample free parking, making it convenient for visitors. Many locals and travelers alike find it a straightforward drive.
Yes, it's well-known among locals and generally easy to navigate to. Look for signs for the recreation area once you're in the Kailua-Kona vicinity.
There is plenty of free parking available throughout the park, which is a significant plus for visitors.
Public transportation options to the park might be limited. It's generally recommended to have a car for the most convenient access to this area of Kona.
Absolutely! It's a great spot for a relaxed day trip, especially if you're staying in or near Kailua-Kona. The easy access and amenities make it a perfect stop.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area is a free public park. You can enjoy the beach, gardens, and walking paths without any admission cost.
The park is generally open from sunrise to sunset. It's a public space, so you can visit during daylight hours.
No advance booking is required as it's a free public park. You can visit anytime during its operating hours.
As a public recreation area, entry is generally open to all. However, it's always good practice to respect the park's natural environment and any posted rules.
The park is typically open during daylight hours only. It's best to plan your visit to enjoy the facilities before sunset.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing on the beach, walking the Maka'eo path through community gardens, and picnicking. It's also a popular spot for locals. +1
Yes, the white sand beach is great for swimming. However, be aware of rocks, and water shoes are recommended for comfort.
Showers are available, but the restrooms are port-a-potties and may not always be well-maintained.
It's a beautiful 0.7-mile loop path that winds through stunning community-maintained gardens filled with exotic plants and art.
It tends to be less crowded with tourists and more popular with locals, offering a more relaxed atmosphere.
While generally safe and friendly, some visitors have noted the presence of long-term campers. There have also been occasional shark sightings, so it's wise to be aware of local conditions before swimming.
📸 📸 Photography
The community gardens along the Maka'eo path offer vibrant floral backdrops. The beach at sunset also provides beautiful lighting for photos.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or park management for current rules regarding drone operation in state recreation areas.
You might see various birds, butterflies, bees, and other small creatures in the gardens.
Yes, the beach area can offer lovely sunset views, especially during the golden hour.
The custom garden art pieces and recycled art installations within the gardens offer unique photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the park offers a playground and beach access, it's worth noting that the restroom facilities are port-a-potties and may not always be in the best condition.
🚶♀️ Active Travelers & Walkers
The park also provides a jogging path along the coastline, allowing you to combine exercise with ocean views. The beach itself, while rocky in places, is suitable for swimming and offers a chance to cool off. The overall layout of the park encourages movement and exploration, making it ideal for travelers who like to stay on the go.
💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors
While there are no food vendors directly within the park, it's an ideal spot for a picnic. Pack your own snacks and drinks to maximize savings. The relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty provide a high-value experience without the high cost, making it a gem for those watching their spending.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Maka'eo Walking Path and Gardens
Many visitors describe the gardens as a hidden gem, appreciating the dedication of the community members who upkeep this space. The path is relatively flat and easy to navigate, making it accessible for most visitors. It's a fantastic place to connect with nature and appreciate the local horticultural efforts. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll want to take your time exploring all the nooks and crannies of this delightful garden oasis.
While the gardens are a major draw, be mindful of the natural inhabitants. You might encounter various insects and small creatures as part of the ecosystem. The overall atmosphere is tranquil, offering a refreshing contrast to busier tourist spots. It's a testament to community pride and a wonderful place to spend a quiet hour or two.
Beach Activities and Considerations
However, visitors should be aware that the beach area has many rocks, which can make walking in and out of the water a bit challenging. To enhance comfort, water shoes are highly recommended.
An important safety consideration mentioned by some TikTok users is the potential for shark sightings.
Local Life and Community Feel
Visitors often note that the park seems to have many more locals than tourists.
This sense of community also extends to the upkeep of the park. The community-maintained gardens are a testament to local pride and effort. While there have been some concerns raised about recent pavement damage from temporary structures [^R], the overall impression is of a cherished public space actively used and cared for by its residents. It's a great place to experience the slower pace and friendly nature of the Big Island.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit