About
Wawaloli Beach Park, situated just seven miles from downtown Kailua-Kona and adjacent to the Kona Airport runway, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and scientific innovation.
This beach park is located within the Hawaii Ocean Science and Technology Park and managed by the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii (NELHA.) It reflects Hawaii's commitment to preserving its natural splendors while fostering scientific research and development.
Unlike traditional beaches, Wawaloli Beach stands out with its natural (pahoehoe) lava shelf. This shelf acts as a barrier against high surf, creating a shallow pool and an array of tide pools. This geological feature protects the small beach area and offers a safe and exciting exploration spot, especially for children.
Visitors should exercise caution as the rocks can be slippery and sharp, necessitating water shoes for a safer experience. The beach also provides an excellent vantage point for photography, especially when the surf is high. Still, awareness of rogue waves is crucial for safety.
Bring your beach essentials like chairs, umbrellas, reef-safe sunscreen, and plenty of water to stay hydrated in a sunny and hot environment. After a day in the sun, head into town for delicious food and ice-cold drinks at eateries like Island Ono Loa Grill or Da Taste by Ohana Q. With so many tasty options, you'll be hard-pressed to pick one!
The Beach Park is open daily, however, no lifeguards are on duty, and drinking water is unavailable on-site. While enjoying the park's amenities and natural beauty, visitors should also respect the closing times indicated by signage.
Wawaloli Beach Park: Fun Facts & Cool Features
One of the park's most distinctive features is its natural lava shelf that protects the beach and forms shallow pools and various tide pools. This lava shelf is a product of the pahoehoe lava, known for its smooth, unbroken surface, which adds a unique character to the beach's landscape.
These tide pools are a highlight of the park, offering a sanctuary for various marine life and an excellent spot for exploration. The presence of this lava shelf results in a large shallow sand-bottom wading area, ideal for children and families to enjoy the water safely. The park's landscape is a delightful mix of sandy beach areas with this intriguing lava shelf, adding to the park's diverse natural beauty.
Wawaloli Beach is near other landmarks and attractions, making it easy to visit multiple locations daily. After a morning at the tide pools, visit Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation for an immersive experience. Maka'eo Walking Path is another popular spot, offering scenic gardens, a paved path, and exercise stations.
The Beach Park houses the Ke Kai Ola Marine Mammal Center, a remarkable facility dedicated to saving the endangered Hawaiian monk seal.
Opened in 2014, this center is part of a broader effort to conserve this species, with only 1,400 individuals remaining worldwide. The center offers educational opportunities for visitors to learn about these magnificent creatures and the efforts to protect them.
The park also has convenient facilities, including picnic tables, barbecue grills, showers, and restrooms, making it an ideal location for a day out with family and friends.
These amenities and the park's unique natural features make it a perfect spot for relaxation and exploration when visiting Kona.
Getting There
Here are step-by-step driving directions from Kailua-Kona to Wawaloli Beach Park:
- Get on Highway 19 and head towards the Natural Energy Lab near mile marker 94.
- As you approach mile marker 94, be prepared to turn. However, you can't turn directly onto Makako Bay Drive if you're headed north. Instead, you'll need to go past it and make a turn at the light onto Kahilihili Street, then backtrack to Makako Bay Drive.
- Once on Kahilihili Street, head towards Makako Bay Drive.
- Turn right on Makako Bay Drive. The road will lead you directly towards the ocean.
- Address: 73-188 Makako Bay Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Local Tips
- The beach has a natural lava shelf, creating sharp and slippery surfaces. It's best to wear water shoes for safe exploration.
- The area is sunny and hot, so bring plenty of water and reef-safe sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
- Enjoy the convenience of picnic tables, barbecue grills, showers, and restrooms for a comfortable day at the beach.
- It's an excellent place for a quick, relaxing visit, especially for those with limited time or waiting for flights, as it's close to the airport.
