Wawāloli Beach is a favorite of locals and visitors with small children. A small expanse of white sand with occasional coral, Wawāloli has a very large sand-lined tide pool that’s perfect for the little ones. Lava formations and tide pools abound at the edges of the beach, making a fascinating, easily accessible marine encounter for the whole family. Enjoy a visit to one of the best beaches on Big Island, Hawai’i!
Wawāloli Beach Park Facilities
There are picnic tables and brick barbecue grills at Wawāloli, so bring the cooler and charcoal! Most picnic tables are tree-sheltered, and you can enjoy views of the blue Pacific, the Kona coast, and Mount Huālalai. Restrooms are available.
Wawāloli Beach Swimming Conditions
Unless you are a strong and experienced swimmer, it is best to stick to the sheltered tide pool at Wawāloli or play at the water line. The water is often seemingly calm; however, the sandy bottom drops off quickly and strong offshore currents have caught hapless swimmers unaware. Don’t let this deter you from having a wonderful beach barbecue and soaking in the sun-warmed tide pool! As with all Hawaiian beaches, check the current conditions and pay heed to all posted signs regarding ocean conditions and safety.
How to Get There
Wawāloli Beach Park Hawai’i is six miles north of Kona. Take Highway 19 past the airport, and near mile marker 94 you’ll see a sign for the Natural Energy Lab. Turn there, and follow the paved road until it turns to the right. You’ll see the parking area. The beach and tide pool are close to where you park, so you won’t have very far to walk.
Other Big Island beaches to visit: