Near the ancient Hawaiian fishing village of Miloliʻi, in the far south of Kona District, is the community of Pāpā Bay Big Island. This is a remote area, best suited for vacationers looking to “get away from it all.” If you choose one of our beautiful Pāpā Bay vacation rentals, you’ll be assured of peace, quiet, and a retreat from the bustle of city life!
Since it’s so remote, this area is suitable for either those who are looking to relax seaside and not go anywhere, or folks who enjoy driving to their destinations. Pāpā Bay, Hawaii is more than an hour’s drive south of Kailua-Kona, and there are no services or stores in this area. It’s a great location for exploring the remote beaches and coastline of south Kona, as well as visiting Ka Lae (South Point), the spectacular peninsula where Hawaiʻi Island meets the deep blue sea. It’s also about an hour’s drive from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, where you can marvel at the nearness of the world’s most active volcano and explore the unique young landscape.
Relax on Beautiful Beaches
Pāpā Bay is a great spot for fishing, but it doesn’t have much of a sandy beach and is not great swimming for most visitors. However, a 20-minute drive either north or south will take you to Honomalino Beach or Hoʻokena Beach Park, both of which offer good swimming options. Take a 20-minute drive south to explore the tranquil water at Honomalino Beach. After finding a spot in the parking area, find the trail that begins by the bright yellow church. Another 20-minute walk along the trail will take you through lush vegetation, an ancient Hawaiian burial ground, and black lava rocks before opening up to a palm-backed oasis. This wide white and black sand beach is perfect for relaxing. Bring along a pair of water shoes for swimming or snorkeling, as the ocean bottom is a bit rocky here. If you come at high tide, you may be able to catch sight of water shooting up through the blowhole that has formed in the rocks along the south end of the beach, providing fantastic photo opportunities.
A drive 20 minutes north from Papa Bay Big Island will take you to an equally stunning shoreline, Hoʻokena Beach Park. This crescent bay with grayish black sand offers a variety of water activities. When winds are calm, it can be a tranquil oasis for swimming. Wavier days invite boogie boarders to ride the gentle shore break and play in the waves. Along the north end of the beach, kayaks, boogie boards, and snorkel gear are available for rent. The south end of the beach offers good snorkeling conditions, so bring a mask and fins or rent gear onsite to explore the underwater world. With plenty of palm trees lining the back of the beach, this is also a great spot to lounge in the shade and take in the scenery. Formerly one of the last Hawaiian fishing villages on the Big Island, local fishermen can still be seen fishing from canoes off of Hoʻokena Beach.
Continuing on north from Hoʻokena Beach Park, you’ll find many fragrant coffee farms and roadside fruit stands as you head towards the small towns of the south Kona uplands. Further north, enjoy the many beaches and attractions of the Kona-Kohala Coast.
Pāpā Bay, Hawaii vacation rentals: peace and quiet by the seaside in south Kona!
Contact Us to Learn About Papa Bay Hawaii
At I Love Hawaii, we have a variety of vacation rentals available on the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. Whether you’re exploring nature at its rawest at Volcano National Park on the Big Island, surfing in Oahu’s Waikiki, catching the sunrise at Haleakala on Maui, or gazing out over the Grand Canyon of the Pacific on Kauai, our vacation rentals will ensure complete comfort during your island stay. Many of our Papa Bay rentals offer full kitchens, island-inspired décor, breezy lanais, and swimming pools. Please contact us at (866) 634-0060 or (808) 445-9126 to make your vacation rental booking and to get started on planning your ideal Hawaiian getaway!
