Hawaii is still home to one of the rarest species of monk
seal, so-called because of the cowl-like folds of skin around
its neck. Hawaiians know it as ilio holo kai, meaning
'dog that runs in the sea'.
Camping
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Cabins
Cabins at the top of Kilauea Volcano.
Info/reservations: (808) 967-7321
Hapuna Beach A-Frame Shelters
Landscaped beach park offering swimming (in calm seas),
bodysurfing for experienced surfers only, picnicking and other
beach activities. Note: Dangerous rip currents and shore breaks
during high surf (over three feet).
Where: Kohala Coast, on Queen Ka‘ahumanu Hwy.
Info/reservations: Department of Land and Natural Resources,
Division of State Parks/Hilo: (808) 974-6200
Kalopa State Recreation Area
Duplex cabins and large-group cabins with beds, bedding, linen,
toilet facilities, and hot showers. The area features
picnicking, an easy nature hike in a native ‘ohi‘a forest, plus
additional trails in the forest reserve.
Where: At 2,000 feet, three miles inland from Mamalahoa Hwy.
Info/reservations: Department of Land and Natural Resources,
Division of State Parks/Hilo: (808) 974-6200
Mauna Kea State Recreation Area
Large-group cabins and smaller housekeeping cabins with beds,
bedding, linen, toilet facilities, hot showers and electric
heater. The area features picnicking, great views of Mauna Kea
and Mauna Loa, and seasonal pig, sheep and bird hunting.
Where: At 6,000 feet in the saddle between Mauna Loa and Mauna
Kea, off the Saddle Road. (Note: Car rental companies may
prohibit or impose conditions for use of their vehicles on the
Saddle Road.)
Info/reservations: Department of Land and Natural Resources,
Division of State Parks/Hilo: (808) 974-6200
Big Island Parks
‘Akaka Falls State Park
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
Kalopa State Recreation Area
Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park
Kona Coast (Kekaha Kai) State Park
Kohala Historical Sites State Monument
Lapakahi State Historical Park
Lava Tree State Monument
MacKenzie State Recreation Area
Manuka State Wayside
Mauna Kea State Recreation Area
Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area
Wailoa River State Recreation Area
Wailuku River State Park
National Parks in Hawaii
Hawai‘i (Big Island)
# Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
# Kaloko-Honokchau National Historic Park
# Pu‘uhonua a Honaunau National Historic Park
# Puukohola Heiau National Historic Sight
Beaches
Anaehoomalu Beach
- nickname: "A-Bay"
- salt and pepper sand
- lots of sharp rocks and coral in the water -- wear foot
protection
- windsurfing, sailboarding
- restrooms, showers
- entrance through Waikola Beach Resort off Route 19
Coconut Island Park
- access via footbridge behind the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
- locals' favorite for fishing, picnicking, swimming
- once known as "healing island"
Hapuna Beach State Park
- west side of the island, north of Puaho on Route 19
- favorite of locals
- restrooms, showers
- bodysurfing, boogie boarding -- beware strong currents &
undertow
Hilo Bayfront Park
- gray sand
- not good for swimming, but fishing is popular
- home to canoe clubs, with canoe races year-round
Honaunau Bay
- snorkeling, shore diving, canoe teams practicing
- small sandy beach
Honokahau Harbor
- part of Koloko Honokahau National Park
- long, private area of white sand beaches
- snorkeling, shore diving
Ho'okena State Park
- gray sand - watershoes highly recommended
- snorkeling, advanced body boarding, shore diving (not
recommended when surf is up)
Kahalu'u Beach Park
- favorite snorkel spot, good for calm body boarding
Kaunaoa Beach
- located at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Route 19
- bodysurfing, boogie boarding -- beware strong currents &
undertow
- restrooms
Ka'upulehu Beach
- white sand
- fishing, with eco-restrictions
- restrooms, showers
Kealakekua Beach
- located at Kealakekua Bay Marine Life Conservation District
and Underwater Park - off route 11 south of the town center
- salt and pepper sand
- good dolphin-watching, snorkeling, kayaking
Keauhou Bay
- birthplace of King Kamehameha III
- local canoe club & beach volleyballers meeting place
Keaukaha Beach Park
- lush green grasses
- picnicking, fishing
Keokea Beach Park
- near the end of Route 270
- camping allowed
- year round high surf
King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
- calm surf, good for young children
- white sand
- snorkeling, especially beyond the inner bay; SCUBA, dive
instruction and novice diving
- near the temple (Ahu'ena Heiau), where King Kamehameha I ruled
and died
Kolekole Beach Park
- fresh water river meets the ocean here
- fishing, picnicking
Kona Coast State Park
- black and white sand
- snorkeling, shore diving, body boarding and seasonal whale
watching
Laupahoehoe Point Park
- created by a lava flow from Mauna Kea, forming a wide,
leaf-shaped flat point
- favorite campground
Old Airport Beach Park
- Former Kona Airport
- numerous tide pools contain lots of little ocean creatures
Pu'ala'a Beach Park
- lava lined pool heated to 95 degrees by volcanic stream
- 2 miles from Mackenzie State Park, a pine forest with steep
cliffs and pounding surf
Punalu'u Beach Park
- black sand
- picnicking, snorkeling
Spencer Park
- off Route 270 near the intersection of Route 19
- King Kamehakameha I�s temple nearby
White Sands Beach Park
- called "Disappearing Sands" because the beach loses its sand
during the high surf months, November through April, but returns
in the spring
- advanced body boarding, shore diving to 60 feet with caverns
and lava tubes
