Kiholo Bay is a hidden gem located on the beautiful Kohala Coast, north of Kona.
You will discover a sacred pool, some black sand beaches, a fishpond and a lagoon with turquoise waters.
This is promising, isn’t it ? And if I tell you that you will probably see more turtles than tourists, will you believe me?
Welcome to Kiholo Bay, my favorite place on the Big Island.
Keanalele Waterhole
Keanalele is a freshwater pool that fills an ancient lava tube.
Located under the trees, this place is easy to miss. Hopefully some large stones marks the entrance.
As this place is a sacred spot, a wodden sign will remind you some rules of good conduct. Also to protect this fragile ecosysteme, don’t wear sunscreen if you decide to have a bath.
A small ladder provides access to the first pool. The water is fresh, it’s quite pleasant. You can’t really swim there but venturing to the second opening is fun because you’ll have to go under the tunnel !
The hike then continues along the beach.
It is perhaps the less pleasant part of the visit because you don’t walk on sand but on gravel. Your feet will sink deeper into the ground so it might be more challenging than walking on a normal path.
Fortunately, the nature arround will quickly make you forget this inconvenience. Just remember not to wear flip flops it will be more comfortable
If the beach access is public, some properties have been built along the bay so please respect their privacy.
The first one you will see will be a huge yellow house. This domain would belong to the inventor of the pacemaker.
A little further, a magnificent Balinese mansion, owned by the founder of hair products Paul Mitchell, blends in with the landscape.
For the record, the house, built in Indonesia was then dismantled and shipped to Kiholo Bay where it was re-assembled.
Auwai Channel
This channel connects the fishpond to the ocean. A small bridge will give you acces to the lagoon a little further north.
It is not uncommon to see turtles there because upstream of the Auwai Channel is the fishpond, a peaceful place where they come to eat and rest.
Fishpond
Kiholo Bay was once the site of an ancient Hawaiian fishpond built by King Kamehameha 1st.
At the time, the pond was much more important than now. But in 1859 a lava flow from a Mona Loa eruption reached the coast and reshaped its contours, creating the Wainanalii lagoon.
Access to the fishpond is private and many signs will remind you,
A restoration with the help of a local association is in progress so maybe after that the access will be authorized again who knows …
For more info about the association: https://www.huialohakiholo.org
Wainanalii Pond
Here is the highlight of the hike: the spectacular Wainanalii lagoon with turquoise waters.
It is the mixture of fresh and sea water that gives the lagoon this vivid color.
Although attractive, the snorkeling conditions in the lagoon are far from perfect because the water is cloudy. They are however perfect for a refreshing swim!
If the path that lead to the lagoon stops near the lava flow, it is still possible to continue the walk and explore further. Just make your way along the lagoon following the edges.
Then the magic happens and it becomes almost unreal: the contrast of the lava with the turquoise water is spectacular. Be prepared for the wow effect !
Here too the turtles will be numerous, in the water as on the opposite shore where they enjoy coming to rest.
Since we are here in “Turtle city” I remind you that in Hawaii this animal is sacred and protected. It is therefore illegal to feed, touch or harass them. You must also maintain a distance of at least 5 meters between you and the animal.
Informations
4,5 Km roundtrip
2h
If you want to stop at a panoramic viewpoint before hiking, drive to the Scenic Area parking at mile marker 82
From there, drive south ( Kona ) and take the very first gravel road leading makai ( toward the ocean ) just a few hundred meters away. Drive to the end of the road until you reach a roundabout and park nearby.
This state park is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. depending on the time of year.
Check carefully before planning your visit because the gates will be closed preventing any vehicle from leaving …
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/hawaii/kiholo-state-park-reserve
