Pāhoehoe Beach Park
A serene coastal park known for its breathtaking sunsets, picnic spots, and unique rocky shoreline. Perfect for a peaceful evening by the ocean.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Unforgettable sunset views
Pāhoehoe Beach Park
Best Time
Unforgettable sunset views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene coastal park known for its breathtaking sunsets, picnic spots, and unique rocky shoreline. Perfect for a peaceful evening by the ocean.
"The best place to take a photo of the sunset, with everyone super friendly and respectful!"
🌅 Sunset Photo Ops
Arrive early for the best sunset views and photo opportunities. Many visitors find it the best place for sunset pics!
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
The beach has pebbles and coral; water shoes make walking to the sandy areas much more comfortable.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Golden Hour Sunset
Shoreline
Witness a truly magical sunset over the Pacific, painting the sky with vibrant colors. A must-see for photographers and romantics alike.
Picnic Paradise
Grassy areas and benches
Enjoy a relaxing picnic with ocean views. Plenty of space and seating make it ideal for families and groups.
Coral Beach Access
Beachfront
Experience the unique shoreline with its coral and pebble mix. Water shoes are advised for comfortable exploration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sunset Spectacle & Peaceful Picnics
Beach Access & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunset Photo Ops
Arrive early for the best sunset views and photo opportunities. Many visitors find it the best place for sunset pics!
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
The beach has pebbles and coral; water shoes make walking to the sandy areas much more comfortable.
🥥 Fresh Coconut Treat
Look for a local vendor selling fresh, affordable coconuts. A refreshing and authentic Hawaiian experience!
🅿️ Parking Pointers
Parking can be limited, especially during peak sunset times. There's parking around the corner, but be patient.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunset Photo Ops
Arrive early for the best sunset views and photo opportunities. Many visitors find it the best place for sunset pics!
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
The beach has pebbles and coral; water shoes make walking to the sandy areas much more comfortable.
🥥 Fresh Coconut Treat
Look for a local vendor selling fresh, affordable coconuts. A refreshing and authentic Hawaiian experience!
🅿️ Parking Pointers
Parking can be limited, especially during peak sunset times. There's parking around the corner, but be patient.
🐢 Turtle Spotting
Keep an eye out for sea turtles! While baby turtle hatching wasn't seen, the adult turtles are a delight.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Pāhoehoe Beach Park for its stunning sunset views and peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for an evening picnic. While the rocky, pebbly shoreline requires water shoes for comfort, the unique natural beauty and the chance to see local vendors and sea turtles add to its charm. Parking can be a challenge, but the overall experience is highly rewarding.
"Little bit of parking available, lots of coral has washed up on the beach, and there are picnic punches to sit at or find a nice piece of rock to sit on as well."
Tammy M
"Very near to the Magic Sands Beach. This park is a perfect spot for you if you want a peaceful evening with a heart warming sunset.
Wide space for a picnic, benches to use, a usable restroom around. Parking might be a problem around the park as such but they do have parking around the corner."
BIBEK SHARMA
"So far, best place to take a photo of the sunset. Parking was interesting... plenty of photos to make it worth while!
Lots of people there to see the sunset, everyone was super friendly and respectful."
Roguegunn Works
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pāhoehoe Beach Park is located at 77-6434 Aliʻi Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. It's a short drive south from the main Kailua-Kona town. Many visitors find it easily accessible by car, and it's close to Magic Sands Beach.
Parking can be a bit challenging, especially during popular times like sunset. While there's parking available around the corner, arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.
Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the Big Island, including Pāhoehoe Beach Park. Ride-sharing services are available in Kona, but may be less frequent for trips to more secluded spots.
If you are staying in the Kailua-Kona area, it might be walkable depending on your exact location, but it's a bit of a distance. Driving or using a taxi/rideshare is generally more convenient.
The park has grassy areas and benches, but direct beach access can involve navigating pebbles and coral. Consider this if mobility is a concern.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Pāhoehoe Beach Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. You can visit and enjoy its amenities free of charge.
As a public park, Pāhoehoe Beach Park is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. It's a popular spot for evening relaxation and sunset viewing.
No, advance booking is not required as it's a public park. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
Standard park rules apply, such as respecting the environment and other visitors. Be mindful of the rocky shoreline and wear appropriate footwear.
Absolutely! It's a great spot for a relaxing day trip, especially if you plan to picnic and enjoy the sunset.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The park is perfect for picnics, enjoying stunning sunsets, and relaxing by the ocean. You can also explore the unique coral shoreline and potentially spot sea turtles. +1
It's not a typical sandy beach. Expect a mix of grassy areas, picnic benches, and a shoreline with pebbles and coral. Small sandy patches are accessible with water shoes.
Yes, there are usable restrooms available within the park for visitors.
Swimming conditions can vary. The rocky and coral-filled shoreline might make direct entry challenging. It's more of a scenic spot than a dedicated swimming beach.
Bring picnic supplies, water shoes, sunscreen, a camera for the sunset, and perhaps a towel. A reusable water bottle is also a good idea. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Pāhoehoe Beach Park is close to Kailua-Kona, which offers a wide variety of restaurants and dining options. You can also find food vendors nearby.
Yes, the park has plenty of grassy areas and picnic benches, making it an ideal spot for a picnic.
Occasionally, you might find local vendors, such as one selling fresh coconuts, which is highly recommended!
Kailua-Kona offers diverse cuisine, from local Hawaiian dishes and fresh seafood to international flavors.
Bringing your own picnic is a great way to enjoy the park's ambiance. However, Kailua-Kona has many excellent dining options if you prefer to eat out.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hour leading up to sunset is spectacular for photography. The changing light creates dramatic and beautiful scenes.
You can capture stunning sunset landscapes, ocean views, and the unique rocky shoreline. It's also a great spot for portraits with a scenic backdrop.
While a good camera helps, your smartphone can capture excellent photos, especially with the vibrant sunset colors.
The entire shoreline offers great vantage points. Experiment with different angles along the coast to find your perfect shot.
The main challenge can be the lighting during midday. The sunset, however, is incredibly forgiving and photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing beach toys that are suitable for rocky areas or focusing on the picnic aspect of the visit. The park's proximity to other attractions in Kailua-Kona also means you can combine a visit here with other family-friendly activities. The stunning sunset provides a beautiful, memorable end to a day of exploration.
📸 Photographers
Beyond sunsets, the park's unique rocky shoreline and the occasional presence of sea turtles provide diverse photographic subjects. Experiment with different angles and focal lengths to capture the raw beauty of this location. Remember to bring your camera gear, and perhaps a tripod for those low-light sunset shots. The vibrant colors and serene atmosphere make it a rewarding location for any photographer.
🧘♀️ Peace Seekers
Find a comfortable spot on the grass or a bench, perhaps with a picnic, and simply soak in the atmosphere. The sound of the waves and the breathtaking sunset create a serene backdrop for relaxation. It’s a place to de-stress and appreciate the simple, beautiful moments of island life.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Pāhoehoe Beach Park Experience
The park's most celebrated feature is its spectacular sunset. As the day winds down, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, drawing locals and tourists alike. Many consider it one of the best places on the Big Island to witness this daily spectacle, making it a prime destination for photographers and anyone looking for a peaceful evening.
Beyond the sunset, Pāhoehoe Beach Park offers a glimpse into the local Hawaiian culture. You might encounter vendors selling fresh coconuts, a delightful and affordable treat. The park is also a place where community gatherings and cultural practices, like lei making, can occur, offering visitors a chance to connect with the island's spirit.
Navigating Pāhoehoe Beach Park: Practicalities
Amenities at the park include usable restrooms, which are a welcome convenience for visitors. The presence of picnic benches and grassy areas makes it an excellent location for a leisurely meal with ocean views. However, the beach itself is not a soft, sandy expanse. It's a mix of pebbles and coral, so bringing water shoes is highly advised for comfortable exploration and access to the water's edge.
While Pāhoehoe Beach Park isn't primarily known as a swimming beach due to its rocky composition, its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it a worthwhile destination. It's a place to relax, enjoy the natural environment, and soak in the unforgettable Hawaiian sunsets.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit