Located on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, Kohanaiki Beach Park is a hidden gem that offers visitors a true taste of paradise. At first glance, Kohanaiki is awe-inspiring with its white sand beaches juxtaposed against striking volcanic rock. With crystal clear turquoise waters, colorful sunsets, and breathtaking natural beauty, this beach is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts.
Established in 2013, Kohanaiki Beach Park, or Pine Trees Surfing Beach, is a popular beach in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island. Nestled along Kohanaiki Private Golf Club and the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, Kohanaiki is a pristine beach for surfing, swimming, snorkeling, and camping.
We recently traveled to the Big Island and had the opportunity to explore Kohanaiki Beach Park. Keep reading to learn why you should visit this Kona Beach on your next Hawaiian vacation!
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History and Background of Kohanaiki Beach Park
Kohanaiki Beach Park was established in 2013, but it was a beloved spot utilized by surfers long before then. Locals often call it Pine Trees Beach, or Pine Trees Surfing Beach. Despite its name, you won’t find any pine trees here! Locals told us the beach was named after the mangroves, heliotrope, and hau trees in the area.
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Origins of the Name “Kohanaiki”
In ancient times, the area of Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, was home to early Hawaiian settlements and a thriving fishing community. The name “Kohanaiki” means “small bareness” referring to the bareness of the land covered in solidified lava.
Location and Geography of Kohanaiki Beach Park
Kohanaiki is a peaceful beach on the west coast of the Big Island, in North Kona. It’s 5 miles from Kona International Airport and 7 miles north of Kailua-Kona.
Finding Kohanaiki beach is simple. From Hawaii State Highway 19, look for the Kohanaiki private club entrance. It’s across from the Pine Tree Cafe and Minit Stop Gas Station, off Hulikoa Drive. For beach access, stay to the right as you enter the Kohanaiki Golf Club,
The unique geography of Kohanaiki is one of the reasons it is a popular Kailua-Kona beach. It’s nestled along volcanic rock and provides numerous tide pools to explore. Much of the beach is rocky, but beachgoers can still find plenty of sand to enjoy. Scattered trees offer shade for anyone seeking respite from the sunshine.
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Attractions and Beach Activities at Pine Trees Beach
1. The Natural Beauty of Kohanaiki Beach
The first thing that captures your attention at Kohanaiki Beach Park is its incredible natural beauty. Surrounded by lush greenery, the beach park offers stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The pristine white sandy beaches with the contrast of black volcanic rock is simply breathtaking.
The soft powdery sand at Kohanaiki Beach Park invites you to take off your shoes and sink your toes into its warmth. If you’re looking to relax under an umbrella or engage in some fun-filled beach activities, this beach has something for all tastes.
As the day comes to a close, make sure not to miss the breathtaking sunset views at Kohanaiki Beach Park. The vibrant colors painting the sky as the sun dips below the horizon create a truly magical experience.
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2. Kohanaiki Beach Park Surfing
One of the main reasons Kohanaiki Beach is popular is for its amazing surfing. Kohanaiki Beach has earned its reputation as a true surfers’ paradise due to its exposed reef break and pristine conditions. Whether you’re a beginner looking for gentle rollers or an experienced surfer seeking challenging barrels, there’s something for every level here.
With consistent swell patterns year-round, this beach boasts some of the best waves in Hawaii. After talking with locals on the beach, they told us Pine Trees Surfing Beach is best for beginners and intermediate surfers in the summer. It is better suited for experienced surfers when the large winter swells roll in.
Seeking Stamps Tip: There are no lessons available from the shore, but you can book surfing lessons in Kona before you go!
Before You Visit, Check out the Pine Trees surf report here!
3. Swimming at Pine Tree Beach
Another reason visitors flock to Kohanaiki is to go swimming in its warm, clear water. Entering the water is rocky, so I suggest wearing water shoes.
Waves in the winter may make conditions less than ideal unless you are a strong swimmer. There are no lifeguards on duty, so make sure to check conditions before you enter the water.
Keep reading to find the best time to visit Kohanaiki . . .
4. Kohanaiki Beach Park Camping
If you are looking for amazing camping in Kona Hawaii, this is the place! You must have a Kohanaiki camping permit when you arrive. Just show your permit at the guard shack and they will provide your overnight parking pass.
Camping is on a first-come, first served basis and the 35 camping sites are not assigned. Book your Kohanaiki Beach Park reservations early because this is a popular Kona camping destination.
- Camping at Kohanaiki is allowed Monday-Thursday
- Bring email or printed copy of your reservation to check-in
- Campers must have a tent, not sleep in vehicles
- No RV hook-ups are available at Pine Trees Campground
- There is 24 hour security.
Fees For Camping at Kohanaiki:
- Adults 18 years old and over- $6.00 per adult per night.
- Non-Residents $21.00 per adult per night
- Junior (13 to 17 years old)- $3.00 per night.
- Non-Residents $21.00 per night
- There is an additional $1 processing fee for Hawaii County camping permits for every adult and child.
- Residents must show a valid Hawaii driver’s license or ID for resident rates
Make your Pine Trees Beach camping reservation here. You must create an account to access the system.
5. Snorkeling and Diving
One of the highlights of visiting Kohanaiki Beach Park is exploring its underwater world through snorkeling or scuba diving. Put on your gear and dive into the water to discover colorful coral reefs teeming with tropical fish species such as butterflyfish, parrotfish, and surgeonfish. The clear blue waters are perfect enjoying the vibrant marine life beneath.
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6. Wildlife Spotting
Apart from marine life encounters underwater, Kohanaiki Beach Park also offers opportunities to spot wildlife on land too! Keep an eye out for Hawaiian green sea turtles basking in the sun along the shoreline or catching glimpses of spinner dolphins playfully leaping offshore.
During our stay we were fortunate enough to witness pods of whales off shore. Their massive tails and shooting spouts of water were absolutely mesmerizing!
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7. Historical Structures at Kohanaiki
Like many places in Hawaii, there are structures along the nearby Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail with important cultural significance. This scenic trail was established in 2000. Its name means, “the trail by the sea”, and contains a 175 mile network of trails.
We walked approximately 2 miles of this seaside trail. Without question, the expansive ocean views were gorgeous!
Along your way between Kohanaiki Beach Park and Kohanaiki Golf Course you will see several points of interest. Walk along the trail to see anchialine pools, the donkey corral, canoe house, petroglyphs, the Kohanaiki native plant garden, and Pananan Star Compass.
Kapu Anchialine Ponds
Along your walk you will see an anchialine pond preservation area. Here water pools in the crevices of lava rock creating an important ecosystem for Hawaiian flora and fauna. Endangered animals such as the Hawaiian Stilt, Hawaiian hawk, and the Hawaiian green sea turtle call these wetlands home.
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Canoe Hale (house)
The Ka Hale Wa’a o Kohanaiki, or Canoe Halau, is a large A-frame traditional Hawaiian structure. It is made of wood, lava rocks, and a thatched roof.
Local groups in the community use this hale as an educational center to teach gardening, science, and traditional arts and crafts. Community members can also use it as a meeting place.
Kohanaiki Native Plant Garden
Find over 20 plant species including endemic species and some originally brought to Hawaii by early voyagers at the Kohanaiki native plant garden. Some plants include taro, turmeric, sugar cane, and bamboo. Traditionally, they were used for medicine, food, or to make rope from fibrous cordage plants.
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Hawaii Star Compass
Next, view the 17” replica of a Hawaiian star compass. The compass doesn’t function like a traditional compass, but uses celestial navigation using the stars, birds and waves.
Picnic Areas and Facilities at Pine Trees Beach Kona
If you’re planning a family outing or simply want to enjoy a picnic by the ocean, Kohanaiki Beach Park has well-maintained picnic areas equipped with tables, benches, and barbecue grills.
There are also restrooms and showers available near the main entrance. Additionally, as you proceed further down the beach, there are portable toilets. Indoor showers are reserved for campers, but there are outdoor showers to rinse off in as well.
Parking is plentiful in paved lots. Additionally, beach-goers may park on the sand in some locations.
| Chart of Available Amenities of Kohanaiki Beach Park | |
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Parking | Yes |
| Drinking Water | Yes |
| Picnic Tables | Yes |
| Snorkeling | Yes |
| Swimming | Yes |
| Surfing | Yes |
| Fishing | Yes |
| Lifeguards on Duty | No |
| Camping Allowed (with Permit) | Yes |
| Handicapped Accessible | Yes |
Pine Trees Surfing Beach: Tips for Visitors
The Best Time to Visit Kohanaiki Beach
Summertime is the best time to visit Kohanaiki if you prefer calm, clear water for snorkeling and swimming. This is also the best time to find green sea turtles in the area.
Winter brings winds and high swells to the west side, so this is the best time to visit if you are looking for epic surf. During our recent trip here, the waves were exceptionally high and there were numerous surfers taking advantage of the conditions!
Visit Kohanaiki during the week for fewer crowds. Weekends can get busy with locals and surfers.
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Opening Hours for Kohanaiki Beach Park
- 5:30 am-9:00 PM daily
Rules For Kohanaiki Beach
This is a Hawaii County Beach Park, so there are rules you need to follow:
- Alcohol is prohibited on the beach.
- Animals, other than service animals, are prohibited.
- You must have a permit to camp overnight.
- Campfires are prohibited.
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Essentials For Beaches in Kona Hawaii
When you visit Kailua-Kona beaches, make sure to pack a few beach essentials:
- reef safe sunscreen– this brand’s smell is nice and the spray isn’t too sticky. It also doesn’t leave your face white.
- quick-dry beach towels– make sure to bring towels with you
- packable sun hat– I bring this one with me and it hold up well in a suitcase
- snorkel gear– I have been using products from this reputable brand for over 20 years.
- water shoes– to protect your feet from the rocks and coral
Seeking Stamps Tip: On your way to the beach you can stop off at the Masuyama Market on Hulikoa Drive for snacks, drinks, or a Kona coffee.
Beach Safety Precautions
At Kohanaiki Beach Park, make sure you are aware of beach safety recommendations, especially if you are a first-time visitor. Assess for rip currents, dangerous wildlife, submerged rocks, and surf conditions that exceed your skill level. When in doubt, do not enter the water.
Sustainable Tourism Practices in Hawaii
Last, but not least, when you visit Kohanaiki Beach it’s imperative to utilize sustainable tourism practices:
- Leave no trace of your visit by making sure all trash is picked up.
- Although there are shells and coral scattered along the shore, do not remove them from the beach.
- Make sure to have respect for the local culture and history of the site.
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Kohanaiki Beach Park: Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Kohanaiki Beach Park is a hidden gem along the sunny coast of Hawaii. With its pristine sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, it is a paradise for surfers, beach enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. Dive into the surf, explore the tide pools, or simply unwind on the shoreline. Whether you are looking for relaxation or adventure, Kohanaiki Beach Park has something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and prepare to be mesmerized by the beauty of this breathtaking destination.
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