Kona Coast State Park • Kailua-Kona, Big Island • Open Daily 8am–8pm
Old Kona Airport Beach — officially Kona Coast State Park — is one of Kailua-Kona's best-kept local secrets. Built on the site of the original Kona Airport (closed 1970), the 160-acre state park encompasses a long stretch of lava coastline with multiple sandy beach pockets, dramatic tidepools, and calm coves ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The old runway is still visible as a wide flat path through the park's interior.
This is where Kona locals come when they want to escape the crowds at the harbor or Kamakahonu Beach. The park is spacious, free to enter, and offers far more elbow room than any hotel beach in the area. It's also a solid choice for open water swimmers — Kona's triathlon community uses the bay here for training.
Swimming conditions vary significantly depending on which cove you choose. The sandy pockets protected by lava outcroppings provide the calmest entry — look for the main sandy cove about 0.3 miles from the parking area. Water clarity is typically excellent: the West Big Island coast benefits from clear, nutrient-poor Pacific water with good visibility year-round.
Sandy cove entries are safest — walk directly from sand to water without crossing lava. If using a lava shelf entry, wear reef shoes and enter/exit during calm moments between wave sets. The lava rock can be extremely sharp and slippery when wet. Children should always use sandy cove entries only.
The rocky reef structure around the coves supports a healthy population of reef fish — you'll regularly see parrotfish, tangs, wrasses, and triggerfish. Green sea turtles (honu) are frequently spotted resting on the bottom or grazing on algae, particularly in the morning hours. Visibility is typically 30–60 feet on calm days.
For serious snorkeling, head to the rocky points between the sandy coves where the reef structure is more complex. Stay clear of surge channels between lava formations — these can create powerful currents during sets. Two Step at Hōnāunau Bay (about 20 miles south) offers more spectacular snorkeling, but Old Kona Airport is far more convenient for visitors staying in Kona.
Old Kona Airport Beach has some of the most accessible and diverse tidepools on the Kona Coast. The lava shelf north of the parking area hosts pools filled with sea urchins, hermit crabs, small fish, and occasionally octopus. Always look but never touch — tidepools are fragile ecosystems protected by state law. Wear shoes on the lava shelf.
From downtown Kailua-Kona, drive north on Kuakini Highway approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left at the sign for Kona Coast State Park (the old airport road). Drive about 0.5 miles west on the access road to the parking area. There is no bus service — rental car or rideshare required. Rideshare from central Kona is typically 5–10 minutes.
The Kona Coast enjoys consistent sunny weather year-round — the Big Island's West Coast is in the rain shadow of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, giving Kailua-Kona approximately 280 sunny days per year. Summer (May–September) brings the flattest ocean conditions. Winter months can see increased swell from the northwest, but the coves remain protected most days. Mornings are best for calm water and optimal snorkeling visibility before trade winds build afternoon chop.
Take a boat tour to see Kona's best snorkel spots, manta rays, and dolphins:
Kona Snorkel Tours Manta Ray Night Dive Dolphin Swim ToursGet DOH advisory notifications for Kona Coast and Big Island beaches.
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⚠️ Safety Disclaimer
Ocean conditions change rapidly. This page is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee swimming safety. Always check current DOH advisories and posted warning signs before entering the water. When in doubt, don’t go out.
Always verify current conditions with the Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch before entering the water.
When in doubt, don’t go out.