Honokohau Beach / “Kona Dog”

Beach Location: Facing the ocean, Honokohau Beach is just to the left of the Honokohau Marina and Small Boat Harbor at 74-381 Kealakehe Parkway, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740.
Amenities: None
Time to snorkel: Year round
Kid Friendly: For strong swimmers ages 10 and up.
Lifeguards: No
Directions and Parking: From Kona Town, drive north on Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway for 3.7 miles, and turn left onto Kealakehe Parkway. Stay left to drive all the way down past the small boat harbor, and park on the lava on the left hand side. If the lava lot is full, you can go through the yellow gate and park there. The Honokohau Beach you are looking for is on your left (Yes, this IS the snorkeling beach you are looking for.  Another beach called Honokohau is located to the right of the harbor, but it is not suitable for snorkeling). You will hike a short ways down to the sand. There are places on the path that require the sure-footedness of a mountain goat, so you will need solid footwear and good balance. Walk over the lava, past the tide pools, down the trail, and along the sand. It’s not an easy jaunt, but it sure is fun! (Again, for the sure footed only.)