Kahekili, ie “Airport Beach”

Airport Beach is incredible! We personally love this spot.  Airport Beach is a partially protected area, and this coral reef is thriving. Except for Molokini Crater, we’ve rarely seen so many different kinds of fishes all in one place! And it’s so easy to get into the water here, as every point the water meets the shore is sandy. You are sure to see large schools of humuhumu’ele’ele (black triggerfish). You may also see bluefin trevally and eels, if you’re patient and watch awhile. If you visit in the middle of whale season (December through April), you may hear whales singing when you are underwater at Airport Beach. Some people think they sound a bit like cows. This is funny because female whales are known as cows, while the males are called bulls, but only male whales sing!

We recommend getting in the water by 9 am. The winds start whipping up the water and the sand on the shore at about 11. Airport Beach has plenty of parking, but the area is popular, which is another reason to arrive early.  All the amenities you might need are available here, including outdoor showers and restrooms.  Make sure to pack a lunch, and rent some beach umbrellas for shade.