Weather: Kīholo Bay is typically hot, dry, and sunny, with little shade along the coastal trail. Trade winds help cool the area, but mid-day heat can be intense—early mornings or late afternoons are best for visiting.
Pack a Day Bag: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, plenty of water, snacks or lunch, a towel, swimsuit, sturdy shoes, and a light cover-up. Binoculars and a camera are great for wildlife viewing.
What to Wear: Wear breathable clothing and closed-toe shoes or hiking sandals—you’ll be walking over uneven lava rock and crushed coral. Flip-flops are not recommended for the trail.
What to Bring: No food or water is available at the bay, so come fully prepared. A dry bag is useful if you're swimming or crossing wet areas. Leave no trace—carry out all trash.
Phone Service: Cell service is spotty to nonexistent once you're down by the bay, so download maps and share plans with others ahead of time.
Bathrooms: There are no public restrooms at the bay. The nearest facilities are back near the highway or at nearby beach parks like Spencer Beach.
Parking: Parking is available along the lava access road off Highway 19, just past the Scenic Lookout. A 4WD vehicle is recommended for the rougher sections, but many visitors park near the gate and walk in. Do not block the gate or drive past “no vehicle” signs.
Check-In Booth: There is no check-in or ranger station. This is a self-guided area managed as part of a state conservation zone. Access to some parts of the bay, including the private Queen’s Bath (Wainanali‘i Pond), is restricted.
Photography: This is a stunning location for natural photography—coastal lava flows, turquoise lagoons, and green sea turtles are common sights. Sunrise and sunset light is especially beautiful here.
Accessible for Disability: Kīholo Bay is not wheelchair accessible. The walk includes uneven lava rock trails, loose gravel, and little to no infrastructure. It’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate, rugged hiking conditions.
Ancient Hawaiian Significance
Kīholo Bay lies within the ahupua‘a of Pu‘u Wa‘awa‘a in North Kona and has deep roots in ancient Hawaiian culture and livelihood. The bay was part of a thriving coastal community that relied on fishing, salt gathering, and aquaculture. Native Hawaiians developed loko i‘a (traditional fishponds) here—ingenious stone-walled enclosures that allowed small fish to enter and grow, then be harvested sustainably.
King Kamehameha the Great’s Fishpond (1800s)
In the early 19th century, King Kamehameha I, who unified the Hawaiian Islands, ordered the construction of a massive loko kuapā (walled fishpond) at Kīholo. This fishpond was over 2 miles long, making it one of the largest in Hawai‘i. It showcased advanced engineering and reflected the high importance of fish as a food source in Hawaiian society. However, this grand fishpond was destroyed by the 1859 Mauna Loa lava flow, which poured into the bay, altering its shape and salinity. Lava partially filled the bay and transformed it into a mix of fresh and saltwater pools, including anchialine ponds (landlocked pools with underground ocean connections).
20th Century Use and Conservation
During the 20th century, Kīholo Bay became known for its secluded beauty and marine life. It was once privately owned and managed as a family retreat and was the subject of a 1960s Life Magazine photo essay, showcasing its unique wildlife and lava-carved shoreline.
Later, part of the land was acquired and restored by conservation groups, most notably The Nature Conservancy and Trust for Public Land. These efforts focused on:
Protecting endangered species, like the Hawaiian green sea turtle (honu), which nests and basks along the bay
Preserving native vegetation
Controlling invasive species and preventing off-road vehicle damage
Kīholo Today
Kīholo Bay is now managed as part of the Kīholo State Park Reserve. It’s beloved for:
Snorkeling and swimming in calm waters
Spotting honu and other marine life
Scenic walks past lava rock beaches, tidepools, and historic ruins
Anchialine ponds and lagoons that support rare native species
Access is intentionally limited and remote to protect its fragile ecosystem, making it a treasured spot for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking solitude.
