![]() The hike is just over a mile each direction. ![]() The gate is locked after 7pm April-Labor Day and 6pm Labor Day-March so make sure to give yourself time to get back to your car. There is a parking area at the end of this road that can be rough on vehicles without clearance. This is a narrow gravel road, but usually drivable with a 2WD. Take Highway 19 north from Kona and turn left on the public access road between mile markers 82 and 83. ![]() See the video tab below for more information on this exciting project. They are doing important restoration work on the area to help the health of the estuary and the native fish and marine life in the area. The Paul Mitchel family donated the seven acre site to the Nature Conservancy in 2012 and it is currently under the stewardship of the group called Hui Aloha Kīholo. It is an important feeding and resting site for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles and other marine life. The Nature Conservancy Project at Kiholo BayĪt the northern end of the bay is a recovering fish pond, connected to the ocean via a man-made channel. This area has abundant sea life and is a beautiful spot for photos and to relax and explore the water before retracing your steps to the trailhead. ![]() Continue to stay near the shoreline as the surrounding area is a conservation area. This will give you a nice view of Wainanali’i lagoon. As you round the bay you will find a small bridge to cross the man-made channel. These caves are dark and slippery, with low overhangs, so watch your step and use extreme caution should you decide to explore keeping mindful of the ocean tides.Īs you continue on and reach the lagoon area within Kiholo Bay, the water becomes a deep teal due to the mix of fresh and sea water mixing together. This is the perfect spot to cool down on a warm day. As the water level rises and falls with the tide, low tide will allow you to go farther into the tube, but high tide will make for a better swim. If you bring a waterproof flashlight you can swim deeper into the lava tube. You will find an area with hand holds and rock “steps” providing access to the first pool with an easy swim to the adjoining pool, guided by light from a natural opening above. Only ancient Hawaiian royalty (the Alii), were allowed to enjoy its waters as a place for bathing and relaxation. It is easy to miss this landmark referred to as the Queen’s Bath, so look for a sign and some large stones marking its entrance. Along the way to the lagoon, you will find small tide pool named Keanalele in an ancient, buckled lava tube. Hardened basaltic lava is characteristic of black pebble beaches of Kiholo Bay. You will be hiking along a black sand beach. This historic area is now under government regulation and protection as the Kiholo State Park Reserve. Also, significant to the area’s history is that on October 2006, Kiholo Bay was struck by a 6.7 magnitude earthquake followed by a 6.0 earthquake. In 1859, a lava flow from the Mauna Loa volcano, reached Kiholo Bay and devastated the southern portion of the ancient fishpond. As there are no facilities at this location, be prepared by packing plenty of water, reef-safe sunscreen and snacks to make your adventure at Kiholo Bay enjoyable.īuilt during the monarchy of King Kamehameha I in 1820, as an engineered fishpond, it spanned approximately 2 miles with a 6-foot high by 20 feet wide lava rock wall, protecting the bay from the ocean currents. ![]() The portable restroom you see here is the last you will see until you return, so you may want to make use of it. From the parking area (described below) you head North along the beach to reach Kiholo Bay and lagoon. Remember that the shoreline is public, but the properties near the shoreline are private, so respect all private areas as you hike. Ancient Hawaiian history combined with its coastal magnificence of marine life, fishing ponds, black sand beaches and historical lava flows make the Kiholo Bay area impressive.Īs a hiking adventure, this coastline has a little bit of everything, including beautiful views, black sand beaches, Green Sea Turtles, a freshwater pool, and swimming spots to explore. The famed Kohala Coast of the Big Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and shoreline in the world. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |