By:
Submission
Ho`okena Beach Park is the historical site for one of the last active Hawaiian canoe fishing villages in Hawai'i. Ho'okena has a rich cultural history and remnants of its old commercial steamship pier remain. There are canoes strewn across the beach owned by the fishermen who continue traditional Hawaiian fishing practices passed down from their ancestors, if you are lucky you may see the fishermen launch their canoes or come back with a bounty full of fish.
The beach is an exotic blend of a wide variety of coral and fine, gray sand. Depending on the time of year, the ocean is placid and the clear, blue waters reveal spectacular underwater landscapes and a colorful array of fish, when there is a south swell, watch the local boogie boarders masterfully ride the near shore break. The sunsets are amazing and the sunrise above the pali (cliffs) are breathtaking.
Ho`okena Beach Park is an excellent place to camp under the stars, listening to the soothing, sound of waves crashing on the beach then waking up to a gentle, sea breeze to a spectacular view found nowhere else.
Camp Ho'okena offers clean and spacious sites on the beach for tent camping. You can reserve a camping permit online. In addition to a spectacular beach and ocean campers may enjoy the following amenities:
• Concession Stand with ice, hot foods, cold drinks, ice cream, snacks, reef safe suntan lotion & beach rentals (kayaks, stand up paddleboards, beach chairs, boogie boards, snorkel and fin sets and life jackets) for campers and beachgoers. All proceeds from the concession go to Friends of Ho’okena Beach Park (FOHBP), a non-profit, community organization dedicated to the preservation of cultural and natural resources.
• Outdoor showers.
• Portable toilets provided for campers only
• Barbeque fire pits throughout the campgrounds
• Wifi is available for purchase ($3.00 for 2 hours on one device and $10.00 for 24 hours on 2 devices)
• County restroom facilities. (including a sink for washing dishes near the entrance of the park)
• A phone to make emergency phone calls
• Parking (Please inform the Ho’okena Beach Patrol personnel on duty that you have a reservation to camp and they will let you know where to park, please have your license plate number available to expedite check in)
• Picnic tables.
• The Concession Stand Accepts Credit Cards.
From Hilo, take Hwy 11 south, rounding South Point. Watch for the sign to Hookena. Turn left at the sign and follow road to the park. From Kona, take Hwy 11 south. After passing the turnoff for the City of Refuge, watch for the sign to Hookena. Turn right at the sign and follow road to the park.
Camping fees per Out of State Visitors per day are:
• Person (7 years old & over): $20.00 per night plus a $1.00 transaction fee per day for a total of $21.00
Internet camping fees per Hawaii Residents per day are:
• Adult (18 years old & over): $5.00 per night plus a $1.00 transaction fee per day for a total of $6.00
• Junior (13-17 years old): $2.00 per night plus a $1.00 transaction fee per day for a total of $3.00
• Child (12 years old and under): $1.00 per night
Reserve a camping permit online.
Beautiful beach with calm waters and camping available. Be aware there is no walk in camping, and you must reserve a site 3 days in advance online. The portos closest to camp were locked when I camped. There are picnic tables, trash cans and cooking grates. The beach and campground are well maintained. Quiet, peaceful, and gorgeous, this is one of my favorite spots on the island.
Forget Hapuna Beach... This is the place! This beach was the most beautiful beach I've seen so far on the Big Island. The sand is very delicate and has a unique color. When you arrive at 8 or 9 a.m. you might be lucky enough to catch a parking spot. Then pack out your snorkeling gear and watch the colorful fish have their breakfast or watch dolphins swim playfully from left to right and back. The whole scenery is just magical - especially with the sunset. Save yourself some time and don't even drive to the crowded other beaches - this is truly a gem. Just make sure to keep everything clean and also be aware to keep your distance to the dolphins as well as other animals. There is a spot for bbq (no fee), showers and restrooms.
Absolutely beautiful and perfect balance of relax, swim, snorkel, and body boarding. Nice picnic tables and tone BBQ areas in the shade under the trees but perfect view, mutilple shower areas, and clean bathrooms. Parking is very limited so you have to come early and smaller vehicles like cars, small suvs or jeeps recommend, not trucks.
We’ve been to all public beaches on the island during our stay and believe me this one worth your visit. Great soft sand unlike other beaches with just lava rocks instead of sand. Snorkeling and dolphins casually playing infront of you in the water? Sounds unbelievable? Exactly! I also really suggest to bring your GoPRO not to miss anything!
Great beach in the Captain Cook area. The sand is neat grey color, and there's a good amount of shade from the trees. Awesome area to picnic, and parking is free (you'll have to get there early as there is some/limited parking). You'll see an old fishing pier and a good view of the waves crashing along the rocks. Kayak and snorkel renting is available too. Lastly, what's cool is that you can camp overnight as well.
