Pahoehoe Beach Park (Big Island, Hawaii)

Pahoehoe Beach Park
Pahoehoe Beach Park at sunset.

Pahoehoe Beach Park likely isn’t the Hawaiian beach you are thinking of. Pahoehoe Beach Park really is much more of a park than it is a beach. If you come here you will find more fisherman and people on a picnic than you will people spread across the sand.

Its main attraction is the sidewalk that meanders through a grassy stretch along the coast, or the fact that it is a phenomenal location to watch a sunset. Unfortunately the park is quite small so it’s not like you can’t go on a “real walk” through this park.

While there is a mini sandy area, you can barely call it a beach. With its size and it being in the heart of Kona it’s not actually a great spot to spread out your towel and relax.

Pahoehoe Beach Park Quick Tips:

  • Known For: rocky shore, grassy walking path, mini beach
  • Facilities: picnic tables, benches, porta potties (full facilities next door at Magic Sands Beach)
  • Lifeguards: no
  • Parking: across the street
  • Cost: free
  • Other: directly next to Magic Sands Beach

What to Expect Once There

Don’t expect to lounge in the sand, even with the mini beach. The mini beach is quite rocky and the waves can make swimming unpleasant.

There were people snorkeling in the area, but there are plenty of other areas with better and easier access.

You will likely see a few fisherman testing their luck just off the shores.

Location

This beach park is in the heart of the Kona area. It is about 25 minutes away from the airport.

Parking

There is some street parking immediately along the edge of the park, or there are two free parking lots directly across the street. While they could fill up with people parking to walk through the town, I didn’t have any problem getting a spot in there on a busy weekend.

Pahoehoe Beach Park parking
Pahoehoe Beach parking. There are two big free lots.

Crowds

The busiest time for this beach park is during the sunset. The views off the coast are fantastic.  With it being in a central area there are usually a number of people milling about the park, but I would say that I’ve never seen it crowded.

Facilities

picnic tables, benches, porta potties (full facilities next door at Magic Sands Beach)

Pahoehoe Beach Park facilities
Pahoehoe Beach Park facilities

What Else To Do In The Area

Magic Sands Beach is directly next door if you want a slightly better beach experience.

With you being in the heart of Kona there are plenty of restaurants, a variety of shopping, and hotels and condos. 

Conclusion

Don’t come here looking for a Hawaiian beach experience, but if you are looking for a calm place to watch a beautiful sunset in the Kona area this is perfect. 

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Hey there! I'm Claire, the founder of AvenlyLaneTravel.com & AvenlyLane.com. While spending 4 years completely bedridden and miserable from an unexpected illness I decided to begin writing about past travel adventures and now the rest is history. Thank you so much for visiting the website. I hope you enjoy it!

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