Honl’s Beach

Honl’s Beach (officially known as Wai’aha Bay Beach Park) is a cozy and compact beach park tucked away along the famous Ali’i Drive in the city of Kailua-Kona. Located on the picturesque coast of the USA, this corner of Hawaii's Big Island combines the rugged beauty of frozen lava with the softness of small sandy patches framed by slender coconut palms.

Honl’s Beach. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The beach got its popular name in honor of the Honl family, who lived on this land in years past. Wai’aha translates from Hawaiian as "gathering of waters," emphasizing the natural energy of the place. Although the shoreline here is mostly rocky, the park is immensely popular due to its well-kept grassy areas, perfect for relaxing in the shade with a view of the endless ocean.

This place is not just a point on the map, but an important part of the local culture. Surrounded by well-known resorts, Honl’s Beach remains a quiet sanctuary for those wanting to escape the city bustle while staying within walking distance of the center. All the conditions for a comfortable stay are provided here, from picnic tables to convenient showers, making it a favorite spot for both tourists and locals.

To plan your visit to this coastal area in Kailua-Kona, it is helpful to have the basic contact information on hand. Although it is a public park, it has official contact details through county services.

The main magnet for active travelers at Honl’s Beach is bodyboarding. This spot is considered the birthplace of the sport, so many people come here to catch a wave where it all began. If you don't have your own board, you can easily rent equipment at popular local shops like Kona Boys and try your hand in the ocean.

For those who prefer a slower pace, the beach offers ideal conditions for a picnic under the coconut palms. The availability of tables and benches allows the whole family to settle in comfortably and enjoy the sound of the surf. Watching the sunset at Wai’aha Bay is a ritual of its own: the sky here turns incredible shades, and you can often see cruise ships and boats returning to the pier on the horizon.

Although the bottom in this area is rocky in places, it is pleasant to refresh yourself in the water on calm days. If you find yourself here in early summer, you can witness the annual Kona Roots festival—a vibrant celebration with games and competitions for children, steeped in the spirit of true Hawaiian hospitality and respect for the island's history.

Getting to this picturesque corner of Kailua-Kona is easy. Honl’s Beach is located along the busy Ali’i Drive, about a mile (1.5 kilometers) south of the Kailua Pier. If you are staying in the town center, a pleasant walk along the coast will take about 15–20 minutes. For those who prefer to drive, free street parking is available, though you should always pay attention to the road signs.

Travelers arriving from Kona International Airport (KOA) can reach the beach in about 20 minutes. The main route follows the Queen Kaahumanu Hwy (HI-19), followed by a turn toward the ocean onto Ali’i Drive. You can also use taxis or popular ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, which are active in the area.

For public transport users, Hele-On buses are available and stop near the park. This is a convenient and budget-friendly way to move between key points in the city and nearby resorts, such as WorldMark Kona or the Royal Kona Resort.

This location holds a special place in the history of world sports: it was here in 1971 that modern bodyboarding was born. Inventor Tom Morey, who lived nearby, designed the first board (known as a "Boogie Board") from a piece of polyethylene foam, shaping it with an iron and a knife. The first person to test the new invention was young Rex Honl, a member of the family after whom the beach is named.

The official Hawaiian name of the site is Wai’aha, which poetically translates to "gathering of waters." Historically, this coastline has always been an important place for the local community. In recent years, the beach's significance as the birthplace of bodyboarding has been officially recognized by state proclamations, confirming the cultural heritage of this small sandy stretch.

Every year, the tradition of the Kona Roots Bodyboarding Contest comes alive here. It is not just a sports competition for children, but also an educational festival. Participants learn about the concept of ahupua’a (traditional Hawaiian land division), participate in beach cleanups, and try local cuisine, maintaining a connection between generations and respect for the island's nature.

For a quick introduction to the park and a short break in the shade of the palms, one or two hours will be sufficient. This is plenty of time to enjoy the ocean breeze, take a few striking photos against the backdrop of lava rocks, or catch a famous Hawaiian sunset.

If your goal is to learn the basics of bodyboarding or have a full family picnic, you should set aside half a day for your visit. Factor in time for renting equipment at nearby shops and leisurely relaxing on the grassy lawns, which are perfect for long sessions of wave-watching.

Like most county public parks, Honl’s Beach is open to visitors daily from 06:00 to 23:00. This allows guests to both watch the sunrise here and enjoy the late evening under Hawaii's starry sky.

To ensure safety and for the best view of the coral bottom, it is recommended to plan water activities during daylight hours. Current information on possible changes to operating hours due to holidays or special events can always be checked on the official County of Hawaii website.

The beach's location in the heart of the tourist zone makes it easy to combine relaxation by the water with visits to other iconic sites. A stroll through the neighborhood will reveal historic palaces, cozy cafes, and important archaeological landmarks.