Honl’s Beach

Honl’s Beach is a small park with a sandy beach along Ali’i Drive. If you are staying in the area just south of Kailua-Kona this might be the closest beach to you.

You’ll find Honl’s Beach south of the Royal Kona Resort and Kona Reef Resort, and north of the WorldMark Kona and Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort. This stretch of Alii Drive doesn’t have a lot of sand as the shoreline is mostly developed and the shore is lava rock. For that reason Honl’s is a nice option if you just want to get in the water or have a spot to watch the sunset.

Local surfers will be out in the waves when they are large enough to ride. Those same waves can make it less attractive for swimming.

Honl’s is known as the birthplace of boogie boarding. A new two-sided sign in the park explains the history of bodyboarding and highlights Tom Morey as the inventor of the first modern foam boards he named “boogie” boards.

Honl’s Beach is named for a local family that used to live on the property. The real name of the park location is Wai’aha which means “gathering of waters” in Hawaiian.

If you have a car and can drive to other beaches in the area you probably should. Magic Sands Beach to the south is a bit larger and more inviting (but the sand can disappear). The beaches on Kailua-Bay like King Kam Beach are better for swimming and snorkeling.

Parking for Honls Beach is just street parking, but look for signs that indicate where you can’t park even if there is room. The restrooms for Honls are across Alii Drive.

Address

75-5907 Ali'i Dr
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Phone

808-961-8311

Park Name

Waiaha Bay Beach Park

Other Names

Wai'aha Beach, Honls

Owner

County

Pet Details

No dogs allowed at county beach parks

Fees

Free street parking

Activities

Bodyboarding, Swimming, Sunbathing, Surfing

Amenities

Restrooms, Showers, Drinking Water, Picnic Tables, Benches