Old Coast Guard Beach

Old Coast Guard Beach is located near the northernmost point on the Big Island and has views straight out to Haleakala Volcano on Maui. Calling this a beach is a stretch, but the shore and the old Coast Guard station property will keep your attention.

The “beach” is really just a bouldery lava spot that’s often pounded by surf and there’s no sandy beach anywhere nearby. But if you drove all the way out here, you should explore around.

Hiking is the biggest draw at this public shoreline access. A coastal hiking trail goes south from the parking lot for about a quarter mile before ending at a home on Puakea Bay. This trail is part of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, it’s too bad it doesn’t continue for a longer hike.

The better hike is northward on a trail (really just an old road) that goes by a bunch of old military buildings that were part of Upolu Point Loran Station & Coast Guard Residences (heed private property signs). After about a half mile that trail goes to a point with good views and a connection to the end of Upolu Point Road, a shoreline road which comes from the north. Beyond this point you can walk Upolu Point Rd to the birthplace of King Kamehameha I (another half mile) and Mo’okini Heiau (another half mile after that). Both of these impressive historic Hawaiian structures are part of Kohala Historical Sites State Monument.

There are no facilities at the Old Coast Guard Beach trailhead. The road from Highway 270 to the parking lot is paved but has big potholes so still pay attention as you drive down it.

Address

Old Coast Guard Rd
Hawi, HI 96719

Other Names

Coast Guards, Puakea Bay

Owner

Public

Pet Details

Dogs allowed on leash

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Hiking, Sightseeing, Fishing, Whale Watching

Amenities

Military Structures, Trails, Historical Sites