Pawai Bay

Pawai Beach is at a private facility located on private property owned by Queen Lili’uokalani Trust. This trust, which owns a lot of property in the Hawaiian Islands, serves orphan and destitute children, especially those who live in Hawaii.

The Pawai Beach property has a private entrance and a road that starts behind the Ross store on Makala Boulevard. The rest of us have to swim to the shoreline at Pawai Beach. This can be done by donning snorkeling gear and getting into the water at the north end of Old Kona Airport Beach Park. From there you’ll swim north until you reach a break in the lava that leads into a small tidal cove. The snorkeling can be excellent along this stretch.

It’s also possible to walk along the lava rock shoreline from the north end of the Old Airport Beach parking lot. It’s less than a half-mile walk along the rugged shore to this beautiful spot. Don’t venture beyond the immediate shoreline as this land and all the facilities there are not open to the public. Signs make it clear that the land here is private and even make walking the shoreline feel like criminal activity. If you walk this route, stay along the shore, but always watch for waves when the surf’s up.

If you drove here, note the hours on the gate at Old Kona Airport Beach Park when you enter so your vehicle doesn’t get locked in at the end of the day.

Address

75-5560 Kuakini Hwy
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Park Name

Pawai Bay Public Shoreline Access

Other Names

Papawai Bay

Owner

Trust

Pet Details

No dogs allowed

Fees

Free parking at the Old Airport Beach lot

Activities

Snorkeling, Beach Exploration

Amenities

Tide Pools, Facilities at Old Airport Park