Kīholo Bay

Hawaiʻi | Hawaii | United States

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Kīholo Bay might be one of the most beautiful spots on the Big Island. An idyllic turquoise gem surrounded by white and black sand beaches frequented by green sea turtles with good snorkeling, it’s worth the trek. There are two ways to get here.

The first is a longer hike, but prettier with more to see on the way. Turn into the Kīholo State Park Reserve (see map and link below), an unmarked road just south of the (much better-marked) scenic overlook. The road is rough, so assess it carefully and drive slowly. The trailhead and parking area is at the end of the road. Take the trail north, and you’ll soon spot the Queens Bath inland, to your right. A lava tube open to the sky filled with freshwater, this is where Hawaiian royalty once came to relax. Take a dip—the water’s great! Keep hiking north along scenic beaches, past a collection of mega-mansions set back into the foliage. After about a mile and a half, you’ll reach Kīholo Bay.

Alternatively, you can start at the Kīholo Trailhead a little further north. It’ll be a hotter hike across bleak lava flows, but it’s a little shorter.