Alula Beach
Alula Beach is a tiny strip of sand tucked inside Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, south of Honokōhau Harbor on the Kona coast. It is one of the quietest spots you can reach on foot in West Hawai’i. Most visitors to the park head straight for Honokōhau Beach and never make it here.
Tide Pools & Turtles
The rocky shoreline around Alula creates shallow tide pools worth exploring at low tide. Small fish, crabs, and sea urchins are common. Green sea turtles feed in the area and occasionally rest on the rocks nearby. Keep your distance and watch quietly.
Swimming Conditions
This is not a great swimming beach. The entry is rocky and the water is shallow near shore. It works better as a place to sit, explore the coast, and take in the quiet. On very calm days you can wade in, but reef shoes are a good idea. The better water is just offshore, where snorkelers and scuba divers work the boulders and rock walls that drop to about 45 feet.
Coastal Trail Loop
Alula Beach connects to the park’s coastal trail that runs between Ai’opio Beach to the north and Honokōhau Beach to the south. Walking the full loop takes about an hour at a relaxed pace. The trail passes ancient fishponds, petroglyphs, and lava rock formations along the way.
Getting There
Access is through the national park. Turn makai (toward the ocean) off Highway 19 between mile markers 97 and 98 at the Honokōhau Harbor turnoff. Park in the harbor lot and follow the trail south along the coast. No facilities or lifeguards at the beach — the nearest restrooms are back at the harbor. Bring water and sun protection. Entry is free.
