Ke’ei Beach

Located within the Kailua-Kona Region on Big Island

This gem of a beach is a true slice of paradise. Fronting the fishing village of Ke'ei it combines desolate sands with a view of Kealakekua Bay, the first Hawaii landing site of Captain James Cook.

The beach features nice sand, a tidepool, and is fairly good for snorkeling. Follow the road to Kealakekua Bay, turn left on the bumpy paved road to Honaunau, then make a right down the unpaved rough road to Ke'ei.

Ke’ei Beach

Ke’ei Beach is the kind of place most visitors drive right past without knowing it exists. It sits just south of Kealakekua Bay on the Kona coast, tucked behind a quiet residential area near Captain Cook. Locals know it well. Tourists rarely show up.

Snorkeling

The reef here is healthy and close to shore. Expect to see yellow tangs, parrotfish, Moorish idols, and the occasional turtle. Mornings are the window. The water is usually calm before 10 or 11 a.m., and visibility can be excellent. By afternoon, wind chop moves in and stirs things up.

Entry & Swimming

The beach entry is rocky. Reef shoes are not optional. Pick your way in carefully over the lava rock and coral rubble. Once you are past the shoreline, the water over the reef is shallow and manageable. This is not a sandy beach for lounging. It is a snorkeling spot that rewards the effort of getting in.

No Facilities

There are no restrooms, no showers, no lifeguard, and no shade structures. Bring everything you need: water, sunscreen, towel, and a canopy if you plan to stay a while.

Getting There

From Highway 11 near Captain Cook, take Napo’opo’o Road toward Kealakekua Bay. Before reaching the bay, turn left onto the narrow road toward Ke’ei (follow signs toward Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau). Make a right down the unpaved road into the residential area. Drive slowly. The road is rough and passes through a neighborhood. Park where the road ends near the shore. Respect the residents and keep noise down.

Beach day tools

Before you choose this beach, check what matters today.

A good beach plan depends on surf, timing, access, and what your group wants from the water.

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Live Ocean Report Check surf, tides, water temperature, and beach comfort before you commit to the shoreline. Check ocean Matcher Beach Finder Match beaches by island, swim style, scenery, group fit, walk distance, and access needs. Timing Jellyfish Calendar See the south-shore warning window so beach and snorkel days are easier to time. Browser Snorkel Spots Browse curated snorkel spots by island, access, difficulty, lifeguards, fees, and marine life. Free HawaiiGuide Passport Stamp the landmarks, beaches, waterfalls, and local grinds you experience — a free trip keepsake that lives on your phone, no account needed.
John C. Derrick

Published by: John C. Derrick

Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years in Hawai'i tourism, University of South Carolina climate-research training, and NOAA weather-station experience.

Geolocation Data

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude: 19.47491301
Longitude: -155.9216421

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