Hana is home to two famous surf breaks, and Koki Beach is one of them. This is the choice beach when locals decide it’s time for their little ones to learn how to surf. Here, short boards are ideal—the steep waves demand a surfer’s skill and attention, proof that Hana kids are probably better surfers than most tourists. That said, the lounging on this red, black, and white sand beach is tops when you’re interested in posting up and enjoying the fabulous views.
If you’re dead set on swimming, rip currents and unpredictable waves to the untrained eye can pose quite a hazard. Nearby Hamoa Beach Park is much better for swimming. Though there are no facilities here, there are several picnic tables, and the ample shade from the ironwood trees makes for a lovely picnicking post.
Because of the way this beach is situated, ocean "treasures” often wash ashore. Beachcombing for Japanese net glass floats and other fishing paraphernalia can effectively keep kids occupied. Another symptom of its consequential position is incredibly varied beach quality. In the calm summer months, you’ll likely find a wide, spongy beach to lounge around on. In the throes of winter storms, you could arrive to this beach and find naught but a barren, exposed shelf of lava rock and basalt.
The red sand beneath your feet can be credited to the massive, rust-red cinder cone to the north. Steeped in cultural significance, this topographical marvel is called Ka lwi o Pele, literally translating to “the bones of Pele.” Hawaiian mythology tells of Pele’s epic battle with her sister that took place on this hill. For Pele, the battle was fatal. Now, tourists know the cinder cone for being a part of Oprah’s 105-acre swath of land she purchased from Hana Ranch in 2002.
Comments
Sign In and share them.