Kikaua Point Park + Beach

Sandwiched between Kekaha Kai State Park to the south (you can actually access Manini'ōwali Beach from here) and the Four Seasons Hualālai Resort to the north, Kikaua Point Park is a small public area well known to families on this side of the Big Island. Here the hand of Pele, goddess of volcanoes and of fire, took a less destructive turn as she sculpted an ideal pool for the keiki, or children, to splash around in protected ocean waters. Lava arms seem to stretch out and encircle the shallow swimming area, creating a wall between the pounding surf and the placid interior. Sand drifts in and keeps the entire pool shallow...really too shallow for adults to enjoy much swimming, but the depth is perfect for young ones. The main swimming area is easily scanned in a single glance, and there are areas just north of the point for other beach and swimming options. Restrooms and outdoor showers round out the appeal of this lovely beach. Don't forget the floaties, sunscreen, and snacks, as there are no vendors on site.

Access is limited by parking, however, so you may have to get creative. The primary approach should be through an entrance gate located on Kukio Nui Drive; the attendant will provide a parking pass and directions to the beach if spaces are available. Once you make it to the parking area, you'll walk for a quarter-mile or so to reach the beach. If no parking passes are available here, don't despair because you can still access Kikaua Point Park by walking south from Kukio Beach. Simply head back out to Highway 19, drive north to Kaupulehu Drive, and drive to the entrance of the Hualālai Resort. Ask the attendant for a parking pass for Kukio Beach; your chances of parking are better here as there are more spaces available. Once you've parked, stroll southward on Kukio Beach, watch for sea turtles, find the narrow strip of sand connecting Kukio to Kikaua Point, and you're all set!