Sandy beach
No
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
Yes
Snorkeling / SCUBA
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

If you're driving along Ali'i Drive, there's a good chance you may pass a crowded bend in the road with no visible beach in sight. That spot might be Lyman's!

The popular surf spot just a little bit south of the heart of Kailua-Kona attracts a constant flow of wave riders to its large breaks. But even moreso, there's often a pretty large crowd of people sitting along the water or along the road watching the action. You'll frequently see beach chairs thrown out along the shoulder of the road as people make an afternoon of watching the surfers. And with limited parking on the northbound shoulder, it's pretty common to run into cars waiting on spots to open up and adults and children alike crossing the road here.

Lyman's Surf Spot benefits from being a deep water offshore area that creates lines of left breaking waves. The currents during the winter months in particular bring even larger swells to the area.

Surfers and observers alike can head left along the rocky shore where a use path has been well worn leading past the boulder shore and out to the water. 

The currents here make it a spot best left to well experienced riders, and may be pretty dangerous for beginners. There are no amenities of any kind at Lyman's, and the shore is rocky. However if you want to catch sight of some skilled surfers in this area of the Big Island, Lyman's is both easily accessible and close enough from the shore that the action is easy to watch.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Street Parking

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Great spot to watch experienced riders.

Cons

Not for beginners. Limited parking.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Features

Surfing
Big vistas

Location

Comments

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