Calling Mahukona a beach park may be a bit misleading. There is no real beach here. Instead, the beach park sits on the land once owned by the Kohala Sugar Company, with the accessible area being the location once used to transport supplies and product via boat and railroad.
The park has a very industrial feel, as many of the old structures and foundations remain standing in various states of the decay throughout the area. The harbor closed in 1956, and today a set of steps are in the old boat dock that lead snorkelers down into the clear waters where colorful fish gather. In addition to the fish, a sunken boat and other old sugar mill artifacts lie beneath the surface along the shore here, which contributes to the area's popularity amongst snorkelers. Local kids will jump from the dock walls into the depths as well.
The beach itself is unprotected along a bouldery shore, so those looking for a normal beach day on blankets will have much better luck heading elsewhere.
Locals will often fish from the paved parking area which sits perched above the water. A short walk will lead past several old sugar mill structures. The driveway down to the beach park forks, with the left fork heading to the Mahukona Beach Park Campground.
There are outhouses in the beach park. Visitors should note that there is no running water of any kind, make sure to bring your own.
Mahukona Beach Park is open daily from 6am to 11pm.
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