Hookena Beach Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 7, 2025
Ho'okena Beach Park is a popular destination located on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.
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Summary
Its pristine white sandy beach and turquoise waters offer visitors a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The park is a great place for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, and it also offers several shaded picnic areas for visitors to relax and enjoy the view.
One of the main attractions at Ho'okena Beach Park is the historic stone church located on the south end of the park. The church, known as St. Peter's by the Sea, was built in the mid-1800s and is still used for services today. Visitors can also explore the nearby lava rock tide pools, which are home to a variety of marine life.
Another interesting feature of Ho'okena Beach Park is its connection to Hawaiian history. The park was once a thriving fishing village, and remnants of ancient fishponds can still be seen along the shore. The area was also an important gathering place for Hawaiian royalty, and several historical sites are located nearby.
The best time of year to visit Ho'okena Beach Park is during the summer months, when the water is calm and clear, and the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors should be aware that parking can be limited, and the park can get crowded during peak season.
Overall, Ho'okena Beach Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Hawaii. Its beautiful beach, rich history, and abundance of marine life make it a unique and unforgettable experience.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park
Kipahoehoe Natural Area Reserve