Kona Coast State Park

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Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Kona Coast State Park is located on the western coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.


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Summary

Visitors come to the park for its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, rocky shoreline, and white sand beaches. The park is also a popular spot for fishing, snorkeling, and surfing.

One of the main attractions of the park is the Kua Bay Beach, which is known for its crystal-clear waters and white sand beach. Another popular spot is the Mahaiula Beach, which offers excellent snorkeling and swimming opportunities.

In addition to the beaches, the park also offers hiking and camping opportunities. The Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail passes through the park and is a popular hiking destination.

Interesting facts about the park include the presence of ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs, which can be found along the shoreline. The park is also home to several endangered species, including the Hawaiian monk seal and green sea turtle.

The best time to visit Kona Coast State Park is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, visitors can enjoy sunny weather and calm waters for swimming and snorkeling. However, it is important to note that the park can get crowded during peak tourist season, so visitors should plan accordingly.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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.
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