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Kealia Beach 0:0

Address

Hookena Beach Road
Honaunau , HI 96726

Review

Kealia Beach is the northern most beach in a trifecta of beautiful sandy beaches along the South Kona coast. Part of the Hookena Beach park, Kealia is also home to one of South Kona’s archetypal coastal community. Traveling north, away from Hookena Beach, is a small dirt road that leads through a thick tree grove, past guesthouses and residential homes along the black lava rock coast. The road winds onward past old, white stone historic Hawaiian buildings that use to serve the coastal village and are now donned with flowers and half-standing remains. Getting further away from Hookena, the road meets Kealia Ranch community, a neighborhood of homes along both the mauka and makai sides of the road. Here the geography seems to change drastically from the open cow pastures and grassy cliff sides seen upon descending down to the beach, to the rocky coastline to a lush, heavily vegetated landscape, of thick trees, vines and flowers. The bright variations of greens contrast with the sharp blues of the water directly across the street give the area a colorful, tropical appearance. The residential homes that are built interspersed between trees and shrubs on the makai side, leave opening in the vegetation available for beach access. The clear white sand reaches out to the rocky lava rock lined shores. Swimming along Kealia is best at the clear access trails in the water, where the lava rock has not invaded and leaves a pleasant pool or path for wading, sitting or swimming. There are many places along the beach that provide space for beach-goers to sit and relax, away from the hustle and bustle of the more crowded Hookena. While the swimming isn’t as easy the water is just as clear and refreshing and the sandy shore provides and excellent place to find a variety of unique shells while the trees line coast offers ample shade from the hot Hawaiian sun. Beach-goers looking for a quieter, more local scene can find such a place in Kealia. A favorite spot for fishing and holding weekend gatherings the beach is primarily used and frequented by its residences, Hookena residences and local families and friends. The beach emanates a local vibe, as the beach is literally the backyard of most of the community members. The houses along the mauka side of the road are quite diverse, ranging from coffee shack style to elaborately decorated wooden homes, with lanais and mowed lawns. Tucked into the jungle-like settling the Kealia village has preserved its isolated community and asks visitors to be mindful while exploring. Visitors are asked to park outside the gate entrance to the village and walk to the beach either via the road or along the shore.
Written By: Hadley Catalano
On: 9/4/2006

Directions

At the bottom of Hookena Beach Road (Old Government Road between mile marker 101 and 102 on Hwy 11) take a right hand turn, at the fork in the road, north to Kealia.

Features

Fishing | Sandy Beach | Shady Areas | Swimming Areas

Map

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