Kiholo Bay Beach

This beach is an incredible hidden treasure! It's definitely worth visiting, but make sure to bring your own food, water, and other essentials because there are no amenities nearby. The beach has black sand and is covered in small rocks, so it's a good idea to bring a chair or something cushioned to lie on. We were lucky enough to spot a massive turtle taking a nap, and you can also enjoy some snorkeling. However, be aware that the beach can be quite windy and the waves can be strong. There are no entrance fees, but keep in mind that there is no access to fresh water and the restroom facilities are chemical toilets.

Getting to the bay requires a fairly lengthy stroll along the beach. Although the water along the coastline is pleasantly warm, it lacks the vibrant opal blue hue found in the pool. The pathway leading to the bay is exclusively for private use.

The beach is a fantastic spot to observe tidepool wildlife! The hiking trail is approximately one mile long and is quite easy to navigate. There is a small parking lot available on the side of the road. However, it's not really suitable for swimming due to the strong waves, making it a bit challenging for snorkeling as well. During our visit, we were fortunate enough to spot at least five turtles. They were swimming rather than being stranded on the beach, so you need to keep a close eye out to see them. Additionally, we encountered various other types of wildlife, including urchins, sea cucumbers, shore crabs, hermit crabs, cowries, black tip sharks, and more.

Get ready for a good workout for your legs! The path leading to the lagoon consists of a combination of soft gravel and pebbles. In order to reach the lagoon, you'll need to engage in some bouldering. The diverse landscape is quite fascinating, but it's important to stay focused and hike with both hands available. The contrast between the lava rock and the vibrant blue water is truly remarkable. It's enjoyable to observe the locals fishing, and there are plenty of turtles to be seen as well!

This journey starts with a significant hike from the parking area at the end of a dirt road off the highway. Opting for the hike from the highway's shoulder might be shorter, but you'll miss out on the scenic route. Starting from the parking near the turnabout, the path leads to the beach, following the shoreline straight to the cove. Along the way, you'll walk over black pebbled beaches, passing by grand mansions, including the notable Bali House (which is worth a quick lookup on Wikipedia), and several private residences at the bay's entrance. The trek continues across a vast expanse of lava, especially as you venture further into the cove. I was curious to see if the water at the cove's end was shallow enough to allow a clear view of the bottom, but unfortunately, the soot from the brackish water rendered snorkeling almost useless. While you can spot plenty of fish and turtles, snorkeling here isn't recommended. The bay area and along the beach hike is a haven for turtles. We spotted about 20 of them feeding in the waves, in water as shallow as six inches, making them easy to see and photograph. However, snorkeling in such shallow waters doesn't make much sense. The hike itself is an adventure, mostly flat but akin to walking on sand due to the pebbled terrain. I suggest wearing at least closed-toed shoes for comfort. We even saw some elderly folks on the trail, though they seemed quite exhausted from the walk. Flip-flops are a definite no for this trek. Near the beach entrance, to the right, there's a flooded lava tube, but it's important to note that entering lava tubes is now illegal. If you're up for a bit more adventure, I highly recommend heading into the cove's greenish-blue waters to enjoy some rock jumping off the lava formations. It's a thrilling addition to the hike!