There is a special little beach set aside for dog lovers in between the city of Kona and the Kona Airport on the west side of The Big Island. You'll find this beautiful little beach just south of the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park and the Ai'opio Fish Ponds. In fact, you'll be able to marvel at the ingenuity of the fish ponds from this dog-friendly beach.
The fish ponds were built by the ancient Hawaiians to trap unsuspecting fish. The fish would swim into the ponds as they explored the harbor only to be trapped. The unsuspecting fish became easy targets for hungry Hawaiians, and it makes you wonder just how many of those fish were served at luaus over the centuries.
This beach is perfect for dog owners who miss their mutts during their Hawaiian vacation. Dogs are allowed to run off-leash on this beach, so don't make a visit if man's best friend makes you feel uncomfortable. The local's dogs love to socialize here, and you'll even find a few swimming in the water.
You can beat the crowds down to this lovely little strip of sand. Get here before 9:00 a.m. and you're likely to have the whole beach to yourself. Just remember that there are no lifeguards, facilities or trash cans at this beach. So pack out everything that you pack in to keep the beaches of The Big Island clean.
The beach is located at the south end of Honokohau Harbor. To get to the beach, you'll have to drive west on Kealakehe Parkway past all of the docks to the very end of the road, and you'll have to climb down some volcanic rocks to get to the beach. But the water is wonderfully calm as the beach is protected by an off-shore reef.
This is a popular beach for divers and snorkelers, so you may want to pack your snorkel gear. Just make sure to work your way into the water in the shallows before swimming over to the cove and its reef. And you may want to pack your water shoes to protect your feet against the beach's sharp volcanic rock.
Kona Dog Beach allows you to socialize with the island's dogs, catch some rays on beautiful white sand and enjoy a relaxing snorkel abundant with tropical fish. It makes for an unforgettable half-day on The Big Island.