Honomalino Bay

Honomalino Bay

Honomalino Bay is one of the Big Island's most secluded and scenic gray-sand beaches, nestled on the island's southwestern shore. Fringed by palms and reachable only by a coastal hike, this hidden gem offers peaceful swimming and snorkeling when the ocean is calm.

Honomalino Bay, Big Island

This secluded gray-sand beach on the Big Island's southwestern shore is a real gem. Fringed by coconut palms and kiawe trees, Honomalino Bay offers good swimming and snorkeling conditions when the ocean is calm. The beach is fronted by a shallow sandbar, which drops off sharply further out.

The small bay is accessible via a 20-minute walk along a trail that begins at neighboring Miloli'i Beach Park.


Key Features of Honomalino Bay

  • Secluded location: Accessible only by a 20-minute coastal trail starting from Miloli'i Beach Park.
  • Unique gray sand: A striking mix of black volcanic and white coral sand creates a salt-and-pepper shoreline.
  • Calm snorkeling cove: Shallow sandbar and clear waters offer excellent snorkeling on calm days.
  • Fringed by coconut palms: Tropical palm trees and kiawe provide shade and natural beauty.
  • Rarely crowded: Off-the-beaten-path location keeps crowds away, ideal for tranquil beachgoers.


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Reviews and Comments:
 
This place sad to say..is not what it once was...the quietude and beauty of this place is now forever gone..and it is full of criminals and meth amphetamine addics..whateve u do..don't waste the time going here.
Walter whittenstein, Fri Jul 25, 2014
 
My wife and I had a great time at this Beach. Camped the night. locals were cool but not threatening. One bad thing, the camp ground seemed to have a dozen or so long term permanate campers that were alternately rude and moochy. There was also a pudgy drunk guy who walked around in ratty underwear and raved how much he loved his mandalin late into the evening.
Dan, Wed Mar 06, 2013
 
This beach is beautiful! Quiet, not too crowded, interesting shoreline, and the grey sand is cool. Water looked calm (we didn't go in). Camping available too. FYI: Ho'okena Beach Road is narrow and winding; remember to not take your half out of the middle because of the blind turns.
Wendy, Fri Nov 30, 2012
 
I'm a "local", and love this beach! It's small, compared to the huge man-made beaches up north by the resorts, but it's very friendly to visitors!, great for boogie boarding and body surfing, average for snorkelling, and sometimes, the swimmer dolphins come into the bay to feed and rest in the morning! Great restroom and shower facilities and a new concessionnaire rents snorkel gear and kayaks.
auntie Barb, Wed Mar 28, 2012

Frequently Asked Questions

🥾How do I get to Honomalino Bay?

The beach is accessible via a 20-minute walk along a coastal trail starting at Miloli'i Beach Park between the yellow church and restrooms.

🏝️What makes the sand gray?

The beach features a natural blend of black sand from volcanic rock and white sand from coral fragments, giving it a salt-and-pepper appearance.

🐠Is Honomalino Bay good for snorkeling?

Yes, snorkeling is possible when the water is calm. The sandbar drops off quickly, so it's best for confident swimmers.

🚫Are there any facilities at the beach?

No, Honomalino Bay is undeveloped. There are no restrooms, showers, or lifeguards at the beach itself.

🌴Is the beach shaded?

Yes, coconut palms and kiawe trees provide partial shade along the shoreline, offering spots to relax out of the sun.