Tucked just north of Kailua-Kona, Honokohau Beach—sometimes affectionately called “Kona Dog Beach”—offers a rugged, off-the-beaten-path ocean experience for families seeking something a little different. While this beach is not ideal for toddlers or families looking to set up a full beach day with snacks, umbrellas, and floaties, it is an incredible place for families with older kids, teens, and strong swimmers who are ready to explore tide pools, encounter vibrant reef life, and possibly spot sea turtles in the wild.
Before we dive in, have you seen our ranked lists on Big Island? They might add helpful context and information for your trip.
Discover the Best Kid-Friendly Hotels on the Big Island of Hawaii
Family friendly excursions on Big Island
Kid friendly beaches on Big Island
So, is Honokohau right for your crew? Let’s break it down.
A Wild Beauty Worth the Walk
First things first: this beach is not drive-up accessible. Getting to Honokohau Beach involves a short but rugged hike from the Honokohau Harbor parking area. It’s not stroller-friendly, and carrying a bunch of beach gear like coolers, chairs, or shade tents would definitely feel like a chore.
But what you trade in convenience, you gain in serenity. The path in weaves through natural wetlands and stunning lava rock tide pools that practically beg for exploration. Curious kids will love spotting small creatures in the pools or admiring the contrast between black lava and the surrounding greenery. It’s a nature walk and a beach trip rolled into one.
A Kona Snorkeling Spot for the Adventurous
Honokohau is known more for its snorkeling and rugged beauty than it is for lounging on the sand. The crescent-shaped beach is small, and the surf here can be a bit wild. The water gets choppy and surgy, especially in the afternoons, and there’s very little sandy area beneath the surface—mostly rocks, boulders, and coral rubble.
For families with confident swimmers—especially older children or teens—this can be an exciting place to float above a fascinating underwater world. The fish here are abundant, and you don’t have to venture far from shore to start spotting marine life.
Expect to see:
- Needlefish
- Yellowtail coris
- Moorish idols
- Goatfish and manini
- Colorful butterflyfish
- Saddleback wrasse
- Sea cucumbers (a weird and wonderful find for curious kids!)
- And of course, you might get lucky and share the water with a Hawaiian green sea turtle or two.
If you do see a turtle, remember: give them at least 10 feet of space, and never touch or chase them. Teaching kids to respect marine life is part of the fun—and the responsibility—of snorkeling in Hawaii.
Safety First: What Parents Should Know
Honokohau Beach is not lifeguarded, and there are no facilities—no restrooms, no showers, and no shaded picnic tables. You’ll want to pack light, bring your own water, and be prepared to carry out everything you bring in (snack wrappers, wet towels, the works). This is a “leave no trace” kind of place.
Other important tips for families:
- Enter and exit from the left-hand side of the beach where there is a small sandy patch.
- As soon as you’re waist-deep, start floating rather than standing—the bottom is rocky and uneven.
- Never turn your back to the ocean when entering or leaving the water.
- Do not swim past the breaking waves—currents can pull swimmers out, and boats may be navigating nearby.
What Age Is This Beach Best For?
Because of the entry hike, lack of amenities, and sometimes-rough conditions, we don’t recommend Honokohau Beach for toddlers or young children. But for older kids who can comfortably snorkel in moderate surf (or are learning with strong parental guidance), this beach provides a memorable, up-close look at Hawaii’s vibrant marine life in a truly natural setting.
Families with tweens and teens will likely enjoy the sense of adventure, the marine diversity, and the quiet solitude away from the crowds. Bonus if you have a dog—this is one of the few beaches where leashed dogs are welcome (hence the “Dog Beach” nickname!).
Final Thoughts for Visiting Families
Honokohau Beach might not be your “build a sandcastle and spend all day under an umbrella” kind of beach—but it’s a rewarding stop for families who enjoy nature, wildlife, and a little adventure. It’s also an excellent chance to show kids the importance of caring for our oceans and coastlines, from respecting marine animals to packing out every last crumb.
If you’re planning to visit Kona and your family is up for a short hike and some snorkeling, this hidden gem might just become a highlight of your trip. Just don’t forget the reef-safe sunscreen, and maybe a waterproof camera—you’ll want to remember what you see here.
Kiddometer Tip: Have a junior marine biologist in the family? Bring a Hawaii reef fish ID card and turn your snorkel into a species-spotting scavenger hunt!
Have you seen our ranked lists on Big Island? They might add helpful context and information for your trip.
Discover the Best Kid-Friendly Hotels on the Big Island of Hawaii
Family friendly excursions on Big Island
Kid friendly beaches on Big Island
For detailed visitor info, check out the Wikivoyage page on Big Island.
