Throughout our beautiful islands, between miles of incredible beaches, you will find jaw-dropping lava rock-lined coastline. The Hawaiian Islands are chock-full of incredible geological formations, including lava tubes, coastal rock formations, and magnificent tide pools. Nestled along the coast of Hawaii Island, this incredible tide pool beach is as dreamy as they come, and you’ll want to visit as soon as possible.
Tucked away along Hawaii Island’s coast near the Kona International Airport, many tourists have never heard of Wawaloli Beach, a stunning slice of paradise that feels like one of Hawaii’s best-kept secrets.
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Here, you will discover a series of sand-filled tide pools protected from high surf by rock walls. These shallow basins are perfect for keiki who want to make a splash, adults looking for a cool retreat, and photographers always searching for their next shot.
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Because Wawaloli is protected from the surf by a natural lava rock barrier, the water in the tide pools is delightfully placid — especially at high tide. The water here is heated by the sun and the surrounding rock, and is much warmer than the ocean.
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Comprised of chunky black and white coral, Wawaloli might not be described as a beach in the traditional sense, but it sure is gorgeous.
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As you walk along the shore, you will surely be amazed by the fascinating rock formations, colorful mosses, and algae, as well as the small fishes and hermit crabs that call these tide pools home.
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Operated by the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii and the Hawaii Ocean Science and Technology Park, Wawaloli Beach Park is home to picnic tables, barbecue grills, showers, and restrooms, all things you’ll want for a perfect beach day.
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Wawaloli is a common fishing destination, but it’s even more popular amongst sunset enthusiasts. Painting the sky in a masterpiece of color, the sunsets at Wawaloli Beach Park are truly second to none.
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This is one of those Hawaii beaches that you may not have heard of, but you’ll want to keep coming back to again and again after you’ve discovered its ethereal natural beauty.
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Address: Makako Bay Drive, Mile Marker 94, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
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Before we send you off to explore, we should probably give you a warning about the risks of checking out tide pools when ocean conditions are less than favorable; waves can still crash into these tide pools, and it is advised that you check ocean conditions before you head to any of them. You should also be careful where you step, as the lava rocks can be razor-sharp, and absolutely, under no circumstances, should you face your back to the waves, unless you want to be swept out to sea.
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