Ocean Explorations

Life on the Kona Coast Imagine how the ancient Hawaiian people who lived here used the ocean and its abundant resources? This was a beautiful but difficult place to live hundreds of years ago. While you are here take a tidal pool walk (but be careful the rocks can be slippery!), and visit the parks two beaches. Explore in the evening and watch a beautiful sunset along the seashore. Fishing and gathering of some ocean resources are allowed and are managed by State of Hawaii regulations. Ocean Awareness Remember, the ocean is part of nature and can be dangerous and unpredictable at times. Prepare for a safe visit when you are on the coastline. Be aware of and attentive to slippery surfaces, wave movement, tidal fluctuations, and other changing elements. There are NO LIFEGUARDS. Check with the Hale Ho`okipa Visitor Center for the latest information about ocean currents, high surf warnings or weather advisories when planning your ocean activities. Reef-Safe Sun Protection The Kohala Center & ReefTeach at Kahaluʻu Beach's informational graphic on best practices for reef friendly sun protection. The Kohala Center & ReefTeach The State of Hawaiʻi was the first state in the nation to ban the sale of sunscreens with chemicals harmful to ocean corals. The law goes into effect January 1, 2021, so harmful sunscreens are still available in stores at the moment. Please do your part to protect our ocean's coral reefs by not using sunscreens with the following chemicals: Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, and Nanoparticles For more information on why these chemicals are harmful, how to choose reef-friendly sunscreens, how to dispose of chemical-based sunscreens, and more resources check out the Protect Yourself, Protect the Reef page.