Beyond the Surf: Wildlife & Discovery

Even if you don't surf, a day at Kohanaiki is a day well spent. The park is a sanctuary for wildlife and a perfect place to explore the natural beauty of the Kona coast. Families often spend entire days here, moving between different activities as the mood and conditions change.

The diversity of experiences available at Kohanaiki reflects the richness of Hawaiian coastal ecosystems. Within the park's boundaries, you can explore tide pools teeming with marine life, observe seabirds fishing in the offshore waters, witness ancient cultural practices still carried out by local families, and simply enjoy the dramatic beauty of black lava rock meeting blue Pacific waters.

Honu Heaven: How to Responsibly Watch the Turtles

Kohanaiki is a haven for our beloved honu, the Hawaiian green sea turtles. You'll frequently see them swimming gracefully in the water or "hauling out" to bask in the sun on the warm sand and black lava rocks. These ancient mariners have been visiting this coastline for thousands of years, and their presence is one of the park's greatest treasures.

Hawaiian green sea turtles are remarkable creatures. They can live for 60 to 70 years and can weigh up to 350 pounds when fully grown. The turtles you see at Kohanaiki have traveled incredible distances during their lifetimes, sometimes swimming thousands of miles between feeding and nesting areas. Female turtles often return to the exact beaches where they were born to lay their own eggs, an instinct that has guided their species for millions of years.

The basking behavior you'll observe at Kohanaiki is relatively uncommon among sea turtles worldwide. Hawaiian green sea turtles are one of only a few populations that regularly haul out on land to rest and warm themselves in the sun. This behavior, called "thermoregulation," helps them conserve energy and may play a role in their overall health and longevity.

Seeing a honu is a true gift, and the best way to honor that gift is with your distance. These are federally and state-protected animals under both the Endangered Species Act and Hawaii Revised Statutes. Their presence is a sign of a healthy reef ecosystem, and it is our collective kuleana to ensure they always feel safe here.

Exploring the Shallows: Tide Pools and Snorkeling

At low tide, the rocky shoreline of Kohanaiki reveals a fascinating world of tide pools. These small, protected pools are perfect for keiki (children) and curious adults to explore, offering a safe glimpse of tiny fish, crabs, and other marine critters.

The tide pools at Kohanaiki are windows into the incredible diversity of Hawaiian marine life. In these miniature ecosystems, you might spot hermit crabs scuttling between shells, small fish darting between coral formations, sea anemones waving in the current, and various species of algae and seaweed that form the base of the marine food chain.

Each tide pool is unique, shaped by the particular configuration of lava rock and the specific conditions of its location. Pools closer to the ocean edge experience more wave action and tend to host different species than more protected pools further inland. Some pools are deeper and retain more water during low tide, while others are shallow and warm quickly in the tropical sun.

When it comes to snorkeling, it's important to have realistic expectations. On very calm days, particularly during the summer months when the surf is down, you can snorkel here. The clear waters and abundant marine life make for excellent underwater viewing when conditions are right.

However, the rocky entry points and the potential for strong currents and surf mean that Kohanaiki is not a premier snorkeling destination like nearby Kahaluʻu Bay. The reef structure that makes Pinetrees such a great surf spot also creates challenging conditions for snorkeling. Sharp coral, sea urchins, and unpredictable currents require experience and caution.

Casting from the Shore: A Taste of Local Fishing

Shoreline fishing is a way of life here, and you'll often see local families casting lines from the rocky ledges. This traditional practice connects modern Hawaiian families to their ancestors, who sustained themselves from these same waters for generations.

The fishing at Kohanaiki represents a perfect example of sustainable resource management rooted in traditional Hawaiian values. Local families don't just fish here—they steward the resource, understanding which species to target and which to release, when to fish and when to give the reef a rest, and how to harvest in ways that ensure abundance for future generations.

The waters off the Kona coast are home to a variety of prized fish, including Bluefin Trevally (ʻōmilu), Giant Trevally (ulua or pāpio), Barracuda (kākū), various species of Goatfish (kūmū, moano), and many other reef fish. Each species has its own seasons, preferred habitats, and traditional methods of capture.

If you plan to fish, it is absolutely essential to do so responsibly and legally. Be aware that there are strict regulations on size limits, bag limits, and seasonal closures for many species. These rules are in place to protect our precious marine resources, so please follow them with care. The regulations reflect traditional Hawaiian conservation practices adapted for modern conditions.