If you are interested in Hawaiian history and want to see one of the most magnificent beaches on the Big Island, make plans to visit Hohohohokai Beach Park. When most of us think beach, we think of white warm soft sand to walk on in our bare feet. Not here. This famous, and fascinating beach features a rocky coastline and is much different than you might expect. The rocks are beautiful in a mystifying way. They are created from a natural combination of black lava rocks mixed with white coral rubble and together produce a unique eye-catching scene. When the waves crash up along the coastline, it creates beautiful sights and sounds like no other place in the world. The rocks look like they almost come alive. Even the fragrance of the sea is intoxicating and a bit overwhelming. It immediately takes your breath away but in an oddly wonderful way. Listen closely. It sounds as if the ocean is singing and entertaining you.
As beautiful as this beach is, unfortunately, it is not a safe swimming beach. The uneven and sharp rock both above and below the water is dangerous making the water hard to access. In addition, there is no lifeguard and the high surf and strong current are dangerous even for the most experienced swimmers. But that is ok. You’re going to find so much more to see and do here. You won’t miss the swimming one bit. Take a look and get ready for three amazing experiences.
Explore Malama Petroglyph Trail and Puako Petroglyphs
Here’s the history surrounding this beach that will knock your socks off! Puako Petroglyphs is within walking distance right on the Malama Petroglyph Trail and showcases the largest collection of petroglyphs on the Island. It’s like prehistoric Hawaii told through ancient art. There are more than 3,000 of these priceless drawings etched onto huge boulders that reach into the bluest blue sky. And to think they have lasted the test of time!
There are carvings of humans, marchers, paddlers, sea turtles, animals, and other symbols that tell stories of their everyday life. There are even images of celebrations and special ceremonies. The carvings are referred to as ki’i pohaku, translated as images in stone. It is said that these petroglyphs date back as far as 1000 and 1800 A.D. Isn’t that mind-boggling? To think you are witnessing something so old and rare with our very own eyes!
See Marine Life In Fascinating Tide Pools
Prepare yourself for more amazing things to see during your stay at Holoholokai Beach Park. Stroll along the shore and see a microcosm of gorgeous sea life in the tide pools. Beautiful ocean creatures live in the crevices of the lava rock Mother Nature has provided for them. Wait for the tide to go out because the smaller marine animals will get temporarily trapped in these pools of water for a few hours until the tide rises again. This is an amazing learning opportunity for you and your family to see marine life without having to go underneath the water. It’s like an aquarium only much, much better. You’ll see sea urchins, hermit crabs, starfish, and other creatures. There’s even a guide you can access from the Hawaii Department of Natural Resources to help name each one you see.
Watch The Sea Turtles
Holoholokai Beach is famous for spotting magnificent sea turtles. Visit at sunset, and look really closely because these beauties blend in with the rocky beach. Take a walk in the late afternoon, and you just might see multiple sea turtles basking themselves in the sunshine. Take a picnic to enjoy all the natural beauty of this beach with the habitat that will be enjoying with you. Please do not disturb or feed the endangered sea turtles while they rest. Simply enjoy them from a safe distance.
Holoholokai Beach Park is a once-in-a-lifetime educational adventure to remember for a lifetime.
Insider Tip:
Holoholokai Beach Park park has picnic tables, grills, public restrooms, and showers