When you want to bask in the beauty of paradise, Kahili Quarry Beach fits the bill nicely. This local favorite sees tons of surfing action year-round plus serves as a prime spot for watching both surfers and seabirds enjoy the water. You also have your choice of swimming experiences since you have the ocean at the front of the beach and the freshwater stream behind.
With its two rope swings set along the shore, the stream gets the most attention from swimming enthusiasts. The shallow ocean waters are less popular since they’re often murky and prone to riptides. Wherever you like to swim, just be aware that there are no lifeguards on duty. The long dirt road access points make it difficult for rescue teams to come help as well.
If you don’t want to take the risk, you can still have a fantastic time hopping the waves at Kahili Quarry Beach, building sandcastles, and sunbathing to your heart’s content. As you do that, keep an eye out for the lava pools filled with ocean water near the eastern side of the beach. On the other side, you might get a chance to see reef sharks swimming near the mouth of the stream when the water turns rather murky.
Enjoy the Rope Swings
With the stream emptying out into the ocean, the water near the shore is often murky, often making it less than ideal for swimming. Instead, you can swim right in the stream by taking a leap off either of the two rope swings. With each launch into the water, you’ll undoubtedly feel like a kid again, ramping you up for another chance to swing free.
Go Surfing
If you’re an advanced surfer, you’ll love to ride the waves at Kahili Quarry Beach. Since there’s no reef barrier, the waves come in fast and hard, providing an excellent challenge to those skilled enough to take it. As you paddle out to meet the waves, remember to take a moment to gaze upon the beautiful landscape you just left behind.
Capture Amazing Photos
If you have a knack for photography, put your skills to the test by capturing photos of skilled surfers, seabirds, and panoramic views. To photograph the surfers, go past the stream and up onto the rocks along the point for the best view. The albatross and many other birds come from the Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge to the west, so keep an eye out for their arrival as you snap photos of the landscape.
Parking is available down either Kahili Quarry Road or Kahili Beach Road. The walk is a bit longer down the quarry road, although both paths will get you close enough to the beach. As you travel down either route, you’ll likely find erroneous road closure warnings. Although it’s a dirt road, even small cars can make it to the end and back again. Just go slowly since the paths often narrow down to one lane and may have many potholes and ruts after heavy rains.
Insider Tips:
-There are no bathrooms anywhere near this beach, so you’ll have to go into town to use the restroom. The Kilauea Community Center has public bathrooms open, but it’s often best to go to a nearby restaurant for a meal and a chance to freshen up.
-Since there are no garbage cans along the beach, pack out whatever you bring with you. Want to do nature a solid? Pack out a bit extra if you find any garbage lying about during your visit.