Honl's Beach

Around Honl's Beach, Kailua-Kona offers a variety of dining experiences. On the Rocks is a casual seaside lounge with island bites and cocktails, while Quinn's Almost by the Sea serves unpretentious American and seafood dishes. For a more authentic Hawaiian experience, Huggo's provides scenic oceanfront dining with seafood and steaks. Jackie Rey's Kailua-Kona offers a colorful local setting for seafood specials and pupu platters.

Each of these restaurants provides a unique atmosphere, from casual to upscale dining options, making them ideal for different preferences and occasions.

Honl's Beach is surrounded by convenient and scenic accommodations, including the Royal Kona Resort, which offers a laid-back, oceanside experience with a private beach and lagoon. The Kona Reef Resort provides condo-style accommodations with a saltwater pool, steps away from the beach. For a different experience, Aston Kona by the Sea offers upscale oceanfront views and comfort. Additionally, WorldMark Kona provides spacious accommodations suitable for families or larger groups.

These hotels offer a mix of relaxation, amenities, and easy access to downtown Kailua-Kona, making them suitable for various travelers' needs.

Honl's Beach offers basic but convenient amenities to enhance the visitor experience. Restrooms and outdoor showers are available across Ali'i Drive from the beach, providing essential facilities for beachgoers. The grassy knoll with picnic tables offers ample space for relaxation and dining while enjoying the ocean view. The beach itself is ideal for boogie boarding and sunbathing due to its sand mixed with coral and lava rocks, although swimming can be challenging due to strong currents.

While the immediate area lacks advanced amenities like rental equipment shops, the nearby town of Kailua-Kona is equipped with everything visitors might need.

Honl's Beach is renowned for boogie boarding, thanks to its strong waves and historical significance as the sport's birthplace. Visitors can enjoy swimming in shallow waters near the beach, but should be cautious due to the currents. The beach is less crowded than other nearby spots, making it a serene place to relax or read a book while listening to the sound of the waves.

Surfing is another popular activity when the surf is up, and the beach's proximity to downtown Kailua-Kona allows for easy exploration of nearby historical sites and shopping districts after a day at the beach.

Honl's Beach does not have specific facilities tailored for persons with disabilities. However, the nearby restrooms across Ali'i Drive are accessible. For those requiring more accessible amenities, other nearby beaches like Kamakahonu Beach might offer better options with more comprehensive accessibility features.

Visitors with mobility issues may find some challenges in navigating the rocky shoreline, but the grassy areas provide relatively smooth paths for individuals with mild mobility concerns.

Parking at Honl's Beach is limited to street parking along Ali'i Drive. Visitors should be mindful of no-parking signs, even if spaces appear available. While parking is free, the scarcity of spots can sometimes make it difficult to find a place, especially during peak tourist seasons.

The proximity of nearby hotels and the walkability of downtown Kailua-Kona reduce the need for extensive parking, but having a car can be beneficial for exploring other local attractions.

Honl's Beach holds a significant place in the history of water sports as the birthplace of modern boogie boarding. The sport was invented by Tom Morey, who crafted the first boogie board in 1971, revolutionizing wave riding with a more accessible and user-friendly alternative to traditional surfing.

The beach's name, Wai'aha, means 'gathering of waters' in Hawaiian, reflecting its unique coastal environment. Honl's Beach continues to host events like the Annual Roots Bodyboarding Contest, celebrating its status as a boogie boarding hub.

As mentioned under attractions, the area around Honl's Beach is rich in history and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, which preserves ancient Hawaiian temples, or walk along the scenic Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. Downtown Kailua-Kona offers a blend of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.