Kohanaiki Beach Park is one of the few places on the Kona coast where you can camp right by the ocean without the resort feel. Locals call it Pine Trees, named after the mangrove trees that surfers once mistook for pines years ago. Most people driving past on Queen K Highway have no idea it’s even there.
The entrance sign just says “Shoreline.” That’s it. Which tells you a lot about who this place is for.
It’s a working beach park, not a tourist attraction. Locals surf here, fish here, and gather on weekends. The camping is simple, the facilities are basic but well maintained, and the sunsets over the water are genuinely good. If you want a Kona camping experience that feels real and local, Pine Trees is worth building your trip around.
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We’re always updating this guide with new details and booking links. As of April 2026, this is the best info you’ll find on about Kohanaiki Beach Park.
Quick Facts about Kohanaiki Beach Park
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Hulikoa Drive and Queen K Hwy, near mile marker 95, Kailua-Kona |
| Also Known As | Pine Trees Beach |
| Park Hours | 5:30 am to 9:00 pm |
| Camping Days | Thursday through Monday only |
| Gates | Lock at 9:00 pm, reopen at 5:30 am |
| Quiet Hours | 11:00 pm to 6:00 am |
| Max Campers | 80 per day |
| Overnight | Parking pass required, pick up at guard shack |
| Security | 24-hour guards on duty |
| Lifeguards | None on duty |
| Reservations | County of Hawaii |
What Kohanaiki Actually Feels Like
Kona Airport is about two miles away. Downtown Kailua-Kona is about five miles south. And yet once you’re through the gate and parked by the water, it feels removed from all of that.
No shops, no restaurants, no resort energy. What you get instead is a sandy beach, a rocky shoreline, tidepools, anchialine ponds, and some of the most consistent surf on the west side of the island.
Waking up here is a good feeling. You step out in the morning to the sound of waves, the smell of salt air, and a view that most people only see from a hotel balcony. That’s the whole point of camping at Kohanaiki. You’re right in it.
The 24-hour security and locked overnight gates make it one of the more relaxed and safe camping environments on the island. The atmosphere stays calm, and the permit system keeps it from getting overcrowded.
What Makes Kohanaiki Special
The surf. Pine Trees is one of the most well-known surf spots on the Kona coast. Consistent waves, a lively local scene, and good energy on the water most days.
The sunsets. The west-facing beach gives you a clean, unobstructed view every evening. Some of the best sunset watching on the island, right from your campsite.
The tidepools. On the rocky end of the beach, the tidepools are worth exploring at low tide. Good for kids and anyone who likes getting close to marine life.
The anchialine ponds. These rare ponds connect to underground lava tube systems and are home to unique wildlife found almost nowhere else. They’re part of what makes this stretch of coastline genuinely special.
The fishing. Locals fish the rocky shoreline regularly. If you fish, this is a good spot.
The cultural history. The land here has been significant for a long time. Old fishponds, archaeological sites, and historic shoreline routes connect this place to how Native Hawaiians lived along this coast. It adds a layer to the visit that most beach parks don’t have.
A Bit of History Worth Knowing
The area includes anchialine ponds, archaeological sites, old fishponds, and historic shoreline access routes that connect back to how Native Hawaiians farmed and fished along this coast for generations.
Public access to this coastline has long been an important issue as development moved into the area. The park today reflects ongoing efforts to maintain that access and protect the cultural and natural resources here. Coming prepared and leaving the place better than you found it is part of what keeps it open for everyone.
Campground Amenities
Here is the list of the available amenities at the park:
Restrooms.
Outdoor showers in the beach area.
Marked camping area.
Drinking water.
Trash cans.
Security guard, day and night.
Gates locked when the park closes.
ADA accessible facilities.
For the most current accessibility details, contact Hawaii County Parks at (808) 961-8311 or [email protected] before your visit.
A few things to pack before you leave Kailua-Kona since there’s nothing once the gates close: propane or a hibachi stove for cooking, enough food and water for your stay, sunscreen, and any gear you’ll need for the beach.
How to Get There
The entrance is at the intersection of Hulikoa Drive and Queen Kahumanu Highway, near mile marker 95.
Coming from Kailua-Kona heading north, turn left at Hulikoa Drive. Coming from Kawaihae heading south, pass mile marker 95 and turn right at Hulikoa Drive.
After turning off the highway, drive past the Kohanaiki Golf and Ocean Club entrance. The road takes you around the country club to reach the beach and campgrounds. Show your permit at the guard shack to receive your overnight parking pass.
The road inside the park is narrow with foot traffic and kids around, so take it slow once you’re in.
Fees and How to Reserve
Camping requires a permit booked in advance through the official Hawaii County Parks and Recreation portal at hawaiicounty.ehawaii.gov.
Once your permit is approved, pick up your overnight parking pass at the guard shack when you arrive. Keep it visibly displayed on your vehicle.
Check the official site for current nightly rates since fees can change. The reservation portal shows current pricing when you search for available dates.
A few things worth planning around:
Camping is available Thursday through Monday. The park closes for overnight camping on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, so factor that into your itinerary.
The park allows a maximum of 80 campers per day. It fills up quickly on weekends and holidays, so booking early gives you the best shot at your preferred dates.
Campsites are first-come, first-served within the park, meaning your permit secures your stay but arriving earlier gets you a better spot.
Refund policy: request online at least 15 days before your stay. Less than 15 days out requires a written request at the Parks and Recreation office within one working day before your reservation date. All refunds are less processing fees and must total at least $5.
For a full walkthrough of how Big Island county camping permits work, our [Big Island camping permit guide] breaks it all down.
Best Time to Visit
The park is great year-round, with a few differences worth knowing.
Summer brings calmer water, which makes swimming and snorkeling more enjoyable. It’s the better season for families or anyone who wants to spend time in the water. Winter brings bigger, more powerful surf, which is ideal for surfers but means the ocean can be rougher for casual swimmers.
Weekdays are noticeably quieter and more relaxed. Weekends and holidays bring more energy and more people, so book early if that’s when you’re going.
The Kona coast is the dry, sunny side of the Big Island. You’ll get far less rain here than almost anywhere else on the island, which makes it a reliable choice year-round. Just check for any storm advisories in winter since Kona Low systems can occasionally bring heavy rain and flooding.
Is It Good for Campervans or Roof Top Tents?
Overnight parking with a valid camping permit and parking pass is clearly supported by the county. The road inside the park is paved and manageable for most standard vehicles, making it an accessible option for campervan travelers.
If you plan to use a campervan or rooftop tent, it’s worth confirming current vehicle camping rules directly with Hawaii County Parks before you book. You can reach them at (808) 961-8311. A quick call saves any uncertainty.
If you’re camping at Kohanaiki, a campervan actually makes the whole trip easier. There are no stores once the gates close at 9:00 pm, so having your kitchen, cooler, and sleeping setup all in one place means you can focus on enjoying the beach instead of logistics. It’s one of those spots where having a self-contained rig really pays off.
We’ve listed a few Kona-friendly campervan options through our Outdoorsy partner page. Browse what’s available and use code LMONDROP10 at checkout to save 10% on your rental.
Swimming and Ocean Conditions
Swimming and snorkeling are both listed as official activities at Kohanaiki. Summer tends to offer the calmest and most enjoyable conditions, when the water settles down and visibility improves for snorkeling.
The shoreline here is mostly rocky with some sandy areas, and surf conditions can vary. Winter months can bring stronger swells, so it’s always worth reading the water before you get in. There are no lifeguards on duty, so use your own judgment and never swim alone.
For surfing, Pine Trees delivers some of the most consistent waves on the Kona coast. It’s a popular spot with the local surf community for good reason.
Park Rules and Good Stewardship
Kohanaiki is a place worth taking care of. The anchialine ponds, cultural sites, and natural features here are genuinely rare. Following the rules keeps the park open and in good shape for everyone who comes after you.
No pets, except service animals.
No open fires. Propane and hibachi stoves only.
No smoking.
No littering or dumping.
No commercial activity.
No removing sand, rocks, or plants.
Respect the anchialine ponds and cultural sites.
Overnight camping requires a valid permit.
Quiet hours: 11:00 pm to 6:00 am.
Checkout time is 12 noon.
Security is on site around the clock and the permit system keeps things accountable. Come prepared, follow the rules, and the experience takes care of itself.
Nearby Options Worth Knowing About
If Kohanaiki is full for your dates or you want to explore other spots on the west side, a few solid alternatives are close by:
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area is one of the most popular beaches on the Big Island, with more facilities, lifeguard service, and a beautiful long stretch of white sand. Great for families. Reservations go through Explore Outdoor Hawaii.
Spencer Beach Park is known for calm water and shaded camping spots. A good fit for anyone who wants a more relaxed, sheltered setup.
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is day use only but sits right next to Kohanaiki and is worth a visit for the ancient fishponds, cultural sites, and coastal trails.
For a full comparison of camping options across the island, our best campgrounds on the Big Island guide covers what each spot is best for.
Is Kohanaiki Worth It?
Yes. It’s one of the better spots on the Kona coast for campers who want a real beach experience without the resort price tag.
The facilities are simple but reliable. The location puts you right on the water with some of the best surf, sunsets, and cultural history on the west side of the island. And the permit system and overnight security make it one of the more comfortable camping environments on the Big Island.
Book early, come prepared, and show up ready to enjoy it. That’s really all it takes to have a great time at Kohanaiki.
Nearby Campervans / RV in Kohanaiki
Book your permit through the official Hawaii County Parks and Recreation portal.
Pro-tip: Planning to explore the Kohanaiki Beach Park by campervan? It’s one of the best ways to make the most of a trip like this, since you’re self-contained, flexible, and not dependent on stores or restaurants once you’re settled in. Browse current rentals through our Outdoorsy partner page and use code LMONDROP10 to save 10% on your booking.
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Pro-tip: Don’t visit Kohanaiki or anywhere around Big Island without renting a RV / campervan far in advance, and when you rent with Lemon Drop Campers you can get 10% off your rental by using the code LMONDROP10 at checkout. Click our Outdoorsy link.
- By
- Adeline Dela Cruz
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