Honls Beach holds a unique place in surf culture history as the birthplace of modern bodyboarding, where on July 9, 1971, surfboard builder Tom Morey revolutionized wave riding by creating the first boogie board from a nine-foot piece of polyethylene foam shaped with an electric knife and hot iron. Located approximately one mile south of downtown Kailua-Kona along scenic Alii Drive, this compact beach park continues to attract bodyboarders and surfers drawn to the consistent waves that break over the offshore reef. The beach's position along the bustling Kona coastline, situated between the Royal Kona Resort to the north and WorldMark Kona to the south, makes it easily accessible for both resort guests and day visitors exploring the numerous beaches that dot this popular stretch of the Big Island's west coast. While Honls may lack the spacious sand and calm swimming conditions that define many tourist-friendly beaches, it compensates with its historical significance, reliable surf, and authentic local atmosphere that has made it a gathering place for Kona's bodyboarding community for over five decades.
The wave conditions at Honls Beach favor experienced bodyboarders and surfers, as the reef break produces powerful swells that can generate strong currents during larger surf events. When conditions align, the waves provide excellent rides for those skilled enough to handle the challenging environment, and the beach annually hosts Kona's Roots Bodyboarding Contest, showcasing the area's deep connection to the sport Tom Morey invented across the street. The rocky bottom and exposure to high surf make swimming and snorkeling less appealing than at other Kona beaches, though the nearshore waters offer cooling relief on hot days for those who understand the ocean conditions and respect the power of the surf. Visitors should exercise caution when entering the water, assess current conditions carefully, and recognize their own skill limitations before attempting to bodyboard or surf at this more advanced spot. The presence of on-duty lifeguards provides an important safety resource, though the dynamic ocean environment requires personal responsibility and sound judgment from everyone who enters the water.
Accessing Honls Beach requires only pulling off Alii Drive where free street parking lines the roadway, though available spaces can fill quickly during peak beach hours and when surf conditions attract the local bodyboarding crowd. Visitors should pay careful attention to posted no-parking signs even where spaces appear available, as enforcement helps maintain traffic flow along this busy coastal route. The beach offers visitor-friendly amenities including restrooms, outdoor showers, drinking water, picnic tables, and benches, with the restroom and shower facilities located directly across Alii Drive from the beach itself. A grassy area with picnic tables provides space for relaxation and dining while enjoying ocean views, creating opportunities for families to spend time at the beach even if they choose not to enter the challenging surf. The Kona Trolley Route 201 includes a stop at Honls Beach, providing public transportation access for those staying in nearby hotels or vacation rentals who prefer not to drive.
After spending time at Honls Beach, visitors can walk to numerous dining options along Alii Drive, with Island Lava Java offering oceanside seating and fresh, locally sourced food with 100 percent Kona coffee, while Big Kahuna Beach Grill provides beachside dining with views overlooking the iconic Kailua Pier. Kai Eats and Drinks serves casual oceanfront fare including pizza, burgers, tacos, and Mai Tais in historic Kailua Village, while Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Bar and Restaurant features Kailua-Kona's largest open-air oceanfront bar perfect for sunset cocktails. Huggos Restaurant offers upscale seafood dining with waves lapping at the restaurant's foundation, creating an immersive ocean dining experience steps from where bodyboarders ride the surf. The cultural significance of Honls Beach extends beyond its importance to surf history, as this section of coastline witnessed centuries of Hawaiian ocean traditions before Tom Morey's innovation brought international attention to these particular waves. Modern visitors honor both the ancient Hawaiian relationship with the ocean and the more recent bodyboarding heritage by approaching the beach with respect, following posted guidelines, supporting local surf culture, and recognizing that some breaks belong primarily to the skilled local riders who keep these traditions alive. Those seeking to experience authentic Kona beach culture rather than manufactured tourist experiences will find Honls Beach delivers that genuine connection to the Big Island's vibrant surf community and the pioneering spirit that continues driving innovation in ocean sports.
