Kahuwai Beach, also known as Kahuwai Bay Beach or Kona Village Beach, occupies a small, secluded cove along the North Kona Coast of the Big Island, located within the grounds of the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai and the historic Kona Village Resort. This narrow dark sand beach on Kahuwai Bay represents one of the Big Island's best-kept secrets, particularly among the diving community who treasure the approximately 40 different dive sites accessible from this single beach. The shoreline combines black lava rock shelves with patches of dark volcanic sand, creating a dramatic coastal landscape shaped by ancient lava flows reaching the ocean. Access is controlled through the resort's guard house where visitors can request a public access pass, maintaining the beach's quiet, uncrowded character despite its world-class underwater attractions. Hawaiian green sea turtles frequent the shallow areas near the lava shelf, adding to the beach's appeal for wildlife observers and underwater photographers.
Swimming at Kahuwai Beach is not recommended for most visitors due to the combination of slippery rocks, a sharp lava shelf close to shore, and strong currents that can develop in the bay. The beach caters primarily to experienced scuba divers rather than casual swimmers or snorkelers, with the bay's unique underwater topography creating conditions better suited for diving than surface activities. The 40 dive sites within easy walking distance of the beach offer varied underwater terrain including lava tubes, coral formations, and dramatic drop-offs that attract marine life ranging from colorful reef fish to larger pelagic species. Green sea turtles can often be observed near shore, especially in shallow water areas close to the lava shelf where they feed on algae. Experienced snorkelers with strong ocean skills may find rewarding underwater viewing on calm days, but the rocky entry and exit points combined with the lack of sandy bottom in most areas make this challenging. No lifeguards patrol Kahuwai Beach, and no emergency services are immediately available, requiring visitors to possess solid ocean safety judgment and self-sufficiency.
Access to Kahuwai Beach requires driving north from Kailua-Kona on Highway 19 and turning left immediately after Mile Marker 87 toward the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. Visitors must stop at the resort guard house to request a public access pass, which grants permission to park and use the beach. The resort controls access to maintain the peaceful character of the shoreline and protect guest privacy while honoring Hawaii's public beach access laws. Parking is limited and located near the resort, with a short walk to the beach itself. No public restrooms, showers, or changing facilities are available at the beach, though some resort facilities may be accessible depending on current policies. Visitors should bring all necessary supplies including water, sun protection, dive or snorkel gear, and appropriate water shoes for navigating the rocky shoreline. The beach is essentially undeveloped with no shade structures or amenities, requiring preparation for exposure to sun and heat. The dark volcanic sand heats up significantly under the tropical sun, making footwear advisable for walking on the beach surface.
Dining options near Kahuwai Beach include the restaurants at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, where ULU Ocean Grill + Sushi Lounge offers Pacific Rim cuisine with fresh seafood and oceanfront dining, and Beach Tree serves Mediterranean-Italian dishes in a thatched-roof pavilion overlooking the water. Just south in Kailua-Kona, approximately 8 miles away, visitors can find Huggo's restaurant featuring fresh island fish and prime steaks with sunset ocean views, Umeke's Fish Market Bar and Grill serving locally caught poke and Hawaiian plates, and Da Poke Shack offering award-winning poke bowls and affordable island fare. The cultural significance of Kahuwai Bay extends to its role in traditional Hawaiian fishing and the area's historical use as a canoe landing site where outrigger canoes accessed the protected waters. The Kona Village Resort area, established in 1965 and recently renovated, was built among ancient Hawaiian archaeological sites including petroglyphs and fish ponds that demonstrate centuries of coastal settlement. This beach offers a rare opportunity to experience world-class diving in a controlled-access setting that protects both the marine environment and Hawaiian cultural resources while maintaining public access for those willing to navigate the resort entry process.
