Big Island · North Kona
Kīholo Bay
Kīholo
Kīholo Bay (Kīholo State Park Reserve) is a coastal bay ~10 miles south of Waikoloa, distinguished by multiple freshwater springs that emerge from underground…
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The freshwater pools are sacred in Hawaiian tradition — do not bathe with soap, shampoo, or sunscreen in the springs; do not swim aggressively in the spring outflows. Sea turtles haul out on the beach and rest in the freshwater pools daily; they are federally protected — stay ten feet back, do not touch, do not feed, no flash photography close to turtles. Kamehameha's fishpond is partially restored and is treated as cultural ground; do not climb on the walls or move stones. The unpaved access road can close in bad weather. No facilities at the bay; bring water and pack out everything.