*Ho'okena Beach Park is a white and grey sand beach with lots of palm and shade trees (watch for falling coconuts).
* Popular beach is more crowded on weekends, less so during the week.
* Park has restrooms, showers, picnic tables, pavilions, and ample parking near the beach.
* Ho'okena has lately become a popular beach for camping. Since 2007, this county park has been operated by the Friends of Ho'okena, a non-profit organization established by the community to supervise the park. Info on camping is available online here.
* Friends of Ho'okena also rent kayaks at the beach.
* Swimming and snorkeling are popular, but stay close to shore and be careful of currents. When the waves are up, it may be best to leave the water to the experienced body boarders. Remember, as with most beaches on the island, there is no lifeguard. Always be careful around the ocean.
* Ho'okena was once a larger fishing village and ranching community. Remains of a steamship landing are visible on the right / North side of the beach.
The remains of the old steamboat landing pier
Directions: Heading South on the Belt Road (Mamalahoa Hwy / Hwy 11), the turn off to Ho'okena is between mile markers 101 and 102, and just past Ho'okena Elementary School. There is a green road sign that says "Volcano 73 / Hookena 2," with arrows just before the turn off. (Coming from the South, a sign reads "Kailua 20 / Hookena 2.") Follow Ho'okena Beach Road about 2 miles down through scenic pastureland. At the bottom, take the left fork in the road, which leads to the beach parking lot.
View Ho'okena Beach Park in a larger map
At the bottom, take the left fork in the road;
this short one lane drive leads to the beach parking lot.
