Okay, so the other day I was itching to hit up a new beach, and Kukio Beach kept popping up on my radar. I’d seen some pictures online, but you know how it is – pictures can be deceiving. So, I decided to just go for it and see it for myself.
Getting There
First things first, I had to figure out how to actually get there. It’s not exactly signposted everywhere. I did a bit of digging and found out it’s tucked away near the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. I hopped in my car and punched it into my GPS – thank goodness for technology, right?
The drive itself was pretty scenic. Lots of lush greenery, and then, bam! You’re at the coast. I followed the signs to the public beach access, which is a little pathway next to the resort. Parking was a bit of a challenge, I won’t lie. There are only a few spots, so I recommend getting there early, especially on weekends. I circled around for a bit and finally managed to snag a spot.
The Beach Itself
I grabbed my beach bag, slathered on some sunscreen (gotta protect that skin!), and started walking down the path. It’s a short walk, maybe five minutes, and it’s pretty easy. And then… wow.
Seriously, the pictures I saw didn’t do it justice. The sand is this gorgeous, soft white, and the water is crystal clear. It’s not a huge beach, which I actually liked. It felt more intimate and less crowded than some of the other beaches I’ve been to.
Here’s what I noticed:
- Calm Waters: The water was super calm, perfect for swimming or just floating around. I saw a few people paddleboarding, too.
- Turtles!: Apparently, Kukio Beach is known for its green sea turtles (honu). And guess what? I saw one! It was just chilling near the shore, munching on some seaweed. So cool! I made sure to give it plenty of space, of course.
- Shady Spots: There are some trees along the back of the beach that provide some nice shade. I parked myself under one for a while to escape the sun.
Chilling and Exploring
I spent a good few hours just relaxing, swimming, and soaking up the sun. I even took a little walk along the shoreline to explore the tide pools. Found some cool little crabs and shells.
One thing to note: there aren’t any restrooms or food vendors right on the beach. So, make sure you bring your own water and snacks. And if you need to use the restroom, you’ll have to walk back to the parking area.
Wrapping Up
All in all, I had an amazing time at Kukio Beach. It’s definitely a hidden gem. If you’re looking for a beautiful, relatively quiet beach with calm waters and the chance to see some sea turtles, I highly recommend checking it out. Just remember to get there early to snag a parking spot, and bring your own supplies!
