Honomalino BayHonomalino Bay is a hidden gem on the Big IslandOften confused with a similarly named ....

Honomalino Bay

Honomalino Bay is a hidden gem on the Big Island

Often confused with a similarly named location on Maui. This charming beach, adorned with both black and white sands, stretches approximately 150 yards and is fringed with numerous coconut trees. It provides excellent swimming opportunities, especially during calm seas, which are frequent occurrences here. Even better, it remains largely undiscovered, offering an uncrowded and serene escape.

The Japanese tsunami of 2011 caused considerable damage to the bay, affecting the landscape and vegetation. Fortunately, nature has gradually restored this hidden treasure, earning back its "Real Gem" rating.

To reach Honomalino Bay, begin your journey at Miloli'i Beach Park. At the end of the road, you'll find restrooms and a yellow church. The public access point lies between them. Please be mindful of the tides; if they are high, you may need to wade through the water. After a brief 3 to 4-minute hike, which includes tide pools and a palm-fringed sandy stretch, follow the fence line on your left, traverse the black rock at the beach's rear, and continue south for about 15 minutes. You might encounter a few fallen trees to hop over.

The right side of the bay features captivating snorkeling spots, especially in the cluster of rocks, provided the waters are calm. At the southern end of the beach, you'll discover a unique feature – freshwater percolating into the sand, creating a cold sensation at the water's edge, known as a basal spring.

Honomalino Bay also offers the delightful possibility of spotting a pod of dolphins that occasionally cruise this bay in the mornings. Scientists believe that while resting, dolphins are capable of effectively shutting down one hemisphere of their brain, including their echolocation abilities, as they doze and cruise along. The shallow waters and light bottom in the bay provide them with protection against predators, despite their reduced sensory awareness in this state.

Furthermore, 1.5 miles south of Honomalino, you can explore the even more secluded Okoe Bay, known for its black sand beach. However, accessing this hidden paradise requires a challenging hike across a lava rock field, and the swimming conditions are less sheltered. The ruins of a house in this area are a testament to the powerful forces of the 2011 Japanese tsunami. Interestingly, the bay was named after an infamous ancient serial killer and her husband, who would kill and bake any unfortunate travelers who came near their home.