Pahoehoe Beach Park

Pahoehoe is located just North of the Whitesands / La'aloa Beach Park (a.k.a. Magic Sands). All the necessary facilities can be found in this park and parking and dive entry is very convenient. This rocky beach has no sand but there is a lovely lawn and picnic area perfect for an afternoon or evening meal. The swimming is poor here due to the rocks but snorkeling is good for the more advanced and experienced swimmer. Open daily, dawn until dusk. The entry/exit area is at the north end of the mini-park. As you head out, get down to the bottom early. It's only about 15 ft down near shore, so the incoming swells break over your head. You'll immediately be in semi-sandy, rocky bottom terrain that is crawling in marine life. The coral formations here are varied and hold promise for a fine coral reef in the future. A great dive for those unsure of their navigation skills. Just follow the pahoehoe lava flow outward. You'll see patchwork reef and sand and lots of interesting nooks and crannies in the lava flow. Swim straight out to sea from the entry/exit area and you'll reach 9 to 12m depths within only a few meters. After you've explored some of the deeper areas return toward your entry/exit point and bear slightly north. This area is filled with lava tubes and ledges. The shelf is shallow so the surge can be extreme. Directions: You'll find Pahoehoe Beach Park at mile 3.7 on Ali'I Drive, just South of Kailua.