Kukio “keiki” beach — Attraction in Hawaii

05/03/2025 (Sat) Even though it was just around 1:30 p.m. on a weekday, we were told at the gate, “It’s closed today.” So disappointing! 😫

05/05/2025 (Mon) Most of the photos posted here seem to be of Kikaua Point Park — with its calm, white-sand lagoon — rather than Keiki Beach. This is understandable, since both beaches share the same entrance gate and parking lot. When you park, you'll find a sign with rules for Kikaua Point Park at the entrance to the paved path on the right. Follow that path and you'll reach Kikaua, a peaceful, man-made beach with soft white sand and a protected lagoon. If you're looking for Kukio Keiki Beach, it’s on the left side of the parking lot. There’s a narrow, unpaved trail that winds between lava rocks and leads to a much more rugged, natural coastline. I’m not sure if both beaches are under the same management, but when Kikaua was closed due to water issues, Kukio Keiki Beach was also closed — so they may be connected in that way. In the end, most visitors probably aren’t too concerned with the names — they’re just here to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. But if you're specifically trying to find Kukio Keiki Beach, I hope...

Kukio was an exceptionally nice beach overall and great for our 6 year old. The sand slopes very gently out into a large and completely calm lagoon area. There were loads of adolescent fish along the edges and some larger fish you’d hope to see while snorkeling exploring as well. We saw a sea turtle up close shortly after we got in the water, and it was seen several times during the few hours we were there.

A major highlight were the coral and fish a little further out, just outside the inner lagoon area. Possibly the best coral garden I’ve ever snorkeled in! We saw dozens of varieties of fish, including schools of tangs, trigger, needle, goat, etc (these might be names I’ve made up over the years)! Also saw very large parrot fish, at least 3 species of large puffers, two flat flounders, and a 3’+ morey eel. It was really amazing!

We arrived at about 9:15 on a Tuesday morning and got pass #18 out of less than 30. The guards were friendly and helpful. Parking was easy, though the walk with our bag and snorkel gear (and 6yo) was another 3-4 minutes from there to the beach. Fairly easy.

Fantastic beach, a highlight...

We came here on a very windy day with a storm rolling that evening. The protected cove was still quite calm and a safe place for the kids to play. Just have to be cautious not to go out near/past the rocks as the current is very strong. We arrived at the security booth around 9:30am and got one of the parking passes (#23). I think there are 28 total so get there early! The security booth is a short drive down Kukio Nui Drive. They gave us a pass and then directed us to turn around and go right down Aina Kaha Place. From there we had to go through a number of gates to get to the beach parking lot. It was a short 5 minute walk on a paved path (with slow kids) to the beach. The beach is...