Magic Sands Seashore Park, formally often called La’aloa Seashore Park, is a charming coastal gem on Ali’i Drive in Kailua-Kona. Famend for its distinctive disappearing and reappearing white sands, this particular seaside affords a mix of distinctive pure magnificence, leisure actions, and cultural significance that draws locals and guests year-round.
Sundown at Magic Sands Seashore (Shutterstock)
The Thriller of Disappearing Sands
The nickname “Magic Sands” stems from the seaside’s intriguing pure phenomenon the place the white sand vanishes in a single day during times of excessive surf, exposing the underlying lava rock. The sand is actually right here in the future and gone the following.
Locals additionally name this seaside “Disappearing Sands.” A number of instances a 12 months robust ocean currents sweep the sand away. Fortuitously, because the swell subsides, the currents step by step return the sand to the shore over a number of weeks, restoring this seaside to its white sand standing. This continuous ebb and stream maintains the seaside’s cleanliness and contributes to its ever-changing panorama.
Located about 4.5 miles south of downtown Kailua-Kona, Magic Sands is well accessible through Ali’i Drive, a scenic coastal highway that gives picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s a handy vacation spot for these searching for a tranquil escape that’s conveniently near Kailua-Kona’s retailers, eating places, and cultural websites.
What Can You Do at Magic Sands Seashore?
Magic Sands Seashore is a well-liked space for ocean recreation:
Swimming: Throughout calm climate situations, the clear and welcoming waters present a superb surroundings for swimming. The sandy ocean backside has a gradual decline, making it appropriate for swimmers of all talent ranges. Lifeguards are on obligation each day, guaranteeing a secure expertise for beachgoers.
Bodyboarding and Browsing: The seaside is famend for its robust shore break, notably throughout southern swells and winter months, creating splendid situations for bodyboarding and browsing. Skilled locals usually flock to the waves, however warning is suggested for inexperienced swimmers due to highly effective currents and potential hazards. Simply assume—if currents can strip the seaside of its sand, think about what they will do to somebody not conversant in the ocean.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: On days when the ocean is calm, the areas adjoining to the rocky limitations provide respectable snorkeling situations. The colourful underwater ecosystem teems with marine life. Moreover, a small rocky cove simply south of the primary seaside serves as a preferred entry level for scuba divers, particularly at a web site often called Mile Marker 4.
Seashore Volleyball: For many who take pleasure in land-based actions, there’s a sand volleyball courtroom for anybody who desires to begin a pickup recreation.
Kona Magic Sands Seashore (Shutterstock)
What Makes Magic Sands a Customer-Pleasant Seashore?
The seaside is properly suited to vacationers, due to:
Lifeguards: A lifeguard tower is staffed seven days per week, providing an added layer of security for swimmers and surfers.
Restrooms and Showers: Fashionable restroom services and out of doors showers can be found, permitting guests to rinse off after a day within the ocean.
Picnic Areas: Grassy areas with picnic tables present a super spot for household outings.
Parking: A number of parking choices can be found. There’s a big lot throughout the road, one other adjoining to the restrooms south of the seaside, and extra shoulder spots alongside Ali’i Drive. Park hours are from 7 a.m. to eight p.m.
Cultural and Historic Significance
Past its leisure enchantment, Magic Sands Seashore holds profound cultural and historic significance.
La’aloa Heiau: The realm is house to the ruins of Haukalua Heiau, an historic Hawaiian temple situated on a degree simply south of the seaside. This sacred web site has been partially restored, with a ceremonial platform (lele) constructed by descendants of the unique inhabitants.
Archaeological Websites: A number of different archaeological websites are within the neighborhood, providing insights into the lives of the traditional Native Hawaiian individuals who as soon as thrived right here.
Magic sands seaside in Huge Island (Shutterstock)
Security Issues
Whereas Magic Sands Seashore affords family-friendly recreation, it’s necessary for guests to be vigilant and conscious of their environment.
Ocean Situations: The seaside is thought for its variable climate—calm waters appropriate for swimming on some days and highly effective, probably hazardous waves on others. It’s essential to evaluate the ocean’s state while you arrive and ask the lifeguards whether or not that individual day is secure to enter the ocean.
Shore Breaks and Rip Currents: The robust shore break can pose dangers, particularly throughout excessive surf situations. Rip currents are additionally prevalent and might pull swimmers into deeper waters. Inexperienced swimmers and surfers needs to be cautious and contemplate various seashores with milder situations.
Close by Sights and Eating
Magic Sands’ location makes it an awesome base for vacationers. Guests searching for lodging close to this picturesque seaside have a wide range of choices starting from resorts to trip leases.
Lodging
Aston Kona By the Sea
- 75-6106 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
- Cellphone: (808) 327-2300
- Book Now
An oceanfront resort providing spacious condominium-style lodging with absolutely geared up kitchens and personal lanais, situated only a brief drive from Magic Sands Seashore.
Castle Kona Bali Kai
- 76-6246 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
- Cellphone: (808) 329-9381
- Book Now
Condominium leases with ocean or mountain views, geared up with full kitchens and personal balconies, located alongside Ali’i Drive close to the seaside.
Royal Kona Resort
- 75-5852 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
- Cellphone: (808) 329-3111
- Book Now
Rooms with personal balconies overlooking the ocean, together with facilities like an oceanfront pool and on-site eating, situated just a few miles north of Magic Sands Seashore.
Kona Tiki Hotel
- 75-5968 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
- Cellphone: (808) 329-1425
- Book Now
A boutique oceanfront lodge the place each room has a personal oceanfront lanai. Relaxed ambiance only a brief drive from Magic Sands Seashore.
Pacific 19 Kona
- 75-5646 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
- Cellphone: (808) 334-8050
- Book Now
A contemporary boutique lodge providing fashionable rooms and facilities, located within the coronary heart of Kailua-Kona for handy entry to native points of interest.
Close by Sights
Listed here are some notable websites and actions close to Magic Sands Seashore:
Pāhoehoe Seashore Park
Simply north of Magic Sands Seashore, Pāhoehoe Seashore Park is a small grassy space with picnic tables and ocean entry. Whereas the shoreline is rocky, it’s a great spot for picnicking and having fun with coastal views.
Kahaluʻu Seashore Park
Roughly one mile south of Magic Sands Seashore, Kahaluʻu Seashore Park is famend for its glorious marine life. The calm, clear waters are house to vibrant coral reefs and various fish, making it a favourite with snorkelers.
Huliheʻe Palace
Located in downtown Kailua-Kona, about 4 miles north of Magic Sands Seashore, Huliheʻe Palace is a historic museum that was as soon as a trip residence for Hawaiian royalty. Guests can discover artifacts and furnishings from the period of King Kalākaua and Queen Kapiʻolani.
Kealakekua Bay
Positioned roughly 12 miles south of Magic Sands Seashore, Kealakekua Bay is a marine life conservation district famed for its clear waters and vibrant underwater ecosystem. It’s a super spot for kayaking, snorkeling, and studying concerning the historic significance of Captain Prepare dinner’s touchdown web site.
Kaloko-Honokōhau Nationwide Historic Park
About seven miles north of Magic Sands Seashore, this nationwide park affords insights into historic Hawaiian tradition. Guests can discover fishponds, petroglyphs, and sacred temples whereas having fun with scenic coastal trails.
The Unique Hawaiian Chocolate Manufacturing unit
A brief drive from Magic Sands Seashore, study all concerning the chocolate-making course of and pattern regionally produced delicacies right here.
Mauna Kea Summit
For these prepared to enterprise additional out, a visit to Mauna Kea Summit affords unparalleled stargazing alternatives. At virtually 14,000 ft of elevation, you’ll want a 4WD automobile to go to the summit, however the view from the Mauna Kea Guests Middle at 9,000 ft is wonderful, and you may get there in an everyday automobile. You may as well use telescopes to see the celebrities. Professional Tip: the sunsets are unbelievable right here
Meals Central
You received’t go hungry close to Magic Sands Seashore. Listed here are some notable eating places within the neighborhood:
- 76-6246 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
- Cellphone: (808) 329-7653
Rnowned for its recent poke bowls, this spot gives a wide range of marinated uncooked fish choices, embodying genuine Hawaiian flavors. Positioned contained in the Fortress Kona Bali Kai, they’ve out of doors seating and don’t take reservations. Hours are 10 a.m. to Four p.m. Monday thorugh Friday.
- 75-5801 Ali‘i Dr Constructing 1, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
- Cellphone: (808) 450-0896
A family-owned oceanside restaurant in Coconut Grove Market, they concentrate on recent, native, natural, and sustainable meals that’s common for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Half coffeehouse, half bakery, half American bistro, go to 7 a.m. to eight:30 p.m. seven days per week.
- 75-5995 Kuakini Hwy STE 1, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
- Cellphone: (808) 327-0209
A various menu options recent seafood, prime steaks, and island-inspired dishes in a heat, inviting ambiance in Pottery Terrace.
- 75-5683 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
- Cellphone: (808) 326-2002
Steak, seafood and cocktails in a laid-back ambiance, take pleasure in overlooking Kona Bay.
Close by Sights
Kailua Pier in Kailua-Kona is a central location for a wide range of common excursions that showcase the pure magnificence and cultural richness of Hawai‘i’s Big Island.
Manta Ray Night time Snorkel
Expertise the fun of snorkeling with majestic manta rays after sundown. These guided tours present an unforgettable alternative to watch these light giants feeding of their pure habitat.
Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour
Discover the colourful underwater life and coral reefs of Kealakekua Bay, a marine sanctuary identified for its clear waters and historic significance as the positioning of Captain Cook’s Monument on a snorkeling excursion.
Whale Watching Cruises
Seasonal whale watching tours provide the possibility to watch humpback whales throughout their migration. These cruises present instructional commentary and the chance to see different marine life reminiscent of dolphins and sea turtles.
Glass Backside Boat Excursions
Excellent for many who want to remain dry whereas exploring underwater ecosystems, glass backside boats provide views of coral reefs and marine life by means of clear viewing panels. These family-friendly excursions present instructional insights into the native marine surroundings.
Kona Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Discover Kailua-Kona’s points of interest at your personal tempo with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. This handy service stops at key websites, together with historic landmarks, purchasing areas, and seashores, permitting for a versatile sightseeing expertise.
Closing Ideas
Magic Sands Seashore Park may be an necessary a part of your particular time on the Huge Island of Hawai‘i. You’ll come away from the island wishing you had extra time to observe the magic of the Disappearing Sands Seashore.
