Relaxing at the Old Kona Airport Beach
The Old Kona Airport Beach is a combination of lava rock slabs and sand, and the sand is mostly strewn with bits of lava rock pieces and pebbles. This is certainly not the most picturesque beach the Big Island has to offer but it is close to the population center of Kailua-Kona and provides a spot that is easily within driving distance of this West-Hawaii metropolis. Ample parking and picnic tables and restrooms make this a great spot for respite from city life for the local population and you can often find locals here watching a sunset or taking an hour or two break to lay out a blanket and enjoy the sun.
The ocean is often very clear here and can often be a good option for snorkeling when the conditions are right and the best area for this is on the north side of the beach. Because there is no life guard on duty here this is probably not the best use of the beach and you could find much better snorkeling locations elsewhere. Locals however do use this area for fishing and you can often watch fisherman using the time-honored method of net-fishing off the coastline here or fishing by hand-line.
Ocean Caution
Be advised that all beaches and ocean locations in Hawaii can be dangerous including this one. Be completely aware of the ocean conditions prior to entering any Hawaiian waters however it is not advised that you enter the water at this location. Also, all shorelines and beaches in Hawaii, including this one, can be frequented by sharks, jellyfish and other sea creatures which can provide potential harm to people entering the water. There are no lifeguard towers at this location.