Pahalu'u Beach Park is a great place to snorkel. It's easily accessible and full of sea life. Enter and exit the water at the foot of the life guard tower. The south end of the bay is fairly shallow and protected from ocean currents by an ancient breakwater.

Green sea turtles chew away on the sea bottom, occasionally surfacing for air. You'll see Parrot fish, Moorish Idols, Yellow Tangs, Convict Tangs, Sunfish and more. Swimmers should avoid the rip tides at the north end of the bay.

Walk just north of the park and visit St. Peter's Catholic Church, or "the Little Blue Church."

Next to the church is the Ku'emanu Heiau, the surfer temple. In ancient times, only chiefs were allowed to surf. Here, chiefs would pray and make offerings to ensure good waves.

Now all sorts of people are riding the waves. Surfers still pray and make offerings at this site for good surf conditions - and usually get it.

To get there:
Kahalu'u Beach Park is about 9 miles from Pineapple Park/Kona.

Drive north on Highway 11 about 6.8 miles. Turn left at the light on Kamehameha III Drive. Turn right on Alii Drive which will take you along the beachfront. Kahalu'u Beach Park will soon be on your left There's a parking lot which can fill up and overflow to street side parking.