Keokea Beach Park

Keokea Beach Park is a surf spot located in Big Island, Hawaii, along the North Kohala coastline. The spot features a rocky bottom and is surrounded by steep sea cliffs. Access is via Highway 270 north, then west past Hawi and Kapa’au, turning left at mile marker 27 to reach the beach. The shoreline is made up of boulders, and there is a breakwater of rocks that creates a small cove with calmer water, but the main surf area is exposed and unprotected. The surf spot provides right waves. The wave length ranges from 50 to 150 meters. The spot is best for intermediate and advanced surfers, and it is not recommended for beginners due to strong currents, rocks, and the need to paddle around the current. Boards most commonly used here are shortboards. The spot works at all tides and is surfed regularly, but you will usually find only a few surfers in the water. The best conditions are with a swell coming from the northwest, north, or northeast, with a minimum swell height of 4 feet, and winds from the southeast or south. The nearest surf spots are Kapaniah, Swimming Pools, Kohala Lighthouse, Coast Guard, and Waipio Valley. Facilities at the park include picnic tables, pavilions, fire pits, barbecue grills, restrooms, and showers. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The access road is single-lane with blind hairpin turns, so drive carefully. When the spot is crowded, respect the locals and always check the surf etiquette. Check your skills before paddling out, be sure that the spot and conditions fit your surfing level. Watch out for rocks and strong currents, especially if you take off deep, as you might end up in the pocket. The spot is considered one of the strongest rights in North Kohala.