Snorkeling Kahalu'u

Kahalu’u Bay
    

Snowflake Moray, Kahalu'u December 2011

      Heading south on Alii Drive, one passes a few miles of condos.  As you go south, small houses dominate the makai side of the road. Just north of the Keahou Beach Hotel is is Kahalu’u beach park.  There is a large parking lot and lots of street parking.

    Kahalu'u used to be my number one spot.  Over the years I have become impressed with the down side of Kahalu’u.  The beach here is a coarse grain sand.  Entry is made by following the sand channel in front of the lifeguard.  Sit on the lava or in the shallow water, put on your fins and mask and get washed out through the channel.  Walking out further creates more problems, although that is what most people do.  If it is extremely shallow there may be no choice but to walk painfully through the narrow sand channel, but remember, you can float through in three inches of water.  If you are here during the middle of the day, there may be lots of people clogging this entry, including the Reef Teachers.   Once you are prepared for your entry, do not let them distract you and  do not try another entry.  This is the safe way out.  Keep your mind on the task at hand,  put on your fins and swoop through the forest of legs.  Aloha!

Lagoon Triggerfish, Kahalu'u  December 2012

    There is often a current…sometimes when the waves are larger it is very strong. The lifeguards in recent years have begun admonishing swimmers to stay in safe areas.  They will close the beach if it is unsafe.  Never the less, there are more rescues here than any other place in Hawaii, so exercise common sense if the conditions are too difficult for your ability.  The water remains clear here even when rough conditions have turned other spots cloudy, but be prepared for the current. The city fathers continue to promote Kahalu'u as “the snorkel beach.”  On days when a ship is in, currently Wednesday, the beach may be mobbed.

   Once clear of the entry, I generally turn left (into the current) and swim that direction , toward the Menehune Breakwater,  until it becomes shallow.  I then turn right and swim clockwise around the bay.  If one finds themselves in a difficult current, unable to get back to the initial entry, there is an alternative.  Rescue Beach is just seaward of the smaller kiosk facing Alii Drive. It is a rocky entrance used by surfers that permits you to swim across a current that might otherwise haul your hou'li okole out to sea.  The closer you land to the kiosk, the sandier it is likely to be.
   

Green Sea turtle is common at "K Bay"

       Kahalu'u means “Bay of the Fishes” and the number of species here, both fish and invertebrates, is still very good.  One can never go wrong by taking another swim here.  It is a great spot for small Snowflake and Stout Moray Eels.  Lagoon Triggerfish is more common here.  Some people refer to Kahalu'u as "Turtle Beach"  and it is a great place to see turtles.  It is also a fantastic place to see hermit crabs and other interesting invertebrates.   Many days it is calm, clear and the animals are outstanding.

    The facilities at Kahaluu have been improved.  There are restrooms and showers.  The large kiosk is used for community events like baby luaus and remembrances.    Sadly the National Park Service purchased the Keahou beach Hotel in November 2012.  The park service has closed the grounds, so you can no longer view David Kalekaua's Beach Cottage and the other historical tidbits found through the hotel and its grounds.  C'est Domage.  

Bloody Hermit Crab, Dardanus sanguinocarpus,  Kahalu'u, 12/11

   The little blue church, St. Peter’s,  has survived a hurricane and is charmingly picturesque.  The adjacent heiau offers a great look seaward and a chance to offer thanks to Hualalai and Kanaloa.  The small altar there is ideal for an offering, a lei, a coin or even a cigarette.  I personally use a cup of fresh water.  The view of the bay is tremendous and its a great place for contemplation.  

jeff

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