Old Kona Airport Beach Park

Located less than a mile north of the Kailua Pier, Old Kona Airport Beach Park is an enormous public resource that was the area's only airport until Kona International Airport was finished in 1970. The airport runway was just too short for the larger aircrafts that were servicing the burgeoning resort and tourist demands, and it was soon decommissioned. By 1976 the area had been converted into a park, and it has become a staple beach in the Kona area.

Running the length of the runway, this park has plenty of room. Parking is on the edge of the old runway, and the beach is long and wide. There are multiple picnic table areas set up with grills nearby, and there are pavilions for groups as well (first-come, first-served). Restrooms and outdoor showers are also on site. This area isn't the best for swimming due to the rocky shoreline, though there are small pools that are perfect for children to splash around in. There may be no better spot in Kona for aerial pursuits, however, so look for kites flying along the runway.