Kolekole Beach Park
Kolekole Beach Park
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4.0
50 reviews
Excellent
15
Very good
20
Average
11
Poor
3
Terrible
1
AlaskaDS
Naples, FL55 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
We had a rental car and were looking for sightseeing opportunities to visit while we were out for the day. We pulled up to a large empty parking lot and field with clean restroom facilities. So far so good. After a short walk along the river, we spotted the waterfall. The waterfall was close to where the river emptied out into the ocean and both were roaring out to the sea. It was magical really to see 3 water sources converging, and not a soul around other than the 2 of us. I can see from some other posters TA pics that it is not always this rough and at times you can wade across the river and sit below the waterfall. The run off from the mountains was strong when we visited in September so this was definitely not possible. Also, in the distance you are able to hear and vaguely see other waterfalls near the opposite side of the bridge. A great little place to stop and take in nature!
Written 17 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony S
San Clemente, CA24 contributions
Feb 2016
This is a super awesome place to stop and check out the scenery. It's below a bridge and comes up quick on Hwy 19. There's a chance you'll miss it regardless of the direction you're driving. It's worth turning around and going back.
After you turn in off of Hwy 19 it's the first right down a little stretch of road. If you follow the main road off of 19 it takes you to a little locals suburb which isn't your intended destination.
At the beach you'll find a rocky pool/pond of water being fed by a couple of fantastic water falls and the surf pounding in from the ocean.
Climb some of the rocks and enjoy the serenity of watching the surf crash into the rocks. You'll occasionally see folks surfing however it looked a little too dangerous for my taste. There's some rusting steel beams and plenty of driftwood and rocks that you can get slammed into if you wipe out ungracefully.
This was one of our favorite little stops during our time in Hilo.
After you turn in off of Hwy 19 it's the first right down a little stretch of road. If you follow the main road off of 19 it takes you to a little locals suburb which isn't your intended destination.
At the beach you'll find a rocky pool/pond of water being fed by a couple of fantastic water falls and the surf pounding in from the ocean.
Climb some of the rocks and enjoy the serenity of watching the surf crash into the rocks. You'll occasionally see folks surfing however it looked a little too dangerous for my taste. There's some rusting steel beams and plenty of driftwood and rocks that you can get slammed into if you wipe out ungracefully.
This was one of our favorite little stops during our time in Hilo.
Written 3 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TWonderlust
Oceanside, CA274 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
Dropped in following our Akaka falls ziplining experience for a packed lunch. Great public park where a river hits the rugged coastline. A cascading waterfall and old coastal bridge high overhead improve the scenery.
Written 6 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gator0178
Tampa, FL423 contributions
Jun 2015 • Family
We stopped here after doing an amazing zipline. What a way to finish the day. You can picnic at the tables, swim in the river and waterfall, and swing off the rope swing. We had a blast!
Written 28 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madelaine M
Vancouver, Canada14 contributions
Apr 2014 • Solo
So I bought a permit to camp here. That was erroneous. This was part of my solo bike tour of Hawaii. I rolled in and it was dumping rain, I was tired of cycling. It was full of "characters". As in wildly day drunk individuals leering and people shooting me the stink eye like no one's business. I think that this place attracts lots of homeless people due to the power outlets and remote setting- perfect place to cause a ruckus and let out all that undesirable energy. I did not feel comfortable here at all- no one was camping- so I took off to Hilo.
Written 25 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sc3gray
16 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
So glad we made the short trip from highway to the camp ground and beach. This is where the Akaka Falls (river) runs into the ocean. Lovely location with easy river access and a waterfall just on the other side with a rope swing. A few covered camp sites. Close to the Wild Ocean Waves. Beautiful spot for a BBQ or picnic lunch. Quite a surprise to find a river that you can swim in. Highly recommend a stop even if just for pictures.
Written 15 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marksman000
Anchorage, AK18 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
We spent only a short time here while making a driving tour. It was Worth a quick stop to see the beach from another point.
Written 6 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
makahaharry
Mount Ida, AR1 contribution
Oct 2017 • Solo
Lead paint. Hawaii's solution to every park challenge is to close it. The Haiku stairs and Sacred Falls in Oahu are prime examples. Anyhow, take the access road down and park at the Kolekole gate - and walk in. Not that long of a walk. Bring a wagon or cart for your stuff - and enjoy. Great swimming and picturesque waterfall right there. Great lawn field for games. Covered picnic pavillion. My favorite spot.
Written 1 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cameron C
Santa Barbara, CA2 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
A prominent sign on the south end of the hwy bridge announces this park, but after you turn off, it's difficult to actually find it. Once you reach the bottom of the ravine, the sign there is missing, the road gated, and the hairpin turn-off is easy to miss. We drove right past it by several miles the first time. However, we finally did find it, and our patience was rewarded. It's a gorgeous spot downstream of the famous Akaka Falls. The surf comes crashing in to the little creek mouth, where another little waterfall feeds into the stream. Would have been a beautiful spot for a picnic, but...
Alas, as of Feb. 2018, the park still appears to be permanently closed with no signs of ever re-opening. What a shame. From reading the other reviews, appears it was open as little as a year ago, but it feels like it's been abandoned for much longer than that. The signs announcing the closure are all rusted. Everything is completely overgrown. The only other visitors were two local surfers (who had some amazing waves all to themselves). Meanwhile, about a half dozen stray (but strangely well-fed) cats have moved in and made the place home, sleeping atop the old covered picnic tables. The whole place has a slightly eerie and post-apocalyptic feel to it, as if nature has reclaimed this valley.
Ignore the foreboding signs and go see this place. It's worth it.
Alas, as of Feb. 2018, the park still appears to be permanently closed with no signs of ever re-opening. What a shame. From reading the other reviews, appears it was open as little as a year ago, but it feels like it's been abandoned for much longer than that. The signs announcing the closure are all rusted. Everything is completely overgrown. The only other visitors were two local surfers (who had some amazing waves all to themselves). Meanwhile, about a half dozen stray (but strangely well-fed) cats have moved in and made the place home, sleeping atop the old covered picnic tables. The whole place has a slightly eerie and post-apocalyptic feel to it, as if nature has reclaimed this valley.
Ignore the foreboding signs and go see this place. It's worth it.
Written 21 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jdp107
Island of Hawaii, HI144 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
This park along with the Hakalau beach park are closed due to high lead levels that were found in the soil. Also Hakalau park’s bridge on Old Mamalahoa is washing out.
From recent web searches, I could not find ETA’s on either. It is a shame as they are both beautiful beach parks.
From recent web searches, I could not find ETA’s on either. It is a shame as they are both beautiful beach parks.
Written 3 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it safe for camping as I have read numerous postings suggesting it is a homeless hangout.
Written 26 May 2015
There were locals camping there. We felt safe and welcome but wouldn't camp there.
Written 26 May 2015
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