Koki Beach Park

Overview

Koki Beach Park is the moody, red-tinged cove just south of Hāna that feels blissfully off the grid. The setting is pure drama: tan-to-red sand backed by the rust-colored cinder cone of Ka Iwi o Pele, with tiny, coconut-topped ‘Alau Island offshore. It’s a quick, rewarding stop for views and a low-key picnic—not a swimming beach.

What You’ll See

• Red-hued cliffs and sand shaped by the cinder hill Ka Iwi o Pele.
• Frequent surf and locals riding steep waves—great to watch from shore.
• Vistas of ‘Alau Island; from the overlook above, you can also spot a sea arch along the rocky coast.

Swim Conditions and Safety

This is a look-and-linger beach, not a swim beach. Waves are powerful, rip currents can be brutal, and the shoreline is rocky. Many visitors come to stroll, take photos, and watch surfers instead. If you want a safer swim, head less than a mile down Haneo‘o Road to Hamoa Beach.

Picnics and Food

A grassy park area makes Koki a pleasant picnic stop. When it’s operating, the nearby Huli Huli Chicken stand is a crowd favorite—perfect for a plate lunch by the water.

Parking and Logistics

Parking is straightforward, with streetside spots and a large lot right by the sand. Facilities are limited; don’t expect restrooms or showers. Pack out your trash.

Geology and Story

Koki’s distinctive color comes from the eroded red cinder of Ka Iwi o Pele, a volcanic hill tied to Hawaiian legend as a resting place of the fire goddess Pele’s bones. That geology is what paints the cliffs and sand such a photogenic shade.

Best Time to Visit

Come in the morning for softer light on the red cliffs and typically lighter crowds. Midday tends to be busiest (tour buses and lunch stops), and afternoons can still be lively. Sunrise is beautifully quiet if you’re overnighting in Hāna.