Nowhere will you find more breathtaking scenery than within Hawaii’s countless incredible parks. With more than 50 state parks, waysides, recreation areas, monuments, and historic sites, there are countless Hawaiian parks to choose from, some more popular than others. This underrated spot nestled along the Kona coast of Hawaii island might just be one of the island’s best-kept secrets and we can’t wait to share it with you. 

Built on the site of an old landing strip just north of Kailua on the Big Island, the one-of-a-kind Old Kona Airport Recreation Area deserves a spot on your island bucket list.

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Home to a one-mile-long beach, you’ll discover a sandy stretch of sand between the old runway and the rocks at the water’s edge.

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The beach may be rocky, but swimming is possible during calm surf and the many tide pools are as enchanting as can be. During periods of high surf, local surfers flock to the beach.

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Used during World War II, and later housing a small passenger terminal and a 3,800-foot long runway for tourist flights until the much larger Kona International Airport was built in 1970. The old landing strip was used for drag racing before becoming a state park in 1976.

Sodai Gomi/Flickr

Today, the old runway serves as both an access road and a large parking lot and the old terminal building is a public use pavilion. You will also discover restrooms, showers, and picnic facilities.

Sodai Gomi/Flickr

Whether you are enjoying a picnic on one of the shady picnic tables, relaxing on the beach next to the water, or wading through the endless tide pools, you’ll love this unique park. Have we mentioned that the sunsets are truly second to none?

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If you’re searching for a quiet escape from the crowds during the week or a picture-perfect place to enjoy a weekend get-together with friends and family, this is it.

Sodai Gomi/Flickr

The Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Have you ever been to this one-of-a-kind oasis before? If so, share your experiences with us in the comments below.

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Sean Munson/Flickr

Sodai Gomi/Flickr

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Address: 75-5560 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA