Kiholo bay, Protected bay in North Kona, Hawaii, US

Kiholo Bay stretches for approximately 2 miles along the Big Island's shoreline with dark sand beaches, volcanic rock formations, and tide pools. The area also includes freshwater-fed zones that create distinct environments for visitors to explore.

King Kamehameha I built extensive stone walls in the early 1800s to create productive fishing areas. The site was later altered by volcanic activity, though remnants of the ancient stonework remain visible today.

Wainanaliʻi Pond, at the bay's northern end, sits between hardened Mauna Loa lava and a coconut grove and is also called Hawaii's Blue Lagoon. Green sea turtles come daily to feed and bask on the rocks; state law protects them and they may not be disturbed. The pond lies within the fisheries management area from Nāwaikūlua Point to Hou Point.

The bay is accessible via Highway 19, followed by a gravel road or hiking trail to reach the shore. Wearing sturdy shoes is important since lava rocks are sharp and the ground is uneven throughout the area.

The large stones around the tide pools are remnants of the rock walls, 6 feet tall and 20 feet wide, that Kamehameha had built; the 1859 Mauna Loa flow, 48 km away, submerged the pond and left the black pebble beaches. Up to five million gallons of submarine groundwater move from the bay to coastal waters daily.