How to Visit Responsibly
KAHALUʻU BEACH PARK
On the island of Hawai‘i's western shoreline lies Kahalu‘u Bay. It is a wahi pana, a sacred, celebrated, and storied place embraced by the cultural customs of Hawaiʻi.
Kahaluʻu is home to significant cultural sites, contains a unique intertidal system, and features an important coral reef with a diverse array of marine life. Kahaluʻu Beach Park, located along the shoreline of the bay, is a primary community gathering place and visitor destination for the Kona area of Hawaiʻi Island.
Easily accessible to the public, Kahaluʻu Bay and Beach Park is featured in every visitor’s guide as one of the best snorkel spots in the Hawaiian Islands due to the clear shallow water and abundant tropical reef fishes, as well as the green sea turtles (honu) that frequent the bay.
Unfortunately, the safe and shallow nature of Kahaluʻu Bay is also one of its biggest threats. Over the last several decades, the natural and cultural resources of the park have been degraded by an increase in several chronic stressors, notably including the impact from over 400,000 beachgoers each year.
For those interested in this cherished place, there are some easy ways you can help minimize your environmental footprint if you visit, and even have a create a positive impact by helping to conserve the bay.
The photo above was taken on a beautiful morning in early May, during a rare day of rest for Kahaluʻu. This was the result of a county closure of the bay for spawning of the cauliflower coral. While photos like this are commonly seen in guide books and travel blogs, the reality of the bay on a daily basis can be quite a bit different, as you can see below.
In contrast, this photo (above) was taken on a typical day in 2023, and is pretty representative of the crowds that frequent the bay (though sometimes there are actually many more people). Among other things, the water quality changes dramatically when significant numbers of people kick up sediment and increase turbidity (which is cloudiness due to suspended matter). The image below was the same scene, but taken under the water.
Increased turbidity is only one of the challenges faced by the bay due to such large numbers of visitors. Fortunately, for those interested in this cherished place, there are some easy ways you can help minimize your environmental footprint if you visit, and even have a create a positive impact by helping to conserve the bay!
Visiting the Bay Responsibly
So, as a visitor, how can you immerse yourself in the beauty of Kahaluʻu Bay while ensuring you tread lightly and honor its deep cultural and ecological significance? The bay isn't just another tourist destination; it’s a living testament to Hawaiʻi's rich history and vibrant marine life. As responsible visitors, it's crucial to approach this gem with an attitude of respect and stewardship. There are some easy ways to ensure your visit is both memorable and respectful. We’ll start with some general guidelines for near-shore snorkeling, in general, and then move on to specific tips for Kahaluʻu Beach Park.
General Tips for Responsibly Visiting Near Shore Reefs
Be Careful with Sunscreen
Not all sunscreens are created equal when it comes to marine life. Some contain chemicals that are harmful to coral reefs. Before you lather up, make sure your sunscreen is as safe as possible for the reefs and free from chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate. Opt instead for mineral-only sunscreens. Of course, the best practice is to cover up and avoid times when the UV index is the strongest.
Maintain Distance from Marine Life:
Never touch, chase, or harass marine animals. They're in their natural habitat, and we're merely visitors. Responsible snorkeling is fundamentally about respecting marine life and the fragile ecosystems of coral reefs. These reefs house a vast array of marine species, serving as habitats, breeding areas, and food sources. We should approach marine creatures cautiously, avoiding touching or pursuing them to prevent disrupting their routines. Instead, it's best to observe passively, taking away only photographs and memories.
Swim Mindfully:
Make sure to swim with a slow, gentle motion to minimize any disturbances to marine life and their habitats. By moving gracefully and respecting their space, you can observe and appreciate their natural behavior without causing stress or harm.
Avoid Contact with Coral
Similarly, coral reefs are delicate and easily damaged. Even the slightest touch or kick can harm the delicate coral polyps, which are the building blocks of the reef. Avoid standing or stepping on coral, as this can lead to irreversible damage. A gentle touch can cause significant harm, so it's best to admire these living structures from a distance, allowing them to thrive and flourish undisturbed.
While it's tempting to get as close as possible for a better view or a perfect photograph, remember to maintain a safe distance from the coral. Fins, in particular, can cause damage if you're not aware of your spatial surroundings. Practice your buoyancy control before snorkeling near a coral reef to avoid accidentally brushing against the coral.
Don't Feed the Fish
While it might seem like a kind gesture, feeding fish or other marine life can disrupt their natural feeding habits and encourage dependence on human interaction. This can impact the ecosystem's balance and negatively affect the health of the reefs.
Snorkel Skillfully
Snorkeling is not just about diving into the water and exploring the reef; it requires a certain level of skill and technique to do so responsibly. Proper snorkeling techniques not only allow us to observe marine life in a natural setting, but also prevent unintentional harm to the delicate ecosystem.
First and foremost, it is crucial to maintain a relaxed and horizontal position in the water. Keeping our body parallel to the surface reduces the risk of accidentally touching or disturbing corals, which can be fragile and easily damaged. By remaining buoyant and avoiding contact with the reef, we can navigate through the underwater world without causing harm.
Additionally, mastering our breathing technique is essential for an enjoyable snorkeling experience. Breathing through the snorkel tube in a slow and controlled manner helps us conserve energy and maintain a calm and steady presence in the water. This not only allows us to fully appreciate the beauty of the reef but also minimizes any disturbances that could alarm or stress the marine life.
Furthermore, it is important to be mindful of our fins and their placement in the water. Gentle kicks from the hips, rather than using forceful. splashing strokes, enable us to move gracefully without creating excessive waves or stirring up sediment. By being aware of our surroundings and moving with intention, we can avoid accidentally harming marine organisms or disrupting their natural habitats.
Lastly, let’s ensure that our equipment is not only in good working condition, but also free from anything that may harm the environment. Removing any loose items, such as loose jewelry or dangling straps, mitigates the risk of entanglement or damage to the coral reef and its inhabitants.
Minimize Plastic Use
Carry reusable items to reduce plastic waste and ensure you take any trash with you when you leave. Furthermore, it is crucial to protect the marine environment by not littering or leaving any trace behind. Too many single-use plastics end up in the ocean. Dispose of any trash appropriately when back home if there are no trash cans or if they are overly full.
Practice Respectful Behavior
Whether it's towards marine life, the coral, or other snorkelers, always be respectful and considerate. Respect and consideration are contagious! :)
Guide Your Travel Companions in Responsible Exploration of Coral Reefs
Finally, by guiding your fellow travelers in understanding the ecological significance of reefs and adopting non-invasive exploration techniques, you not only enhance their overall experience but also contribute to the conservation of underwater treasures for future generations. Simple acts like sharing informative articles, watching environmental videos, or even starting conversations about marine conservation can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to make a positive difference.
Specific Tips for Visiting Kahaluʻu Bay in Kona, Hawaiʻi
Understanding Kahalu'u Bay
Honor the Sacredness: Kahaluʻu Bay holds a special cultural significance for Native Hawaiians, so we want to treat the area with the reverence it deserves. Kahaluʻu Bay is not just a site for recreation; it's a delicate ecosystem that supports a multitude of coral species, tropical fish, and sea turtles. The bay is also one of the most accessible beach parks on Hawaiʻi Island, which, while encouraging an appreciation for marine life, puts a strain on the coral reefs due to high visitor volume. We all have to work with intention to ensure that this wahi pana isn’t “loved to death.”
Stay in Designated Area
At the beach park, there are areas that have been sectioned off because of their ecological importance and fragility. For instance, the tidal shelf at the southern part of the beach is tempting to walk on at low tide, but the sheer number of visitors make this practice harmful to the marine habitat.
Another example is the buoys placed each morning to guide visitors in and out the the channel by the beach. Swimming in and out of the bay within these buoys both protects the ecosystem and helps visitors avoid nasty cuts on the rocks on either side. Abiding by these guides helps us avoid inadvertent damage to the bay.
Respect the Sea Turtles
Kahaluʻu Bay is often frequented by Hawaiian green sea turtles, a fact often lauded in the popular guide books. While it's an exciting experience to swim with these peaceful creatures, remember that they are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Maintain a safe distance and never touch or harass the turtles, ensuring they can rest and feed undisturbed. Attention to proper swimming and snorkeling techniques offered above also helps decrease the disturbance to these slow and gentle creatures.
NOAA and the State of Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic Resources (DLNR) recommend, "for your safety and the animals’ protection, that everyone stay at least 10 feet (3 meters) from all sea turtles. If maintaining this distance isn’t possible, keep safety in mind and move away from the animal as carefully as possible, avoiding sudden movements and other actions that might disturb the animal." We recommend staying further away than that, when possible, and especially when visitors have a more '“frenetic" style of swimming.
Dispose of Trash Properly
While the park provides trash cans, they are sometimes very full and the winds can carry loose litter into the bay. Ensure your trash is secured, preferably in a bag, and deposited correctly. Picking up any litter you see also goes a long way in protecting the marine life and maintaining the beauty of the bay.
Take Advantage of ReefTeach
The Kahalu‘u Bay Education Center (KBEC) advocates for reef-friendly behaviors among visitors to safeguard the bay's delicate ecosystem, ensuring a clean and safe environment in the bay and park. As part of this mission, their ReefTeach initiative educates visitors about the bay's marine life, the threats they face, and the do's and don'ts of snorkeling etiquette. Check them out if you are down at the bay!
Learn from Educational Displays
The ReefTeach program features educational displays and has volunteers sharing information about the history, cultural significance, ecological importance, and safety-related knowledge of the bay. Spend a few minutes to engage and learn.
Be Mindful of Sunscreen Use
Kahalu‘u Bay, a shallow reef system, is particularly sensitive to the effects of certain sunscreens. Sunscreens containing chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and other petrochemicals can damage these fragile ecosystems. When visiting Kahalu‘u Bay, we choose mineral-only sunscreens, specifically those with ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. As of this writing, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has listed only two active sunscreen ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as "generally recognized as safe and effective" (GRASE). An even more eco-friendly approach we employ is wear protective clothing and curtailing exposure during peak UV times, ensuring both our safety and the bay's preservation. Keep in mind that many sunscreens will advertise "MINERAL SUNSCREEN" prominently on the front of their packaging, but also include petrochemical sunscreens in the active ingredient list. It's important to go the extra step to ensure that the sunscreen you purchase is "mineral only" by reading the back of the packaging.
Use the Free Reef Friendly Sunscreen Provided
Donʻt have a great sunscreen option with you? No worries. There are free sunscreen dispensers at the bay that have been carefully vetted to be friendly to the bay. Also, the ReefTeach volunteers at the Kahaluʻu Bay help visitors navigate the sometimes confusing path to choosing the best sunscreen for you and your family.
Participate in Citizen Science Projects and Support the Kahaluʻu Bay Education Center
Kahaluʻu Bay has an amazing stewardship program dedicated to its preservation, and they offer many opportunities for you to participate in ongoing conservation efforts. Consider volunteering or donating to KBEC.
Encourage Responsible Behavior
Lastly, lead by example and encourage others to do the same. Spread awareness about the challenges facing Kahaluʻu Bay, inform others about the importance of responsible snorkeling, and inspire them to become ocean stewards themselves!
Final Thoughts
As caring and responsible travelers, we all have the power to become stewards of Kahaluʻu Bay and contribute to its long-term conservation. Together, let's take action today and be the catalyst for change. Remember, it is not enough to passively admire nature; we must actively protect it.
In the words of Jane Goodall, "You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." Let's choose to make a positive difference for Kahaluʻu Bay and its near shore reef ecosystem.
We welcome thoughts or ideas you might have on this article. Contact us!
Photo/Video credits: Dear Ocean & Google Maps.