Hawaiʻi County has completed the purchase of a shoreline parcel in North Kona to preserve ocean access and recreation.

The 15,372-square-foot site is located near the popular “Banyans” surfing spot and is one of the few non-developed coastal properties in the area along Aliʻi Drive. Known as Keakealaniwahine, the property was previously slated for development of a five-story condominium.

The $2.1 million purchase occurred through the County’s Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Commission (PONC) program.  Funding for PONC is supported by an annual 2% contribution from the County’s property tax revenues.

Photo credit: Office of Mayor Kimo Alameda