Kahalu‘u Beach Park in Kailua-Kona will be closed from May 11 through May 19 due to cauliflower coral spawning. 

Because Kahalu‘u Bay is home to an important and unique coral reef ecosystem, it is one of the of the most popular snorkeling locations in all of Hawai‘i, with over 400,000 annual visitors.

Marine heatwaves in 2015 and 2019 caused catastrophic bleaching and mortality of more than 90 percent of the cauliflower coral population in Kahalu‘u Bay. In response, yearly rest periods were initiated in 2018, which have had a profoundly positive impact on the health of the reef at Kahaluʻu. From only six mature cauliflower coral colonies left in Kahaluʻu in 2017, there are now hundreds – possibly thousands –of colonies growing on the reef in the bay, providing critical habitat and coastal protection.

During the closure, the public is asked to refrain from swimming, snorkeling and surfing in Kahaluʻu Bay.  The park will reopen May 20. 

DLNR Photo