Mahukona Beach Park

Mahukona Beach Park has a rather ratty oceanfront picnic area and an abandoned landing. Once a key port for the Kohala Sugar Company, the landing was connected to sugar mills by rail. Today locals fish off it and use its ladder to get in and out of the water to swim or spearfish. Despite the name, there is no beach here.

Beyond the landing are interesting snorkeling and diving spots, although they're usually too rough in winter. Heading north, it's possible to follow an anchor chain out to a submerged boiler and the remains of a ship in about 25ft of water. You can rinse off at a shower near the ladder. The oceanfront picnic area has portable toilets, an unkempt wooden pavilion, picnic tables and barbecue pits. Camping is allowed on the park's gently sloping grassy area with some tree cover. A county permit is required , and campers should bring water and insect repellent. The entrance is around the 15-mile marker. As you drive in, veer right for the landing, and left for the picnic area.