Pages Menu
Categories Menu

Pebble Beach

Other names: Kaohe Beach, Ili Ili Beach (Ili ili is “pebbles” in Hawaiian)
Location: Kona Paradise Subdivision, South Kona
Directions: Access to Pebble Beach can be a bit of a challenge.  The most common route is through the Kona Paradise subdivision, about an hour’s drive south of Kona.  Between mile markers 96 and 97 on Highway 11, turn towards the ocean onto Kaohe Road.  From here, you will follow a very steep winding road leading to Mapuna Road, which leads to the beach.  It is 6,000 feet long and drops 1,000 feet in elevation.  A 4-wheel drive vehicle is best for this terrain.  Parking is limited.

Pebble Beach gets its name from the black lava pebbles that line its coast (That means it can be HOT on paws and bare feet, so please go early morning or early evening!).  This beach has a rich marine ecosystem with an array of reefs teeming with fish and other native marine life.  This sounds like the perfect snorkeling spot, but the shorebreak can be treacherous when the surf is up.  Strong currents are almost always present.  In the Summer, big waves are rare and the beach is great.

Sign posted: Animals must be leashed.  No camping.  No lifeguard on duty.

Kona Paradise subdivision

 

Pebble Beach

Additional photos can be found at: http://sbhawaii.com/hawaii/kona/pebble_beach/pebble_beach.html

Beach Etiquette for Dog Owners

  • Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
  • Take your dog home at the first sign of unfriendly behavior.
  • Puppies and dogs should be vaccinated and healthy.
  • Keep close supervision of your dog and do not let them near honu (sea turtles) that frequently sunbathe on the rocks and beach.
  • Dogs in estrus/heat should be left at home.
  • Pick up and dispose of your dog’s waste.

How to keep your dog safe at the beach

  • When taking your dog to the beach, make sure there is plenty of fresh water and shade. Dogs can get sunburned just like humans, so limit your dog’s exposure to the hot sun and apply a zinc-free sunblock to his ears and nose 30 minutes before going outside.
  • Be careful not to let your dog spend too much time on hot sand or asphalt. Dogs can burn their feet just as easily as we can.
  • Cool ocean water is very tempting to a dog. Don’t allow your dog to drink too much seawater. This can cause diarrhea or vomiting and quickly dehydrate them.
  • Swimming is a great form of exercise for dogs, but don’t let them overdo it. They will be using new muscles and may tire quickly.
  • Running on a beach is strenuous exercise and a dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament. If your dog is out of shape, don’t encourage him to run on the sand.
  • The beach can present many hazards for your dog. Things to watch out for include boats, fishhooks, dead fish, honu (sea turtle), Keawe tree thorns, wana (sea urchin), garbage, and broken glass. Lava rock can be very sharp and can easily cut your dog’s feet.

Post a Reply