Honokohau Harbor Beach

Before Honokohau Beach became a modern-day snorkelers paradise, this calm stretch of shore (sheltered from battering waves from an offshore reef) was an ancient dwelling place for several hundred indigenous islanders. Thankfully, a lot of fascinating prehistoric artifacts still remain—like religious temples, burial sites, longhouse platforms, manmade fish ponds, rock carvings and other supercool stuff of archeological interest. Make sure to follow the trail and take a dip in the lava rock pool (a.k.a. Queen’s Bath) which is constantly filled by a mountain spring. Also of interest (if you’re into this sort of thing): the north end of the beach is clothing optional and a quite popular sunbathing spot among the gay community.