KAILUA-KONA, HI – Kahaluʻu Beach Park, a popular snorkeling destination on the Big Island, will be closed from May 11th through May 19th to allow for the natural spawning cycle of cauliflower coral, the County of Hawai’i Department of Parks & Recreation announced. The park will reopen on May 20th.
This marks the eighth year of these crucial rest periods at Kahaluʻu Bay, a location considered a “wahi pana,” a sacred and storied place, and home to a unique and important coral reef ecosystem. The bay attracts over 400,000 visitors annually who come to admire its diverse marine life and ancient coral colonies.
“By letting Kahalu’u rest, we are doing our part to protect our coral reef ecosystems as they face increasing pressure from climate change,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “These annual closures are important for helping the coral rebound, and we want to thank our community partners and the public for ensuring that our reefs benefit future generations.”
Cauliflower coral, once abundant in West Hawaiʻi, including Kahaluʻu Bay, suffered catastrophic bleaching and mortality due to marine heatwaves in 2015 and 2019, with over 90% of the population decimated. In response, annual rest periods were implemented in 2018, yielding significant positive results. The reef has rebounded dramatically, growing from just six mature cauliflower coral colonies in 2017 to potentially thousands today, providing crucial habitat and coastal protection.
During the closure, the public is asked to refrain from all water activities in Kahaluʻu Bay, including swimming, snorkeling, and surfing.
“We fully support this voluntary measure as natural reproduction events are critically important,” said DAR administrator Brian Neilson. “Kahaluʻu Bay is a vital nursery for corals and an outstanding example of the kind of work underway to perpetuate these foundations of the ocean.”
Scientific observation, combined with generations of “kilo” (intentional observation), has allowed for accurate prediction of coral spawning events. Research indicates that cauliflower corals can successfully reproduce and resettle in new reef areas in as little as 24 hours.
The Kohala Center’s ReefTeach Program has been a key partner in the county’s efforts to protect and restore Kahaluʻu Bay.
“It has been amazing to see the community come together to care for Kahaluʻu Bay during the rest periods,” said The Kohala Center’s Director of ʻĀina Advocacy Cindi Punihaole. “To see the bay at rest and the new corals growing on the reef is a testament to what is possible when we work together to care for ʻāina.”
The Department of Parks & Recreation and its partners express their gratitude to the public for their understanding and respect for this vital coral recovery and replenishment process.
