Salt Pond Beach Park

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"A relaxed sanctuary at the island’s southern end near Hanapēpē, this park is named for nearby traditional salt beds used by Indigenous Hawaiian people and features a natural rock barrier that creates calm swimming, snorkeling, and windsurfing conditions; facilities include picnic tables, barbecue grills, and showers, and camping is possible with a permit." - Vanessa Wilkins Vanessa Wilkins Vanessa Wilkins is a travel and lifestyle writer with an extensive background in digital journalism. Her work has been published in Travel + Leisure, Departures, The Points Guy, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

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"I enjoy the protected lagoon at Salt Pond Beach Park for its clear water and serene sunset experience." - Sunny Fitzgerald Sunny Fitzgerald Sunny Fitzgerald is a Hawaii-based writer who covers travel, sustainability, culture, health and wellness, and more. Her articles and essays have appeared in National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, BBC, and elsewhere. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

"A natural lava rock ridge protects this crescent beach, meaning its gentle lagoon makes for safe, easy swimming and snorkeling with kids. (Plus, its glimmering red-and-gold sand is too pretty to miss.) Located close to Hawaii’s last remaining traditional salt-gathering ponds (hence the name), it’s known to be a preferred hangout for Monk Seals, as well as local families. That said, in order to protect the fragile natural environment, the namesake salt ponds are off-limits to the public."