Know the Rules/Fishing Regulations/Marine Managed Areas/Hawai‘i Marine Life Conservation Districts/Old Kona Airport
Hawai‘i - Old Kona Airport Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD)
The Old Kona Airport MLCD protects a broad stretch of coastal waters along the western coastline of Hawai‘i Island, just north of Kailua‑Kona town. It is named after the old airport built here in the 1940s, which was later shut down after the completion of the larger Kona International Airport in 1970.
MLCD Boundaries
The MLCD includes the nearshore waters fronting Old Kona Airport State Park and adjacent private lands. Its boundaries are defined by:
- A line 500 yards seaward from the west end of the park
- A line 500 yards seaward from the Kailua lighthouse
A single day‑use mooring is located offshore of the prominent “Shark Rock” near the MLCD’s northwestern boundary, in about 40 feet of water. There is also a No Boating Zone within the nearshore waters in front of the Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area.
Marine Environment & Entry Points
Water Entry
There are several shoreline features that provide ocean access:
- Small inlets and sandy channels along the front of the park (best in calm conditions)
- A large sandy tidepool between the park’s eastern end and Kuka‘ilimoku Point, popular for small children
- A partially protected cove at the northwestern end—the preferred entry for snorkelers and SCUBA divers
- A semiprotected basin at the southeastern end of the old airstrip, suitable for divers during calm to moderate conditions
Underwater Features
The reef fronting the park is characterized by:
- Numerous shallow lava fingers extending offshore
- Depths of up to 50 feet before dropping sharply into deeper ocean
- Substantial coral cover with diverse reef fish communities
- Frequent sightings of turtles and rays
- Excellent snorkeling within 50 yards of shore
- A surf break over the reef shelf east of Shark Rock
This combination of shallow structure and access points makes Old Kona Airport a favorite for confident snorkelers and experienced divers.
Safety Considerations
- Exercise caution during entry—sharp coral and lava rock line most of the shoreline.
- Dangerous swells and currents may occur during both summer and winter storms.
- No lifeguards are currently on duty, though staffing is planned for the future.
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Parking
- Pavilions
- Picnic Tables
Regulations
Permitted Activities
- Akule may be taken by handline at night; ‘ōpelu may be taken by lift or ‘ōpelu net with bait or chum for home or commercial use
- Finfish may be taken from shore for home consumption by throw net or pole‑and‑line (without reel) with bait
- Collection of wana, wana hālula, and hā‘uke‘uke is allowed with hand tools (no SCUBA) from June 1–October 1
- Commercial dive/tour operations allowed at the mooring and from shore with a permit
Prohibited Activities
- Taking, harming, or possessing any marine life, including live shells, ‘opihi, live coral, algae, limu, or marine eggs, except as allowed above
- Removing or altering sand, coral, rock, shells, or other geological features, or possessing gear intended for such use
- Fish feeding or introducing substances to attract marine organisms except for the purpose of catching and removing that organism as permitted
- Anchoring any watercraft within the MLCD.
- Operating motorized watercraft within the No Boating Zone, except for emergency or enforcement operations
- Conducting commercial dive/tour activities without a valid permit
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