Kakahi Kai State Park on Tuesday, Oct. 2. Beaches like this are a dime a dozen on the big island of Hawaii.

The magnificently-colored water of Kekaha Kai State Park on Tuesday, Oct. 2.

The nearly-empty beach at Kekaha Kai State Park on Tuesday, Oct. 2. The drive to the beach is excruciating, but well worth the trouble.

The sandy beach and palm trees of Kekaha Kai State Park on Tuesday, Oct. 2.

A view from inside the tidal pool at Wawalioli Beach Park on Tuesday, Oct. 2.