Kaunaoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach) at a Glance
"Perfect" has been used to describe Kaunaoa Beach on several occasions, and one look is enough to see why. Fringed with leafy palm trees and fine, golden sand, this beach is considered one of the island's best. White-sand beaches like this one are rare on the Big Island. It is no wonder that Kaunaoa Beach has consistently ranked among the top five beaches in the U.S.
Stretching for about half a mile (800 m), the beach has two coral reefs and generally calm waters. The gently sloping shore at this cove is a good spot for sunbathing, but more adventurous visitors can try snorkeling along the rocky, southern side of the beach, where sea turtles, parrotfish, butterflyfish and other tropical fish can be spotted. However, during times of high surf, which is common in the winter months, a pounding shorebreak and strong rip currents can make entering the ocean hazardous.
Kaunaoa Beach fronts the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and is therefore also known as Mauna Kea Beach. It is a public beach, but beachgoers have to pass through the hotel itself to get to the beach. One can get a free pass and map from the security office at the entrance of the hotel (tip: arrive early to ensure you're not turned away, as there are a limited number of parking spots).
Kaunaoa is one of the well-maintained beaches on the island. Most of the facilities can be found in or close to the hotel, and equipment rentals are available at several beachfront shops.
For visitors who stick around after the sun has gone down, the hotel turns on floodlights over the water. These lights attract plankton, which in turn attract hungry manta rays. There's even a lookout called "Manta Ray Point" where one can get a good view of these interesting evening visitors.
Two other smaller beaches can be accessed by walking for about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) north of Kaunaoa - Waiulaula Beach and Mauumae Beach. Both are two small pockets of white sand.
Kaunaoa Beach in Bullet Points
- Southern end of the bay is the calmest and best for children and novice swimmers
- One of the best beaches on the Big Island
- Rare white-sand beach with good swimming and snorkeling conditions
- Good snorkeling around the rocks on the southern (left) side of the beach
Kaunaoa Beach Facilities (top)
- Showers
- Restrooms
- Limited parking
- No lifeguards
Kaunaoa Beach Water Activities
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Bodyboarding
Kaunaoa Beach Driving Directions / Location
From Kona, take Highway 19 north. Make a left turn at Mile Marker #68. Follow the road to the end.
Address: Mauna Kea Beach Dr., Kamuela, Hawaii 96743
Kaunaoa Beach Map (top)
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Kaunaoa Beach Weather (top)
Now
75°F
Windchill:
75°F
Mostly Cloudy
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Location: Kamuela, HI, US
Wind: 16 mph NE
Humidity: 57%
Visibility: 0 mi
Pressure: 30.04 in rising
Sunrise: 6:36 am
Sunset: 6:35 pm
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Sun
Hi: 80°F
Low: 69°F
Partly Cloudy
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Mon
Hi: 81°F
Low: 70°F
Partly Cloudy
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Kaunaoa Beach Photos (click to enlarge)
(top)
Kaunaoa Beach Reviews and Comments
(top)
Safety Tip
Whatever beach in Hawaii you visit, please have in mind that the ocean can
be very dangerous. Never turn your back against the waves and watch out for underwater
currents and always check the surf conditions. Pay attention to signs posted on
the beach. If you are not sure about the conditions, ask the lifeguards (if any
on the beach). Please
click here to
read more about ocean safety in Hawaii.
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