Kauna'oa Bay (Mauna Kea Beach)

Kauna'oa Bay, also called Mauna Kea Beach, is a Kohala Coast white-sand crescent with palm trees, clear calm-season water, rocky ends and sunset views.

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Kauna'oa Bay (Mauna Kea Beach), Big Island

"Perfect" has been used to describe Kauna'oa Bay 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 Kauna'oa Bay 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.

Kauna'oa Bay fronts the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and is therefore also known as Mauna Kea Beach. It is a public beach, but if you're not staying at the hotel, you'll have to get a beach access pass at the resort entrance gate. Tip: arrive early to ensure you're not turned away, as there are only 40 public parking spaces for beach visitors.

Kauna'oa 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. Nearby Mauna Kea vacation rentals may be useful for visitors staying close to this part of the Kohala Coast.

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 Kauna'oa - Wai'ula'ula Beach and Mau'umae Beach. Both are two small pockets of white sand.

Key Features

White-sand crescent on the Kohala Coast
Also known as Mauna Kea Beach
Fronts the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Shoreline stretches about half a mile
Rocky southern side adds reef and fish habitat
Public beach parking is limited at the resort gate
Winter surf can create shorebreak and rip currents
Evening hotel lights may draw manta rays offshore
Wai'ula'ula and Mau'umae beaches are farther north by coastal walk
Visitors should arrive early and judge ocean conditions before entering the water

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should visitors arrive?

Earlier is better because public beach parking is limited. If the gate allotment is full, visitors may need to return later or choose another beach.

What is the beach surface like?

Kauna'oa Bay has a long white-sand shoreline with rocky ends, giving it a softer main beach area and more textured edges near the reef.

When does the bay become rougher?

Winter surf can bring shorebreak and rip currents, so the same beach that feels calm in settled weather can become unsafe when swell arrives.

Can visitors see manta rays from shore?

Sometimes. After dark, lights near the hotel’s Manta Ray Point area may attract plankton, which can bring manta rays close enough to view from shore.

What nearby beaches can be reached on foot?

Wai'ula'ula Beach and Mau'umae Beach are north of Kauna'oa, reached by a longer coastal walk from the main beach area.