Kauna'oa Bay (Mauna Kea Beach) Photos
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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 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).
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.
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 - Waiulaula Beach and Mau'umae Beach. Both are two small pockets of white sand.
Kauna'oa Bay Overview
- 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
Location: Mauna Kea Beach Dr., Kamuela, Hawaii 96743 Directions: From Kona, take Highway 19 north. Make a left turn at Mile Marker #68. Follow the road to the end.
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