Puako Bay Photos

Puako Bay, Big Island

Puako Bay on the Big Island’s northwestern coast has a rocky shoreline with many tide pools, inlets and coves, which offer good snorkeling conditions when the ocean is calm. A long, but narrow white-sand beach spans almost the entire length of the bay.

Puako is also known for being home to the largest collection of petroglyphs in the state. The petroglyphs (ancient rock drawings) depicting life in prehistoric Hawaii hold a deep cultural value. Over 3,000 of these drawings can be found at Puako, each one with a story to tell. A trail leads from the beach to the petroglyph site. It is best to tour the area on foot so you can stop to admire the handiwork.

Puako Bay Overview

• Good beach for tidepooling and snorkeling
• Expansive petroglyph field nearby

Location: Puako Beach Dr., Kamuela, Hawaii 96743

Directions: From Kona, drive north on Highway 19. Before mile marker 70, make a left turn onto Puako Road. There are six public access trails, located by telephone poles #106, 110, 115, 120, 127 and 137.

Now 69°F Windchill: 69°F Cloudy

Location: Kamuela, HI, US Wind: 13 mph E Humidity: 84% Visibility: 0.1 mi Pressure: 29.95 in steady Sunrise: 6:56 am Sunset: 6:21 pm

Wed Hi: 79°F Low: 65°F Mostly Sunny

Thu Hi: 81°F Low: 67°F Mostly Sunny

• No facilities
• No lifeguards

• Snorkeling
• Scuba diving
• Tidepooling
• Fishing

Rating Comments* Name* Email (Will not be shown) Security Image*

Comments   I lived in Puako as a young boy 1969-72 we loved it! The Petroglyphs take you back to old Hawaii & the snorkeling is some of the best on the Big Isle! Rich Dubbs, Fri Oct 28, 2011