Puako Bay

Puako Bay is a Kohala Coast shoreline with rocky coves, tide pools, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, petroglyph history, no facilities and no lifeguards.

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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. Due to the nearshore rocky ocean bottom, Puako Bay is not a good area for swimming. The bay is mainly frequented by scuba divers because of the bay's vast reef. Shoreline fishing is also common when conditions are safe.

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 the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve, each one with a story to tell. A trail leads from Holoholokai Beach to the petroglyph site.

Key Features

Kohala Coast bay: Long shoreline along Puako Beach Drive
Rocky shoreline: Tide pools, coves, inlets and reef flats define the coast
Narrow white-sand stretch: Scenic beach area runs along much of the bay
Calm-condition snorkeling: Best when the ocean is calm and visibility is clear
Scuba diving area: Broad reef habitat attracts experienced divers
Tidepooling and fishing: Popular shoreline activities when conditions are safe
Petroglyph history: Nearby preserve has one of Hawaii's largest petroglyph collections

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Puako Bay located?

Puako Bay is located along Puako Beach Drive in Kamuela on Hawaii Island's Kohala Coast.

Is Puako Bay good for swimming?

Swimming is not ideal because the nearshore ocean bottom is rocky. The bay is better for snorkeling, diving, tidepooling and fishing when conditions are calm.

Can you snorkel at Puako Bay?

Yes. Puako Bay can offer good snorkeling when the ocean is calm and visibility is clear, especially around reef and cove areas.

What is Puako Bay best for?

Puako Bay is best for calm-condition snorkeling, scuba diving, tidepooling, fishing, reef scenery and visiting the nearby petroglyph preserve.

What facilities are available at Puako Bay?

There are no facilities or lifeguards at Puako Bay, so visitors should bring what they need and use caution near the rocky shoreline.