Waialea Bay (Beach 69)

Waialea Bay, also called Beach 69, is a shaded Kohala Coast beach with white sand, clear summer water and a quieter feel than nearby Hapuna Beach.

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Waialea Bay (Beach 69), Big Island

Waialea Bay is one of the few beautiful white-sand beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii. Many local families come here with their children. The summer months are mostly calm and good for swimming and snorkeling.

The ocean bottom drops off gradually and reaches depths of around 30 feet (9 m) just outside of the bay. Below the surface, you'll find several coral colonies around large underwater rocks. Lots of colorful fish live in the area. Scuba diving can also be possible when conditions are calm.

The water is less friendly in the winter and since there are no lifeguards on duty, it may be best to stay on the shore and watch the waves. When the surf is up, surfers and bodyboarders are drawn to a surf break at the northern point of the bay.

Waialea Beach is also known as Beach 69 among local residents. Visitors may chuckle at this name and wonder why it's called that. The reason is because the public utility pole that's standing at the road that leads to the beach is number 69.

The shore is tucked into a private neighborhood, but has a public access trail. There is plenty of shade on the beach, which makes it a good spot for a picnic and to spend an entire day here. Kayaking can also be possible when the bay is calm.

Key Features

Waialea Bay is also known as Beach 69, a name connected with the old utility pole marker near the beach road
White sand and shade trees give the beach a more tucked-away feel than larger Kohala Coast beaches
Calmer summer days often bring gentler water, while winter surf can pull sand away and leave more rocks exposed
The bay is part of a Marine Life Conservation District that protects coral, fish and other marine life
The nearshore bottom slopes gradually in calm conditions, with sand and rocky patches mixed together
Morning visits often bring easier parking, softer light and clearer water
Trees along the beach create shaded pockets that make the shoreline feel more relaxed
Freshwater runoff can lower visibility after rain or stream flow into the bay
The beach sits near Puako and south of Hapuna Beach along the Kohala Coast
Ocean conditions can change quickly, especially when surf rises across the bay

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Waialea Bay called Beach 69?

The nickname comes from the old utility pole number near the beach road, which helped people identify the turnoff before the beach became better known.

Why can Waialea Bay look different by season?

Winter surf can pull sand away and reveal more rocks, while calmer periods often bring back a softer sandy shoreline.

What does Marine Life Conservation District mean here?

The bay is part of a protected marine area, so give coral, fish and honu space and avoid collecting or disturbing anything in the water.

When is the water usually clearer at Waialea Bay?

Mornings and calmer summer days often bring better visibility, but runoff from an intermittent stream can cloud the water at times.

What should I bring for the shaded areas?

Bring sunscreen, drinking water, a towel or beach mat, and sandals or shoes for the sandy paths and rocky patches near the shore.