Anaeho'omalu Bay
Anaehoʻomalu Beach, also known as A-Bay, is a scenic white-sand beach on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast. Located near Waikoloa Beach Resort, it features ancient fishponds, swaying palm trees, and calm waters ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and water sports. The beach offers historical significance, modern facilities, and one of the island’s most iconic sunset views.
Anaeho'omalu Beach, Big Island
Anaeho'omalu Bay (also known as A-Bay) (view panorama)×, located on the Big Island of Hawaii's west shore near the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort Resort, is one of the prettiest beaches in this area. It features a long white-sand beach, several tide pools, fishponds and a large grove of coconut palms. You'll also find it better equipped than its neighbors, with restrooms, showers and a parking lot conveniently located nearby.
Like many of the Big Island beaches, Anaeho'omalu is protected by an offshore reef. The ocean bottom drops off gently here, and the beach is popular for a variety of ocean sports, including swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, scuba diving and surfing. Dangerous ocean conditions may occur during storms or high surf.
Located just behind the beach are two ancient Hawaiian fishponds, named Ku'uali'i and Kahapapa (Ku'uali'i is the larger of the two). The ponds were once used by Hawaiian royalty to raise mullet and other small fish. They were maintained by the fishermen who lived in this area, and the fish that were raised here were only given to royal people. That's probably why this beach was named Anaeho'omalu, which means "restricted mullet" in the Hawaiian language.
The area is surrounded by educational plaques offering interesting tidbits of Hawaiian history. Now a favorite among photographers, the ponds boast interesting colors and look simply spectacular during sunset.
If you'd like to explore a bit, you can hike the nearby King's Trail, which leads through a 2-acre (8,094 sq. m) historical park featuring rock shelters, petroglyphs (rock carvings) and other ancient artifacts. Another trail will take you to the Hilton Waikoloa and other luxury hotels.
In March 2011, Anaeho'omalu Bay was damaged by a tsunami wave that was caused by the devastating earthquake in Japan. The tsunami literally sliced Anaeho'omalu Bay into two pieces and broke the wall of the ancient Ku'uali'i Fishpond. The 100-foot gaping hole in the beach has been fixed.
Key Features of Anaehoʻomalu Beach
- Long white-sand beach: A picturesque shoreline with calm waters ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
- Ancient Hawaiian fishponds: Kuʻualiʻi and Kahapapa ponds add cultural depth and photographic beauty to the landscape.
- Historic King’s Trail access: Explore nearby petroglyphs, lava rock shelters, and archaeological features on foot.
- Convenient facilities: Includes showers, restrooms, walking trails, and nearby restaurants and shopping at Waikoloa Beach Resort.
- Unmatched sunset views: A popular spot for sunset photography with silhouetted palms and golden reflections on the ponds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Anaehoʻomalu Beach located?
It’s located on the Big Island’s west coast near the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort, within the Waikoloa Beach Resort area.
Is it safe to swim at Anaehoʻomalu Beach?
Yes, the beach is generally safe for swimming due to offshore reefs that protect it from large surf. Conditions may vary during storms.
Can you fish or swim in the ancient ponds?
No, swimming or fishing in Kuʻualiʻi and Kahapapa Fishponds is prohibited to preserve their cultural and ecological value.
What makes sunset at A-Bay special?
Sunsets here are framed by palm trees and reflected in the fishponds, creating some of the most iconic evening views on the Big Island.
Are there nearby amenities?
Yes, the beach is adjacent to Waikoloa Beach Resort with access to dining, equipment rentals, and shops at Kings' and Queens' Marketplaces.