Kauna'oa Bay (Mauna Kea Beach)
Kauna'oa Bay (Mauna Kea Beach) is one of the Big Island's most scenic and swimmable white-sand beaches. Nestled in front of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, this half-mile-long cove offers calm, turquoise waters for swimming and snorkeling, backed by palm trees and golden sand. It's consistently ranked among the best beaches in the U.S.
Kauna'oa Bay (Mauna Kea Beach), Big Island
"Perfect" has been used to describe Kauna'oa Bay (view panorama) × 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 if you're not staying at the hotel, you'll have to get a beach access pass at the resort entrance gate. Tip: arrive early to ensure you're not turned away, as there are only 40 public parking spaces for beach visitors.
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 - Wai'ula'ula Beach and Mau'umae Beach. Both are two small pockets of white sand.
Key Features of Kauna'oa Bay
- Rare white-sand beach: One of the few natural white-sand beaches on the Big Island (view panorama) × , offering a postcard-perfect setting.
- Excellent for swimming and snorkeling: Calm waters in summer and reefs near the southern edge attract tropical fish and sea turtles.
- Limited public access: Located in front of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel with only 40 public parking passes available daily - arrive early.
- Manta ray viewing at night: The hotel lights the bay after dark, attracting manta rays for a memorable viewing experience.
- Nearby beaches: Small, lesser-known beaches like Mau'umae and Wai'ula'ula are walkable north of the bay.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kauna'oa Bay open to the public?
Yes, but access is limited. The beach is open to the public, but only 40 parking passes are available daily at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel gate.
Can you see sea turtles at this beach?
Yes, sea turtles are often spotted near the rocky southern side of the beach, especially while snorkeling.
Are there manta rays at Kauna'oa Bay?
Yes. The hotel lights the bay at night, attracting plankton which in turn draw manta rays close to shore. A lookout point called "Manta Ray Point" offers a great view.
Is it safe to swim year-round?
Generally yes in summer, but winter surf can bring strong shorebreaks and rip currents, especially on the north end of the beach.
Is there equipment rental available?
Yes, beachfront shops associated with the hotel offer snorkel gear and other beach equipment rentals.