Puako Bay

Hawaii Island Beach Guide

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.

Beach Access Near Telephone Poll 106
Beach Access Near Telephone Poll 106

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.

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.

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Reviews and Ratings

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 1 rated visitor review, plus 1 unrated comment.

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VIVIAN c

Sun Jun 17, 2012

quiet,private and safe.family oriented beach. secluded. we wished we knew about this place from day 1.

Rich Dubbs

Fri Oct 28, 2011

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!

Photo gallery

Browse Puako Bay photos featuring shoreline access points near telephone poles 106 and 120, the info sign, Puako Boat Ramp and scenic coastal views along the Kohala Coast.

Location, Parking and Directions

Puako Bay is located along Puako Beach Drive in Kamuela, HI 96743, on Hawaii Island's Kohala Coast. From Kona, drive north on Highway 19. Before mile marker 70, turn left onto Puako Road. Public shoreline access trails are located near telephone poles #106, #110, #115, #120, #127 and #137.

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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 activities can you do at Puako Bay?

Puako Bay is used for snorkeling, scuba diving, tidepooling and fishing.

What facilities are available at Puako Bay?

Puako Bay has no listed facilities and no lifeguards, so visitors should bring what they need and use caution near the rocky shoreline.