Along the Big Island’s stunning Kohala Coast is a quarter-mile stretch of sublime sand inviting beachgoers to bask in the tropical sun, Anaeho’omalu Bay, also called “A Bay”.
Protected by reef, this arced beach is ideal for swimming in its generally calm waters, snorkeling or water sports. Beyond the breathtaking scenery and chromatic sunsets, eyes of A Bay visitors may also gaze upon outrigger canoes paddling into the horizon, or marine life such as sea turtles, whales and dolphins putting on a show.
A Bay boasts facilities and showers for rinsing off at the end of day, but no lifeguards are on duty here.
Water Sports
A Bay is teeming with activities thanks to Ocean Sports, where you can rent a kayak, canoe, stand-up paddle board or other fun beach toys for the day. Ocean Sports also runs sightseeing and snorkeling cruises out of A Bay plus offers several beach cabanas for day rental.
Shade
Some trees provide shade on the beach, just come early to find a spot. Covered cabanas can also be rented from Ocean Sports.
Food
Bordered by Lava Lava Beach Club on one end and the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa on the other, visitors can nosh on pupus or grab a libation before or after your day of beach play.
Directions and Parking
From Highway 19, turn onto Waikoloa Beach Drive (left from Kona, right from Kohala), then take another left just past the Queen’s Marketplace and across from the Kings’ Shops onto Ku’uali’i Place, following the signs to A Bay. Park in the paved lot and walk towards the beach facilities and signage. At the beach, turn left and you’ll end up at Lava Lava Beach Club, right and you’ll find Ocean Sports’ equipment shack and an expansive stretch of beach.
History
Behind A Bay are two historic fish ponds, Kahapapa and Ku’uali’I, once used by Native Hawaiians for aquaculture. Today, tropical fish are still seen leisurely gliding through the pools, unstressed as they are no longer used for food.
What's in a Name?
Harking back to the aquaculture system which provided ancient residents with sustenance, Anaeho’omalu Bay translates into “restricted mullet”, a reference to one of the types of fish once stocked in the ponds.
