Voted one of Hawaii’s best beaches by the Travel Channel, Kauna’oa Beach – also known as Mauna Kea Beach – spans a quarter-mile along the Big Island’s awe-inspiring Kohala Coast. Soft white sand massages the feet of beachgoers as generally gentle waves lap at the shore. Subtle surf most of the year invites swimming in Kaun’oa’s pristine, shallow waters that are ideal for floating your worries away.
This public beach resides in front of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, which provides only 40 beach passes to the public daily at the resort’s entrance booth, so it’s best to come early to secure one.
Water Sports
Snorkeling is spectacular along the beach’s south end, while the rocky north end provides exceptional marine life spotting as well. Rippling waves are also perfect for practicing on a boogie board. Rent both boogie boards and snorkels at the resort’s Beach Club if you don’t have your own or get some body surfing in sans any equipment.
Shade
Shady spots are hard to come by, so arrive early to find one, or rent a cabana for the day at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s Beach Club.
Food
Kauna’oa Beach visitors can grab meals and beverages from the resort’s beachside bar or restaurants plus use the facilities.
Directions and Parking
Approximately 33 miles north of Kailua-Kona, you’ll turn left at mile marker 68 off of Highway 19. Tell the guards at the resort entrance you’d like a beach pass, and once secured, you’ll head to the “Beach Parking” area, park, then follow the paved path to the beach.
Wildlife Potential
Once the sun sets in kaleidoscopic splendor, Mauna Kea Resort turns a spotlight on the beach’s frolicking resident Manta Rays. Tour operators also offer underwater excursions that get you up close to these playful creatures with expansive wingspans.
