Between Spencer Beach Park and Mauna Kea Beach along the stunning Kohala Coast lies a secluded stretch of sugary white sand that locals love called Mau’umae Beach (pronounced Mow-my). This sheltered crescent bay’s location generally protects it from rough surf, offering instead a sublime location for ocean play, or to simply float your cares away in the rippling tide. Snorkeling in Mau’umae’s gin-clear waters, you can spot tropical fish and coral beds near its rocky ends and an occasional sea turtle leisurely paddling. During whale season, breaches can often be spotted from the shore. Mau’umae is a dog-friendly beach, so you may encounter friendly, frolicking canines while strolling along the shore.
Water Sports
Mau’umae’s commonly tranquil waters provide a perfect place to swim, toss a frisbee over the light waves, or float on tubes while chatting with friends. The calm bay is also ideal to embark from on a stand-up paddle board or kayak, but the jaunt to the beach from your vehicle may be a bit far to carry larger equipment. The lapping waves are also conducive to bodyboarding or wakeboarding.
Shade
Trees offer many shady spots to relax under, but much of the beach is exposed to the sun if a tree-covered area can’t be scored. Come early in the morn to snag the best spots.
Directions and Parking
Mau’umae Beach can be accessed from either the entrance of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, or from Spencer Beach Park. Ask the guard at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s entrance for a Mau’umae beach pass, but note that only 10 are available each day so it’s best to get there early. Once past the guard shack, take your second right, then continue about a half-mile to the parking area where signs will mark the trail down to Mau’umae Beach.
From Spencer Beach Park, take a left when the road splits then head to the far end of the parking lot by the facilities and camping area. Once parked, walk towards the water and you’ll see a marked trailhead to the left of the facilities. You’ll meander the easy-to-navigate, quarter-mile dirt trail along the shoreline and cross a small inlet before the sandy shores of Mau’umae will be revealed like a magical oasis to dreamy beach-seekers.
Historical Opportunity
From Mau’umae Beach, Pu’ukoholā Heiau can be seen perched above Spencer Beach Park. A National Historic Site, Pu’ukoholā Heiau was constructed by Kamehameha the Great between 1790-91 and is considered a foundational piece of his legendary rise as uniter of the Hawaiian kingdoms. Lava rocks used in the sacred temple’s construction were transported hand-over-hand by human chain for at least 20 miles, Kamehameha himself assisting with the construction.
