Mauna Kea Beach
Dreamy white sands crescent-shaped beach and protected bay
Location:
~10.5 miles north of Waikoloa Beach, Mauna Kea is tucked away flanked on the north end by the famous Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Turn west of the Queen K highway @ Mauna Kea Beach drive. If you make it past the sentinels at the guard shack, continue driving down the road which bends left past the hotel to the beach parking area.
Description:
This one is the mac daddy of all Big Island beaches. It’s truly world-class. This crescent-shaped, creamy sand beach extends gently into the protected bay. It’s perfect for lounging, swimming, and sunbathing. The challenge here is that this beach has very limited parking, and access is controlled by a gated guard shack just off the highway.
If you do get a parking spot, it’s a moderate walk down a shady path to the south end of the beach. There is a shoreline trail heading south from this beach to Hapuna.
Manta Rays sometimes can be seen here in the evening near a light that shines into the ocean on the north side of the beach by the hotel.
Precautions:
It’s usually very mild here. Avoid sunburn, and of course, always be aware that ocean conditions can change.
Amenities:
Showers, bathrooms, hotel restaurant.
