Kaunaʻoa / Mauna Kea Beach

It may seem like a daunting task to secure a spot at the public access parking lot, but fear not! If you're feeling adventurous and up for a scenic 0.9 mile hike, then park at Hapuna Beach and trek over the hill into Mauna Kea. The hike is a breeze and the views are absolutely breathtaking! During our hike, we were lucky enough to witness turtles gracefully swimming in the crystal clear waters - a truly unforgettable experience. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to explore the beauty of the beach and its surroundings!

The availability of public beach parking is extremely limited, so it is recommended to arrive before 10am. During our visit on a Tuesday, we arrived just in time to secure the second to last parking spot. Upon arrival, head to the front gate and request access to the public beach. You will receive a pass that resembles a dollar bill. Follow the signs for public beach access and you will reach a small parking lot with a pay-to-park machine before the cross bar. Insert your pass dollar bill into the cash slot with the dark side facing up and the cross bar will lift. Please park only in the designated beach parking spots. At the end of the parking lot, follow the trail down to a beautiful and relaxing beach. Snorkeling is easily accessible on the far left, where we were lucky enough to see sea turtles and schools of fish. The swimming conditions are calm and relaxing, and the water is shallow enough to walk out quite far while still being able to stand up. Be sure to bring snacks and drinks, and take advantage of the nice bathrooms and shower facilities. Overall, it was a lovely experience.

The beach is decent, with access granted through the neighboring hotel at no cost. However, upon parking your vehicle, a moderate trek is required to reach the shoreline. While I personally did not partake in snorkeling activities, I did not observe many individuals engaging in such either. Overall, the beach is suitable for those seeking a relaxing day spent lounging on the sand.

The sandy shore is a sight to behold, but the overzealous gatekeepers can put a damper on your day. Rumor has it that they keep tabs on the number of vehicles allowed, but their counting skills leave much to be desired. We had to resort to taking snapshots of empty spaces in the lot to convince them that there was still room. After much ado, we were granted permission to enter the beach. It's worth noting that this is a public beach, yet the presence of a gate and guards monitoring access seems excessive.

Nestled just a brief stroll from the parking area, this beach spot is an exquisite and concealed treasure. We decided to catch the sunset and relished a tranquil evening on the shore. The day we visited, there were only a handful of people around. The water was crystal clear and the sand was meticulously groomed. As you may know, the state mandates public access to all beaches, but this one is located behind a gate. Simply inform the guard that you're heading to the beach, and they'll give you a paper token for parking. We've never seen the lot full, and there are numerous parking spots available. Additionally, there's a restroom facility just a short walk from the beach. This is an ideal spot to unwind and escape the bustle of Waikoloa.