Anaehoomalu Bay or A Bay

When you speak of Anaehoomalu Bay on the Big Island’s Waikoloa shoreline you are talking about history of the first magnitude in Old Hawaii. This bay was a spot of large population primarily because of its ocean resources and its spectacular fishponds. Lying to the mountain side of the sand bar that contains the bay are two enormous fishponds containing a mixture of both seawater and fresh underground spring water. This was the site of probably the largest aquaculture project in all of ancient Hawaii. The Hawaiians created small channels between the ocean and the natural ponds behind. At the entrance to these channels were placed doorways of slatted fence permitting only the smallest of the ocean fish to enter. Once inside the fish would thrive on the algae and nutrients found in the pond areas and grow to an extent that they were no longer able to pass through the gates and head out to sea. The fish were then an easy target for the Hawaiian fisherman to capture a rewarding meal. Unfortunately Anaehoomalu Bay was damaged badly during the Japanese tsunami of 2011 and the sand strip between the bay and the ponds were ruptured essentially cutting the beach in half and causing serious damage to the ponds. Repairs have been underway to restore the beach and pond to its original conditions.

A-Bay has always been recognized in old photographs by its beautiful palm trees that ring the strand of sand between the ocean and the ponds. The sand found here is distinctive mixture of both white and black sand with a healthy assortment of additional pebble-size or marble size chunks of lava. This sand sweeps gradually into the ocean providing a fairly shallow underwater area throughout the bay and you can often walk out a far distance and still be only waist-high. This somewhat sheltered bay with shallow bottom has been a favorite hangout for years for the endangered Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle and you will often see them laying on the sand (don’t disturb them) or swimming in the water.

Anaehoomalu Bay is also the home of the Lava Man Waikoloa Triathlon which is a prelude event for the famous Ironman Triathlon held annually in Kailua-Kona. Additional ocean activity found in A Bay revolves around snorkeling, diving, kayaking, windsurfing and swimming. A-Bay is surrounded by a number of Hawaiian resort properties and hence you will find many dining and shopping opportunities in the area after you’re day of ocean relaxation and activity.

Ocean Caution
Be advised that all beaches and ocean locations in Hawaii can be dangerous including this one. Be completely aware of the ocean conditions prior to entering any Hawaiian waters. Also, all shorelines and beaches in Hawaii, including this one, can be frequented by sharks, jellyfish and other sea creatures which can provide potential harm to people entering the water. There are no lifeguard towers at this location.