Mauna Kea Beach

Mauna Kea Beach ranks right up at the top of great beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is very close to its sister beach of Hapuna and shares many of the same attributes. The beach is long and it is wide. The sand is a luscious golden color. The sand extends out into the water so the water entry here is very simple. Actually the beach remains remarkably shallow for a long way out and it takes a while just to wade out to waist deep. Snorkeling is good but really only at the two extreme ends of the beach at the rock promontories. Long distance swimming is great here as you can swim a very long way parallel to the beach without having to get far away from shore. Paddle boarding and kayaking are also perfect for this beach. Overall you simply have to admit that Mauna Kea Beach is stunning.

The Amazing Mauna Kea Beach
If there is a down side, it would be that you may not be able to go there unless you are staying at the resort or if you are one of the lucky twenty-five cars to arrive at the guardhouse at the entry of the Mauna Kea Resort. If so you will be given a pass to place on your windshield. Parking is free for you so long as there is a spot at all. Since this beach has been written up in all the travel books as a stellar beach and in fact one of the best in the world, there is no shortage of people wanting to spend a day here. In all likelihood you had best make your attempt to visit as early as you can in the morning or you will be barred until mid-afternoon. On the positive side, this policy which obviously was a compromise made between the hotel and the County, makes this beach one of the least populated great beaches on all of the islands. The beach is large and there is always room to pitch you blanket without having to be close to others. If you truly want to go to this beach but can’t get a “pass” you can take an approximately one-mile walk from the north end of Hapuna and pack in.

Hotel Parking Spaces for Mauna Kea Beach
The conditions on this beach itself are usually fairly “beachgoer friendly” except for certain days in the winter months when the surf can get large and the currents can get strong. Unfortunately there are no lifeguards on this beach so you would do best to find one of the beach boys from the hotel and ask about the conditions of the ocean before you enter.

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 however it is not advised that you enter the water at this location without first asking a beach boy from the hotel about ocean conditions on the day you are there. 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.