Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
miles of shoreline with a half-dozen long, curving beaches and a big cove on
Mahaiula Bay, as well as archaeological and historical sites. The series of well-
protected coves is excellent for swimming, and there's great snorkeling and div-
ing offshore; the big winter waves attract surfers.
Facilities include restrooms, picnic tables, and barbecue pits; you'll have to
bring your own drinking water. Because it's a state park, the beach is open daily
from 8am to 8pm. (The closing is strictly enforced, and there's no overnight
camping.)
WHITE SANDS BEACH
Don't blink as you cruise Alii Drive, or you'll miss White Sands Beach. This
small, white-sand pocket beach about 4
1
⁄
2
miles south of Kailua-Kona—very
unusual on this lava-rock coast—is sometimes called Disappearing Beach
because it does just that, especially at high tide or during storms. It vanished
completely when Hurricane Iniki hit in 1991, but it's now back in place. (At
least it was the last time we looked.) On calm days, the water is perfect for
swimming and snorkeling. Locals use the elementary waves to teach their
children how to surf and boogie board. In winter, the waves swell to expert
levels, attracting both surfers and spectators. Facilities include restrooms, show-
ers, lifeguards, and a small parking lot.
THE KOHALA COAST
HAPUNA BEACH
Just off Queen Kaahumanu Highway, south of the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel,
lies this crescent of gold sand—big, wide, and a half-mile long. In summer,
when the beach is widest, the ocean calmest, and the crowds biggest, this is the
island's best beach for swimming, snorkeling, and bodysurfing. But beware of
Hapuna in winter, when its thundering waves, strong rip currents, and lack of
lifeguards can be dangerous. Facilities include A-frame cabins for camping,
pavilions, restrooms, showers, and plenty of parking.
KAUNAOA BEACH (MAUNA KEA BEACH)
For nearly 40 years, this gold-sand beach at the foot of Westin Mauna Kea Beach
Hotel has been the top vacation spot among America's corporate chiefs. Every-
one calls it Mauna Kea Beach, but its real name is Hawaiian for “native dodder,”
a lacy, yellow-orange vine that once thrived on the shore. A coconut grove
sweeps around this golden crescent, where the water is calm and protected by
two black-lava points. The sandy bottom slopes gently into the bay, which often
fills with schools of tropical fish, green sea turtles, and manta rays, especially at
night, when the hotel lights flood the shore. Swimming is excellent year-round,
except in rare winter storms. Snorkelers prefer the rocky points, where fish thrive
in the surge. Facilities include restrooms, showers, and ample parking, but there
are no lifeguards.
ANAEHOOMALU BAY (A-BAY)
The Big Island makes up for its dearth of beaches with a few spectacular ones,
like Anaehoomalu, or A-Bay, as the locals call it. This popular gold-sand beach,
fringed by a grove of palms and backed by royal fishponds still full of mullet, is
one of Hawaii's most beautiful. It fronts the Marriott Waikoloa Beach Resort
and is enjoyed by guests and locals alike. (It's a little busier in summer, but it
doesn't ever get truly crowded.) The beach slopes gently from shallow to deep
water; swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and windsurfing are all excellent
here. Equipment rental and snorkeling, scuba, and windsurfing instruction are
