Kaunaʻoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach)

What to expect

Turn in at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel entrance and stop at the gatehouse before driving any farther. If a public stall is free, staff give you a ticket that opens the barrier at the beach lot. From there, you go through a gate and follow a path across an open field to the sand. The bay is roughly a half-mile crescent with palms along the back edge and reef at both ends. The bottom slopes gently enough for small kids, and the rocky south end has the best snorkeling on calm, clear days.

Know before you go

Parking

The hotel sets aside about 40 stalls for day visitors, and they go quickly, so plan to arrive by about 8 a.m. on weekends. If the lot is full, you can park at Hāpuna and walk 15–20 minutes north on the Ala Kahakai trail.

Getting in

Go straight to the gatehouse just inside the entrance and ask for a public beach parking pass. Don’t head toward the hotel first. Passes are issued only while stalls are open.

Water conditions

There are no lifeguards, and currents can be strong in spots, so keep a close eye on kids. In winter, shore break and strong rip currents can make getting in and out of the water dangerous.

Snorkeling

The south-end reef has sharp coral, so wear water shoes. Bring your own gear: the beach club’s free snorkel sets are only for hotel guests, club members, and authorized residential guests.

Facilities

The beach has showers, changing rooms, and restrooms. Food is resort-priced, at the Hau Tree restaurant.

Manta viewing

Manta Ray Point, a lookout at the end of a stone path, is open only to hotel guests and to diners at the upstairs Manta restaurant that evening.