Hawaii, HI : Mauna Kea Beach

Mauna Kea Beach

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Address Mauna Kea Resort Kawaihae, HI 808-882-7222	Hours Every day 8:00am - Dusk

Directions
At the entrance to the Mauna Kea Resort, inform the attendant that you wish to visit Mauna Kea Beach and would like directions and a parking permit.

Description:

This spot, also known as Mauumae Beach, is little know and rarely visited unless you are a local who is familiar with it’s location, or if you happen to stay at the Mauna Kea Beach Resort and inquire about it. Since the resort shares the big, gorgeous beach at Hapuna, this little slice of heaven is usually overlooked even by hotel guests.

Mauna Kea Beach is a small slice of white sand tucked between two points on the Kohala Coast, just north of the Mauna Kea Beach Resort. There is no foot access between the resort and this beach since a private home sits between them. To get here, you must drive. At the entrance to the mega-resort, you must pass a manned gate. Let the attendant know that you want to visit Mauna Kea Beach. As long as there are parking spots left, you will be issued a permit (at no charge) and be given a map to guide you. A short, 5 minute drive towards the north, over two wooden bridges, takes you to power pole #22 . Park here and walk down the plainly visible trail. At the junction where this trail ends, take a left and continue down to the beach. The stroll takes no more than 5 minutes and is not strenuous.

Your reward is a beautiful, protected bay where you will have little competition for your personal slice of sand. There is plenty of shade, and, since the hotel limits the number of passes it issues each day, there is never a crowd. As with the better-known Hapuna Beach, just a couple of miles further south, Mauna Kea Beach is sandy, with a very gradual slope. On days of gentle surf, which are the norm, even those not entirely comfortable with the ocean can relax, since you can wade out quite a way before the water even reaches your hips. This is a wonderful place to bring the kids, too, since the soft sand and shallow water are rarely pounded with waves. There are no services here, so bring water, snacks, a boogie board, perhaps your snorkeling gear and enjoy a day at your own bit of paradise.

Written By: Jonathan Botticelli
Photo Credit: Scott Yager

Features
Parking | Sandy Beach | Shady Areas | Snorkeling | Swimming Areas

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