The Mauna Kea resort beach is considered to be one of Hawaii’s best beaches and is particularly popular with swimmers and anyone with an interest in life beneath the waves. It’s also the location for the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, which was built in the 60s and was the most expensive hotel ever built at the time. Decades on, none of the resort’s popularity has waned!
The beach boasts particularly soft sands and a gentle incline upwards, meaning that bathers have a beautiful view out to sea, even when lying down.
There are a couple of small reefs at either end of the bay that are perfect for a bit of gentle snorkelling. Not as popular for snorkelling as other parts of the island, the advantage is that you can swim around and enjoy views beneath the ocean in relative peace.
The iconic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel that overlooks the sea is an award-winning hotel. Back in 2007 it won 55th place on the American Institute of Architects’ list of favourite architecture. It’s also home to a 36-hole golf course where you can play a round or two accompanied by stunning ocean views.
Dine at one of the hotel’s bars and restaurants and enjoy delicious food made from locally-sourced produce. You don’t have to be a hotel guest to eat here.
Located on the beautiful Kohala Coast to the north-west of Big Island, Mauna Kea Beach is just over 50 kilometres from Kailua-Kona. Most people prefer to drive here, though some charter buses are available which bring visitors to the hotel. If you drive, do bear in mind that parking at the beach is limited, and you may be turned away if all spaces are full. The beach opens every day and is free to enter.
