Kua Bay

 

 

ENJOY A PICTURE PERFECT HAWAIIAN BEACH!

Manini’owali Beach at Kua Bay is a beautiful white sand beach with crystal blue waters. Since the building of a paved road it’s become much easier to access, although some areas of the beach still require a hike over black lava rock to reach.

There is parking, public restrooms, showers, picnic tables and lifeguard. There is limited natural shade at this beach, so it’s advisable to bring an umbrella and some reef-safe sunscreen. Don’t forget to bring some water and tasty snacks to enjoy!

The beach is well known for its boogie-boarding. Be sure to check the conditions before entering the water, as the waves can sometimes get quite large with a strong current. The surf is usually calmer earlier in the day, with the added bonus of fewer beachgoers competing for space.

The occasional sea turtle can be found here, you may even see dolphins or whales (during the winter months) swimming out in the bay. Hawaiian Monk Seals have even been seen on the farthest part of the beach’s crescent.

 

DIRECTIONS

Kua Bay and Manini’owali Beach are just North of the Kona airport. Travel North on Hwy 19 from the airport roughly 4.6 miles and take the second exit to the left. If you are travelling South from the Mauna Lani Resort Area the exit will be to the right, roughly 15 miles South on Hwy 19. The exit is opposite the West Hawaii Veteran Cemetary, which has better signage than the beach. Drive about 1.5 miles down the Kua Bay Access Rd. to the parking lot at the end. The parking lot tends to fill quickly during the weekends, so people also park along the sides of the last part of the road. There is a roundabout at the end of the road which makes exiting more convenient.