Kauna'oa Beach is ranked by many as one of the top 10 beaches in Hawaii, and is often referred to as Mauna Kea Beach. But it is still the same beach.

It has gained its uniqueness by being tucked away from the main tourist spots and also by the fact that it looks like it was cut out of a travel agent's catalog. Just a mile and a half south you can visit another of Hawaii's top beaches , Hapuna State Beach.

Beware, the beach belongs to the Mauna Kea Hotel Resort, which limits public access to 40 cars. If you arrive after 9 a.m., you'll most likely have nowhere to park.

Find a top beachfront hotel

Swimming and beach amenities

Mauna Kea Beach is the perfect laid-back beach for sunbathing, swimming and, during the calm summer months, snorkeling. With a gradual entry into the sea, a beautifully landscaped beach with plenty of shade from the adjacent palm trees, and calm water in a sheltered cove, it's suitable for small children or non-swimmers.

The beach surface - fine white sand
Entrance to the water - gradual and without stones
Length of the beach - 350 metres
Beach width - 50 metres
Deckchair rental - yes, approx. 60 usd per day, free for hotel guests
Toilets and showers - yes
Catering - yes, hotel bar and restaurant
Shops - no

Resort on Mauna Kea Beach

Mauna Kea Beach

Snorkelling

The bay around Kauna'oa Beach is bordered by smaller coral reefs, along which snorkelling is great.

The conditions are particularly ideal at the southern end of the beach. Snorkeling gear can be rented at a small kiosk near the hotel restaurant.

Beachfront accommodation

The beach is dominated by a 4* resort Mauna Kea Beach Hotel providing a great retreat for a relaxing beach holiday.

However, prices for 2-bed rooms per night are in the region of 1099 eur and for most travellers, living right on this beach will be a dream come true.

Prices for holiday homes in the immediate area aren't any lower either, look for cheaper hotels and guesthouses as far away as Kona, 53km away.

How to get there

The easiest way to get to Mauna Kea Beach is by car, but as mentioned above, parking is only available in the hotel parking lot, which has limited space for non-hotel visitors. There are only 40 spaces available, which are often filled before 9am.

However, bus routes 80 (Kona, Kona Airport, nearby beaches and Hilo) and 90 (Kona, nearby beaches and the entire west coast) also run directly to the beachfront hotel. In total, buses run to the beach about 8 times a day, and you can find details of transport on the heleonbus.org website.