A-Bay Beach at Waikoloa
Anaehoʻomalu Bay is a beach beside Waikoloa Beach Resort. Plan for a shoreline visit; do not assume the ocean is safe for swimming. The nearby Kuʻualiʻi and Kahapapa fishponds add a cultural stop: stay on designated trails and do not enter the ponds or disturb their walls. Check access and availability of resort services separately from public beach access.
For a family water outing, choose a beach with a lifeguard on duty, ask about conditions and keep children under close adult supervision. Read Hawaiʻi Ocean Safety’s family guidance before going.
A-Bay — Quick Facts
- Location: Kohala Coast, Waikoloa Beach Resort — off Waikoloa Beach Drive
- Parking: Waikoloa Beach Resort lists free beach parking. Use designated public beach parking and follow posted access restrictions; confirm current access before driving. Do not rely on a space count or guaranteed arrival time.
- Plan for: Shoreline scenery and fishpond viewing; assess ocean conditions before water activities.
- Facilities: The County lists restrooms and showers at the south-side access, and no facilities at the north-side access. Confirm availability before your visit. Check rental, food and hotel-service access directly with each business.
- Water safety: Do not assume calm water or a lifeguard on duty. Check conditions before entering; stay out when in doubt. For a family swim, choose a lifeguarded beach and supervise children closely.
- Nearby: Queens' MarketPlace and Kings' Shops within walking distance
Swimming at A-Bay
Conditions can change quickly; do not assume calm water year-round. The County warns of hazardous footing, currents and waves at A-Bay. For a family water outing, choose a beach with a lifeguard on duty, ask about conditions and keep children under close adult supervision. Avoid heavy shorebreak and stay out of the water when in doubt.
Snorkeling
Do not choose a snorkeling entry from a general beach description. Check current conditions and seek local safety advice; stay out when you are unsure.
Use our Big Island snorkeling guide to compare planning considerations, then make the water-entry decision from the conditions you find.
Sea Turtles
Green sea turtles (honu) are regulars at A-Bay. They swim near the reef and haul out onto the sand in late afternoon. Keep at least 10 feet away — protected under the Endangered Species Act.
The Fishponds
Behind the beach, two ancient Hawaiian fishponds (Kuualii and Kahapapa) date back centuries. Hawaiians used these brackish-water enclosures to raise fish — aquaculture that predated Western contact. Interpretive signs along the walking path explain the history.
Sunset at A-Bay
A-Bay faces west-northwest with some of the Big Island's best sunsets. Maui's Haleakala visible on clear evenings. Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset.
Parking & Facilities
For south-side beach access, use Kuʻualiʻi Place off Waikoloa Beach Drive. Use public beach parking, then walk to the beach. Confirm current access and follow posted restrictions. See Ocean Sports’ A-Bay arrival directions and the Waikoloa Beach Resort map.
Waikoloa Beach Resort lists free beach parking. Use designated public beach parking and follow posted access restrictions; confirm current access before driving. Do not rely on a space count or guaranteed arrival time. The County lists restrooms and showers at the south-side access, and no facilities at the north-side access. Confirm availability before your visit. Check rental, food and hotel-service access directly with each business.
Check the County’s South Kohala access guide and Waikoloa Beach Resort’s natural-history and beach information before visiting.
A rental car is essential for the Kohala Coast.
Nearby Beaches
- Mauna Kea Beach — 10 min north. White sand, limited public parking.
- Hapuna Beach — 15 min north. Half-mile of wide sand.
- Kua Bay — 20 min south. Turquoise cove.
Full list: Big Island beaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A-Bay good for swimming?
Conditions can change quickly; do not assume calm water year-round. The County warns of hazardous footing, currents and waves at A-Bay. For a family water outing, choose a beach with a lifeguard on duty, ask about conditions and keep children under close adult supervision. Avoid heavy shorebreak and stay out of the water when in doubt.
Can you see sea turtles?
Yes. Green sea turtles regularly rest on the sand. Late afternoon is best. Keep 10 feet away.
Is there parking?
Waikoloa Beach Resort lists free beach parking. Use designated public beach parking and follow posted access restrictions; confirm current access before driving. Do not rely on a space count or guaranteed arrival time. The County lists restrooms and showers at the south-side access, and no facilities at the north-side access. Confirm availability before your visit. Check rental, food and hotel-service access directly with each business.
Where is the south-side beach access?
For south-side beach access, use Kuʻualiʻi Place off Waikoloa Beach Drive. Use public beach parking, then walk to the beach. Confirm current access and follow posted restrictions. Search Google Maps.
Best time to visit?
Plan around current ocean conditions and posted access restrictions. A shoreline visit can be an alternative to swimming, but stay away from wave-washed areas and avoid the shoreline during high surf.
