Directions to Mauna Kea Beach

Kaunaʻoa Bay is a crescent of white sand beside Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Kohala Coast. Choose water activities only after checking conditions on arrival.

For current access directions, check with Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Follow the posted public-access signs and staff directions on arrival.

Non-Resident Mauna Kea Beach Parking & Fees

Public parking is limited. Before driving over, ask the hotel about current public beach access, parking availability, fees and any pass or ID requirements. Follow posted signs and staff directions on arrival; do not count on a fixed arrival time securing a space.

Amenities at Mauna Kea Beach and Mauna Kea Resort

Confirm which restrooms, showers and food options are available to day visitors. Hotel beach chairs are for hotel guests, club members and authorized residential guests; do not assume resort amenities are included with beach access.

Essential Tips for a Great Visit to Kauna'oa (Mauna Kea Beach)

Read the flags and signs, and ask a beach attendant about current conditions even if no warning is displayed. Follow the hotel’s instruction to enter the water only while beach attendants are on duty. Confirm current lifeguard coverage on site; do not assume a beach attendant provides lifeguard supervision. If in doubt, stay out of the water. Review the hotel’s ocean-safety guidance before your visit.

Having Fun at Mauna Kea Beach

Fun Activities and Sights at Mauna Kea Beach

Whether you desire to relax and enjoy the sun, surf, or swim, head to Kauna' Oa (Mauna Kea) Beach, this destination holds many activities, including:

Water activities: Read the flags and signs, and ask a beach attendant about current conditions even if no warning is displayed. Follow the hotel’s instruction to enter the water only while beach attendants are on duty. Confirm current lifeguard coverage on site; do not assume a beach attendant provides lifeguard supervision. If in doubt, stay out of the water. Confirm rental eligibility and equipment with the resort before planning an outing.

Manta viewing: The resort invites its guests and diners at Manta restaurant to Manta Ray Point for evening viewing from shore. Confirm current access with the hotel before planning your evening; do not count on a sighting or treat public beach access as resort access. Read the resort’s current manta-viewing invitation. For an in-water outing, use a qualified operator and confirm participation requirements; do not plan an independent night swim from this beach.

Nearby Attractions and Sights of Mauna Kea Beach

Nearby, you can find plenty of sights, including:

Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site: The Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site is also near Mauna Kea Beach. This national park preserves the ruins of an ancient Hawaiian temple and contains exhibits about Hawaiian history. There are also beautiful ocean views from this site.
Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve: A few hundred yards south of Mauna Kea Beach lies an ancient Hawaiian site with thousands of petroglyphs carved into the lava rock. These ancient carvings by Native Hawaiians depict a wide variety of imagery. The Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve gives visitors a rare glimpse into Hawaii's past, offering an opportunity to view authentic petroglyphs up close and personal.

Mauna Kea Golf Course: The Mauna Kea Golf Course was originally built in 1964 by Robert Trent Jones Sr., who was tasked with creating a course that would make international golfers gush about its beauty and challenge. The result is easily among the world's most beautiful golf courses, and it's also a challenging course that has been rated among the best practices in the country for decades.

Before choosing another beach, check the current Hāpuna Beach guidance or browse our Big Island beach guide. Confirm access and ocean conditions for the specific place you choose.

Family Activities at Mauna Kea Beach

A responsible adult should supervise children in or near the water. Read the flags and signs, and ask a beach attendant about current conditions even if no warning is displayed. Follow the hotel’s instruction to enter the water only while beach attendants are on duty. Confirm current lifeguard coverage on site; do not assume a beach attendant provides lifeguard supervision. If in doubt, stay out of the water. Choose another activity away from the shoreline when conditions are unsuitable. Review Hawaiʻi Ocean Safety’s family guidance before you go.