Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay)
Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay)
Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay)
4.5
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,407 reviews
Excellent
1,072
Very good
288
Average
39
Poor
7
Terrible
2
Dave D
Anchorage, AK11 contributions
Jan. 2023 • Couples
Easy to get to, parking is limited, but people are always leaving so it’s not terrible if you arrive a little late. The right side of the bay fills up fast and generally gets pretty crowded. The left side is awesome, better views and piece and quiet. We went six times out of twenty-one days and it was always the same, no one on the left side. Some of the best coral and shelling on the island as well. Very defined finger corals, no lava rock attached so you don’t have to worry for Pele’s curse. Walk a little bit further to the left on the lava field and there are many small tide pools to explore.
Written January 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Russell3939
Castle Rock, CO733 contributions
Dec. 2022 • Family
We found the views to be amazing. The water had a very deep turquoise color to it. The big waves were fun to play in if that is your thing. There is not a lot of traditional beach. It has quite a bit of lava rock. There is a lifeguard station. They seemed to be pretty attentive to everyone in the water. Above the beach they have an outdoor shower and bathroom.
Written December 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DLKWI88
Brookfield, WI285 contributions
Dec. 2022
Absolutely stunning beach! Great snorkeling, body surfing, and boogie boarding. We were there by 10 a.m. and were lucky enough to snag one of the last few parking spots. Pack a picnic and stay all day. Just beautiful!
Written December 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Travel Booze Food Happinesses
Toronto, Canada930 contributions
Nov. 2022 • Family
Go early!
Bring your snorkel and enjoy the beach
There are lifeguards there and showers plus toilets.
The water is warm and the sand is soft
Bring your snorkel and enjoy the beach
There are lifeguards there and showers plus toilets.
The water is warm and the sand is soft
Written November 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shena Ayo
1 contribution
Oct. 2022 • Family
I’ve never seen water so brilliantly turquoise! It was breath taking. Soft white sand. Kid friendly. Can get crowded. There are showers and restrooms there. Perfect beach to spend an afternoon!
Written October 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bbodb3
2 contributions
Jun. 2022
This is one outstanding beach and (at least at the time of our visit in June) there was no entry /admission fee. Parking is a bit tricky in that very few marked spaces exist but the custom here is (for now anyway) to park off the asphalt parallel to the road. Even when we parked a bit away from the beach, the walk was not all that far. The beach is wonderful - sandy bottom with no sea weed and every now and then a turtle would swim through the area even with a good number of people here. There was a lifeguard stand as well here during our visit. The rinse off stations were a nice touch and there are rest rooms here too. Most definitely worth a visit!
Written August 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Samantha S
105 contributions
Jul. 2022 • Family
Soft sands, crystal clear water + sea turtles - what’s not to love? Our family of 20 spent 2 days of our trip at this stunning beach. An absolute favorite spot on the Big Island for sure. A great beach for kiddos to swim and play as the water is fairly calm and the ocean floor is soft white sand. We were lucky enough to spot some sea turtles both times we were there and it truly is such a magical sight. Just please please be respectful and keep a good amount of distance between you and them. I definitely recommend this beach to any and everyone.
Written July 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nichole W
Boise, ID38 contributions
Jul. 2022
We visited Kua Bay several times during our stay on the Big Island. Soft white sand, clear water with fantastic snorkeling along the rocks, and conveniences like restrooms and showers made this our go-to for beach days. No shade trees at this beach so bring your own shade. Access to the beach from the parking area could be difficult for those with mobility challenges since you have to go down a couple flights of stairs. No ramp or wheelchair access is available. Parking is limited like many beaches so get there early. If you end up parking along the shore side of the road that doesn't have marked parking spots, please pull in nose or tail 1st instead of parallel to the road! This allows more parking for everyone.
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mike F
Antigo, WI132 contributions
Jul. 2022
Absolute favorite! This beach has it all, beautiful sand, water, snorkeling, turtles, bathrooms, showers, parking...even a rock jump! After visiting the "best" on each of the BI, Maui and Oahu, this is our favorite. And its free, really can't beat this one in my opinion.
Written July 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DoryAA
Peoria, AZ5 contributions
Jun. 2022 • Couples
Possibly the best beach I’ve ever visited! Beautiful white sand. Great for kids. Go early as parking is limited.
Written June 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KenoraDiva
Kenora17 contributions
We are returning February 2020. Last February, form wiped out the second beach. Do you have any pictures that show how in looked this month? It is our favourite beach
Chris T
Island of Hawaii, HI47 contributions
Hi KenoraDiva,
We live on the Big Island and spend time at Kua Bay frequently throughout the year. I am sorry but I don't have pics from February specifically but I can tell you that although there is far less sand in February and March than in Summer and Fall, there is still plenty to make this place special.
vramirez11
Santiago, Chile99 contributions
1)Is there any place to eat at this beach? Or somewhere close?
2)Are there taxis parked at this beach to return to my cruise ship in the afternoon? Or is Uber my only way?
Maria E
41 contributions
How lomg does it take from the cruise port to this beach?
MARK M
Northwest NM13 contributions
It's only about 13 miles north of the cruise port but the traffic is usually heavy - especially going back south towards the ships. Seems like there is always construction. Depending on the time of day I'd allow 25 minutes going north and if it's rush hour 45 minutes going south. Have fun! Mark
travelerfunSeattleWa
Seattle Wa109 contributions
Good for snorkeling?
Naomi P
93 contributions
Yes- absolutely-beware of sea urchin clusters on nearby rock outcroppings- I would wear surf shoes. Enjoy!!
Caleb H
Atlanta, GA
The cruise we will be taking stops in Kona. What would be the most reliable source of transportation to this beach from the ship? Thanks!
prestonsult
Kailua-Kona, HI16 contributions
Probably Uber. Don’t rent a scooter to go to Kua Bay. From a local.
Justin M
Rock Hill, SC
Does this have a shower for after an ocean swim
jgluv2travel
Regina, Canada3,106 contributions
Don't know cause improvements started in mid March just when we were leaving. There was an outdoor shower to rinse off but that may have changed because of the construction. This is a news article I found ---
The Hawai‘i Department of Land and Resources announced that a park improvement project expected to take three months has started at the Maninʻōwali (Kua Bay) section of Kekaha Kai State Park in Kona, Hawaiʻi.
The work consists of addition of a new beach access stairway, additional rinsing showers, picnic tables, and repairs and upgrades to the existing restroom facility.
The project is expected to be completed by July 1, 2018.
ldbk23
San Mateo, CA1 contribution
Are their bike racks to lock bikes and/or are bikes allowed on the beach?
Christina B
Louisiana2,574 contributions
No there’s no bike racks, but if you park at the first parking area (no signs there, but you’ll see cars parked and a wide path to the right). You can ride your bike on the path until you enter the beach pathways. You can easily walk your bikes over the smaller rocks onto the beach. No big lava rocks to climb over at these locations. The lava rocks are on the back part of the beach if you park at that parking location. Tons of trees you can hook them to if you feel you need to lock them in place while you swim. Although it was very peaceful & not overly busy. Make sure you bring whatever you want to drink or eat with you. Hope this helps as its a beautiful serene beach!!
MANINI'OWALI BEACH (KUA BAY) (Kailua-Kona) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay)
- Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay) is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Hotels near Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay):
- (2.48 km) Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
- (14.66 km) Honu Kai B&B
- (14.91 km) Hawaiian Oasis B&B
- (1.87 km) Hualalai Waiulu Villa 137D ~ inmaculate & spacious with great views
- (1.88 km) Hualalai Palm Villa 140B ~ beautifully renovated~spacious with 2 golf carts
- Restaurants near Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay):
- (2.65 km) Ulu Ocean Grill and Sushi Lounge
- (2.48 km) Beach Tree Restaurant Bar and Lounge
- (2.41 km) Hualalai Grille
- (2.27 km) Residents' Beach House
- (12.40 km) Pine Tree Cafe