Big Island Snorkeling Guide
Mauna Kea Beach
This is one of the most stunning beaches on our Big Island Snorkeling Tour. We accessed this beach through the Mauna Kea Resort, and have come here repeatedly because of how enjoyable the beach is. And there is some pretty good snorkeling.
This beach is public access through the resort gate. The gate attendant issued us a parking pass. They only allow a small number of people to access the beach at any one time, which is great, because it will not be very busy. Sometimes we have had to wait until someone leaves at the gate to gain access, but it has always been worth it. We always bring a book to read just in case we have to wait.
NOTE: The Mauna Kea Resort was closed and undergoing reconstruction after the recent earthquake damage. We were still able to go to the beach though, and now even less busy!
Site Snorkeling Details - Mauna Kea Beach
Big Island Snorkeling
This is a stunning sandy beach that offers a nice gentle slope into the water. We often spend a good number of hours here, going into and out of the water repeatedly. We will bring towels, and a snack. We love just floating and swimming in this protected bay, and we often see people boogie boarding on the north side.
The snorkeling is great if the water is calm. It has been a little cloudy at times for us when the surf is up a bit. We have always snorkeled the left hand side of the bay, following the rock reef out (see picture below).
There are some beautiful fish to see here, and some nice coral. We are careful though once we get out past the rocky point, watching out for surge and currents. The right hand side of the bay is also supposed to have good snorkeling, but we have always found it to be more cloudy, and so we have not snorkeled that north end as much. Have you? Share your pictures and stories of snorkeling Mauna Kea Beach
here.
Driving Directions - Mauna Kea Beach
Big Island Snorkeling
From Kailua Kona, take highway 19 (Queen Kaahumanu Hwy) north out of Kona. Follow it north through Waikoloa Resort Area, past the Puako Road turnoff, and past the Hapuna Beach State Rec Area. After the overpass look on the left side of the road for the entrance into the Mauna Kea Resort. If you come to the 68 mile marker, you have missed it. Let the gate guard know you want to go to Mauna Kea Beach. After entering the resort property, just follow the road until it ends and park.
There is a short walk to the beach on a paved path (picture below). We have often seen bees or wasps on the walk down.
Here are a couple people coming back from a day of snorkeling fun, and it looks like they are doing it right with that wagon for all their sun gear.
This beach has very nice facilities that were still open during the earthquake construction. There is a nice shower, bathrooms, and water available, as well as some shade.
Onward to the next great location - Hapuna Beach
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