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Big Island Snorkeling Guide
Mau'umae Beach

This is one of two lovely beaches on your Big Island Snorkeling Tour that are accessed via the Mauna Kea Resort. Of the two we really like Mauna Kea Beach better, so we have spent little time at Mau'umae. The beaches are public access, but you can only get at them by entering the guarded resort gate.


Big Island Snorkeling Mau'umae




The resort only allows a maximum number of visitors at one time and provides you with a parking pass at the front gate. Sometimes, if it is busy, you will have to wait in line for awhile to get a pass. But it can be worth it because you are guaranteed not to see crowds (and the beaches are wonderful).

NOTE: The Mauna Kea Resort was closed and undergoing reconstruction after the recent earthquake damage. We were able to access the beaches though, and if anything the beaches are less busy now!


Site Snorkeling Details - Mau'umae Beach
Big Island Snorkeling
This is a beautiful little beach that feels secluded. It has as gentle slope into the water. We did not get a chance to snorkel here (there was a party of rowdy young locals the last time we tried), but there is supposed to be some OK snorkeling along the rocks to the south, and also on the north side. The water is also supposed to be a bit cloudy, which we have found to be true at Mauna Kea Beach.

Have You Snorkeled at Mau'umae?

Click here to share what it is like!





Driving Directions - Mau'umae Beach
Big Island Snorkeling
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 Mau'umae Beach. After entering the resort property, turn right on Kamahoi. Keep to the right. You will come to some big buildings on the right. It feels funny, but keep going straight, (don't turn into their parking lot behind the building). You will keep going straight and quickly drive over a wood planked bridge. Keep driving on the dirt road, over another bridge. Keep going a good ways further. When you start going down a little hill, with some parking on the right, and pole #22 on the left, you are there.







There is a trail on the left that takes you to the beach. The trail is moderately steep, and kind of rough. It is probably a 10 minute walk.


The trail intersects another near the water. Go left. The trail is a very interesting tunnel within the trees at this point.



And there it is...life is good...




Go to the next location - Mauna Kea Beach

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