Visitors enjoying the oceanfront at Maniniʻōwali Beach (Kua Bay), with a tree and turquoise water in the background.

Hawaiʻi Island · Hawaiian Islands

Kua Bay (Maniniʻōwali)

Kua Bay, or Maniniʻōwali Beach, is a crescent of fine white sand interspersed with black lava rock formations, less than a mile long. It is part of the Kekaha Kai State Park, a 4.5-mile portion of the northern Kona Coast that encompasses Mahai’ula Beach on the south end, Makalawena Beach in the middle and Kua Bay to the north. Hikers can traverse the 4.5-mile oceanside trail that connects the three beaches.

Kua Bay beckons everyone from beach baskers to boogie boarders with translucent waters, soft sands and ocean conditions often conducive for bodysurfing or boarding. Once settled on the beach, it feels like you’ve found a remote treasure.

A stairway guides you from the lot and facilities down to the beach, which lends to the feeling of geographic isolation. You don’t simply go from the parking lot to the sand, as with some other local beaches. It’s like you step down into another world when approaching the beach from above. It can get quite crowded here, so early weekday mornings are the best time to avoid crowds. Skip weekends if possible. If the sandy part of the beach gets full, be prepared to settle on the lava rocks. Also, with almost no shade available, bringing hats or umbrellas plus reef-safe sunscreen are important to keep protected on land.

Kua Bay is an excellent place to watch sunsets and observe sea life. During whale season, from November to March, the unobstructed view to the horizon offers prime whale-watching. It also allows visitors to watch the sun sink completely into the sea and keep an eye out for the elusive “green flash” as it sets.

Sign for Kekaha Kai State Park, Maniniʻōwali Section, with a road leading toward the ocean. — Entrance to Maniniʻōwali Beach (Kua Bay) at Kekaha Kai State Park, Hawaiʻi Island.

Quick Facts

For Type of Traveler	Groups and families with older children who can get in the water and boogie board; snorkelers, surfers. Not ideal for solo travelers, due to occasional choppy waters, despite a lifeguard being present.
Location	Kona Coast, Hawaiʻi Island. 15-minute drive north of Kona International Airport.
Beach type	Fine white sand and lava rock
Ocean conditions by season	Best May through August. Winter has the choppiest conditions and high surf.
Best for	Bodysurfing, boogie boarding, surfing, sunset watching, snorkeling.
Restrooms	Yes
Parking	Large parking lot at end of the entrance road. Parking is $10 per non-resident vehicle. If lot is full, parallel park along the road
Entry fee	$5 per non-resident fee. Free for children under 3. Payments taken by credit card only. No reservation necessary. Kamaʻāina are free with state ID.
Best time of day	Early weekday mornings to find parking and a prime spot easily, however, sunset is spectacular here.
Lifeguard status	Yes, typically from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Accessibility	Wheelchair and stroller accessible
Distance from major hubs	From Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport: 7 miles, ~15-minute drive. From Hilo: 82 miles, ~ 2-hour drive. Drive time from resort areas visitors stay in.

Where is Kua Bay and how do I get there?

Kua Bay is just under seven miles from Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport. From the airport, drive north on Highway 19 — the main coastal road out of Kona. Prepare to take a left once you spot a sign for the West Hawaiʻi Veterans Cemetery on the right. The entrance to Kua Bay is directly across the highway from the cemetery entrance. Then it’s a paved, 1.5-mile jaunt to the beach parking lot. The lot usually has plenty of parking, but if it’s full follow the road as it circles back around and parallel park along the road.

Visitors swimming and relaxing on the sandy beach at Maniniʻōwali Beach (Kua Bay), with turquoise water and a blue beach umbrella. — Maniniʻōwali Beach (Kua Bay), Hawaiʻi Island.

Is it safe for swimming?

Yes, for both adults and children, but conditions at Kua Bay tend to vary, so it’s important to check them before heading out. While it is located in a part of the island that’s largely protected from extreme weather by Hualālai — the volcano that rises above this coastal region — strong surf can hit at any time of the year here. It can get very choppy with strong currents, particularly in the winter. Large waves are not uncommon between November and April, so be mindful of entering the water if not an experienced surfer or swimmer. Lifeguards are present here typically from around 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., however be your own safety advocate and don’t enter the water if conditions are rough.

Can I snorkel here? What will I see?

Yes. Around the rock outcroppings when the waters are calm, snorkelers may see manta rays, honu (Hawaiian sea turtles), vibrant reef fish, dolphins and even the occasional monk seal.

Visitors swimming and playing in the turquoise water at Maniniʻōwali Beach (Kua Bay), with a rocky shoreline in the background. — Maniniʻōwali Beach (Kua Bay), Hawaiʻi Island.

What amenities does it have?

There are restrooms, showers and picnic tables, but no food vendors.

Do I need a reservation or entry fee?

You don’t need a reservation, but there is a $5 per non-resident fee. Free for children under 3. Payments taken by credit card only.

When is the best time to visit Kua Beach?

Weatherwise, summertime between May and August; spring and fall are also good times to visit, weather- and surf-permitting. Crowds are at their peak in summer, however. Winter is when you’ll find the choppiest conditions and higher surf generally. Always check sites such as Safebeachday.com or Weather.gov before heading out as surf can sneak up quickly and surfers do head out here at times. Other more popular surfing areas are close by, however, such as Honls and Pine Trees.

Can I surf / boogie board / SUP?

Gentle surf found frequently here is ideal for breaking out the boogie boards or body surfing the waves. Always be mindful of strong rip currents in the water that aren’t visible to the unknowing naked eye, however. May be too choppy for SUP.

Visitors relaxing on the sandy beach and swimming in the water at Maniniʻōwali Beach (Kua Bay). — Maniniʻōwali Beach (Kua Bay), Hawaiʻi Island.

Is it worth it, or should I do a different beach?

Given its access to facilities, ample parking and the paved road to the beach, Kua Bay is always a good spot to visit. Make sure to check conditions, as at times the water can be a bit rough, which is great if bodysurfing or boogie boarding, not for swimming with kids.

What else is nearby?

Restaurants and Shopping — The closest eatery, restaurant or café is 15 minutes away, just south of the airport at the Pine Tree Café or Matsuyama’s — a gas station with great grab-and-go options including sandwiches, pizzas and sushi. Alternatively, head north about 14 miles to the Queen’s Marketplace for shopping, more dining and a grocery store.

Accommodations — High-end accommodations can be found just north of Kua Bay at Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort and Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. For additional options, head into nearby Kailua-Kona about 15 minutes south of the beach, or head along the Kohala Coast for more resorts.

Beaches — Makalawena Beach five miles south is stunning, while 49 Black Sand Beach — the only black sands along the Kohala Coast — is about 30 minutes north and is also picturesque. Arrive at 49 Black Sand Beach early as it’s within the Mauna Lani Resort and a limited number of passes are given at the guard shack to enter daily. Another option is Anaeho'omalu Bay about 15 miles north, which is a spacious, easily swimmable sandy beach with food and drinks available at Lava Lava Beach Club on-site.

Visitors swimming and relaxing in the turquoise water at Maniniʻōwali Beach (Kua Bay), Hawaiʻi Island. — Maniniʻōwali Beach (Kua Bay), Hawaiʻi Island.

Safety notes

Don't turn your back on the ocean
Don't swim at beach without lifeguard if you're not a strong open-water swimmer
Reef: Don't stand on, touch or break coral
Rip current: Strong rip currents are often present when surf is above three feet. Check conditions before entering the water or heading to Kua Bay
High surf: Don't enter the water during high-surf advisories
Wildlife distance: if you see a monk seal on the beach, stay at least 150-feet away and don't approach for photos. Do not touch honu (green sea turtles) and stay at least 10-feet away. Both are federally protected.
Sunscreen: Only use reef-safe sunscreen per Hawaiʻi law.
Don't leave valuables in car