Waialea Beach

From Highway 19 on the Kohala Coast, turn onto Old Puako Road and follow it to the small unpaved parking lot — the drive from Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) takes around 35 minutes. There is no entry fee. Parking is free but the lot is small and fills on weekends by 9am, so plan an early arrival. A short unpaved path leads from the lot to the sand; the path and soft sand make this beach unsuitable for wheelchairs.

The beach itself — officially listed as Beach 69 — is the main event, with calm turquoise water ideal for a relaxed swim or a snorkel along the rocky margins where reef fish gather. Just 2 kilometres north, Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area is the Big Island's most celebrated white-sand beach and worth a half-day visit. Three kilometres away, the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve holds one of the largest collections of ancient Hawaiian rock carvings in the state, reachable via a short trail. For a deeper dive into Hawaiian history, Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site — the great temple complex built by Kamehameha I in 1790–91 — is about 12 kilometres up the coast.

The closest dining options are a short drive away along the Kohala Coast resort corridor. Orchid Court, roughly 4.7 kilometres from the beach, serves breakfast; Hālani offers a similar American breakfast menu about 5.6 kilometres out. For something later in the day, the Seafood Bar and Cipriano's Kitchen are both around 6.3 kilometres away, with Waikoloa Restaurant & Bar a little further at 6.8 kilometres. Bring snacks and water to the beach itself — there is nothing on site.

Mauna Kea Beach Resort is the closest option at 2.9 kilometres, sitting right on the Kohala Coast. Further along, Kings Land by Hilton Grand Vacations (7.3km), Waikoloa Colony Villas (8km), and Kohala Suites by Hilton Grand Vacations Club (8.3km) offer a range of resort-style stays within easy driving distance.

The best shots come in the morning, when low-angle light catches the turquoise water against the white sand before the shade canopy shifts — position yourself at the water's edge looking back toward the palms and kiawe for a layered, tropical frame. The rocky reef margins at either end of the beach also make strong foreground elements at golden hour, with the calm water reflecting the sky behind them.

Pack out everything you bring in — there are no bins on site, and leaving trash is against local rules. Fires are not permitted at any point on the beach. Wear reef shoes if you plan to enter the water from the rocky reef margins at either end, where the footing can be uneven. Locals know this place well; arrive before 9am on weekends or you may find the lot full and face a longer walk.