Kaunaʻoa Beach, usually called Mauna Kea Beach, is a white sand beach at Mauna Kea Beach Resort on the Kohala coast. Kaunaʻoa is the Hawaiian name of a native dodder, a mollusk and a seaweed that look alike. The public gets in with one of the limited parking passes given at the main resort entrance. The hotel says its public beach access is open but has moved for now to an area next to the tennis courts. The County lists restrooms, showers and security, and a paved section of the Ala Kahakai trail runs through the hotel grounds. The County warns of hazardous footing, currents and waves, so judge the surf before you swim.
Local tip
Limited public parking passes at the main resort entrance; public access is next to the tennis courts for now.
Good to know
Limited public parking passes
Restrooms and showers
