Waialea Bay is in the southern part of Kawaihae Bay on the west coast of Hawaiʻi Island, and the beach is the Waialea section of Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area. Locals know it by the number on a nearby pole marker. The bay is a Marine Life Conservation District. Taking or injuring marine life, feeding fish and taking sand, coral or rock are all prohibited, though pole and line fishing for finfish is allowed. The bottom slopes off gradually from the beach; the Division of Aquatic Resources points to the southern part of the district for reef, which runs past its boundary, and coral also grows around the rocky point inside the bay. The Division of Aquatic Resources says it is a popular site for snorkeling and scuba, and humpback whales are often seen outside the bay in winter. The bay is somewhat sheltered, but winter brings high surf, and water clarity drops when the stream runs. No lifeguards are on duty. From the highway, turn onto Puakō Beach Drive, take the first right onto Old Puakō Road, and turn left at the marked poles; the road is rough but drivable. State Parks posts closures of the Waialea section on its notices page, so check before you go.
From Puakō Beach Drive and Old Puakō Road; rough but drivable road to parking near the beach.