Located on the North West coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, Mauna Kea Beach is a strong contender for the title of the island’s best beach. It is attached to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, one of Hawaii’s most famous resorts that has been consistently popular ever since it opened in 1965.
Mauna Kea Beach is known to be one of the Island’s most comfortable beaches on which to relax. It offers a vast expanse of soft white sand, free of the rocks that are common to so many of the other beaches. Lie back and soak up the sunshine, surrounded by lush vegetation behind you and the deep blue ocean out in front.
At either end of the beach you’ll find small coral reef formations that are perfect for exploring with a snorkel and mask. This is not one of the main diving destinations, but there is still plenty to see. It is also perfect for exploring in peace, as it does not attract the large numbers of divers present at more popular spots.
Once the most expensive resort ever built, costing a total of US $15 million, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is an attraction in itself. The building’s architecture has been twice recognised by the American Institute of Architects, most recently in 2007 when it was voted into 55th place on the top 150 of America’s Favourite Architecture list. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a round of golf at the ocean-side 36-hole championship golf course.
Both hotel guests and outside visitors can enjoy the exquisite dining on offer at the hotel’s restaurants. Local produce features strongly on the menu. Alternatively, settle at a table with a cool drink in any of the resorts bars, and enjoy the beautiful ocean views.
Mauna Kea Beach is 53 kilometres from Kailua-Kona on the Kohala Coast, in the North West part of Hawaii Island. Although there is a limited chartered bus service that runs to the resort, the area is best reached by car. Parking is available at the beach, but spaces are very limited, and once all are full you will be turned away. The beach is open every day and there is no charge for admission.
