We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
Free Newsletter

Interested in Island of Hawaii?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Island of Hawaii each week.

  • Save Mauna Kea Beach
  • E-mail this page

Mauna Kea Beach


TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #4 of 259 attractions in Island of Hawaii
Traveller Description: Located behind the Mauna Kea Hotel.
Familiar with Mauna Kea Beach? Write your own description and share what you know with other travellers.
Attraction type: Beach
Activities: Sunbathing, Swimming, Dining

Traveller Reviews

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
23 Oct 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

A fabulous beach by any other name would be as sweet, but this one's real name is "Kauna'oa" not "Mauna Kea" beach. It is right in front of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, but even the hotel will tell you the proper place name is Kauna'oa (cow-nah-oh-ah) which is a cool-looking orange dodder plant that grows along the shoreline bushes.... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
Bay Area, CA
21 Jul 2008

This is one of those picture perfect beaches with fine sand, clear water and not too many people. Get there early in the morning since you will need a parking pass. We got up early had breakfast and drove to this beach. The water is nice and beautiful and playing in this stretch of sand truly takes you to your... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
Dallas, Texas
8 Jul 2008

The hotel was still closed (earthquake damage from 2006, I believe) when we went in early July 2008, so the beach had few visitors. This was quite a refreshing view coming from Waikiki a couple days earlier. You have to drive through a security gate into the resort, and show a parking pass to a security guard at the parking... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
new jersey
21 May 2008

We loved this beach! I definitely recommend it if you want an un-crowded, clean, white sand, good snorkeling beach. After reading the other reviews, we decided to go early the day after we arrived in hawaii from nj. we still had jet lag so we woke up early anyway. We were the first one there! Since this is maintained by... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
Baltimore, Maryland
19 Jan 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

Supposedly the Mauna Kea resort is closed (tennis/golf open), so this beach was very uncrowded. We had no trouble parking in January 2008. Just plan to get there by 9:30 AM to be guaranteed a parking pass. We also were able to get a parking pass after about 2 when people started to leave for the day. There is a... more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
Arlington, Virginia
2 Dec 2006
1/1 found this review helpful

Mauna Kea Beach is well worth the hassles of trying to get a public beach-access parking pass. To do so, go early or around midday, when the earliest arrivals are heading elsewhere. Snorkeling is fair along the north end--rocks and fish, some coral. It's better on the south end along the rocks and at the point. There are usually turtles.... more

10 May 2006
2/2 found this review helpful

This is a very pretty beach. Definitely worth the hassle of finding a place to park in the small parking lot provided by the hotel and walking to the sand. It turns out that this beach is located right next to Hapuna (which is a public beach) but because of the limited public access, it is much less crowded. The... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
水戸近郊
26 Oct 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

マウアナケアビーチホテルのまえにあるこじんまりとしたビーチ。ホテルと反対側のほうがより静かかもしれません。高齢家族の私た... more

Write Your Own Attraction Review
Been to Mauna Kea Beach? Share your experiences!
Write a Review
Add Photos
Add Videos

Mauna Kea Beach: Management Resources

TripAdvisor has free and easy resources to help you enhance your listing and promote your property.

  • Start Here - Visit Your Owner's Page
  • Add Photo
  • Add Video

Mauna Kea Beach Address

Island of Hawaii, HI