Kua Bay white sand beach

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resource (DLNR) developed a one and a half-mile long access road to Kua Bay and the Manini‘owali section of Kekaha Kai State Park. The park road leads to a new parking area with restrooms, showers and picnic tables. This beach was opened to the public in October of 2005 and the road is so new it is not reflected on most maps!

I visited Kua in November of 2008 and there still aren't signs to indicate the beach from the main road.

Located off the Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway (19) north of Kona between mile markers 88 and 89, Kua Bay offers a scenic white sand beach gently sloping down into the ocean. The turn off is opposite the entrance of West Hawaii Veteran's Cemetery. The beauty of this white sand beach and light blue waters is breathtaking - this is one of the prettiest beaches on the Island. There are no trees or shade here. During calm conditions, the swimming and snorkeling are excellent and easy. Facilities are limited but do include showers, drinking fountains, picnic tables, and restrooms. From the parking area you will need to traverse over rough lava rocks to get to the beach below. This beach is not baby stroller accessible.

This is one of the most beautiful bays you will ever see. Some of my best sunset pictures were taken at Kua. The water is crystal clear, deep aquamarine, and peaceful in summer. Rugged, rocky shores on either side keep the beach from getting too windy in the afternoon, but the surf here can get very rough in winter. Still, it's always beautiful, and usually pretty quiet. Make sure you bring your boogie board to this beach. Snorkeling would be difficult in the winter months.

Directions: The new park entry road begins opposite the West Hawai‘i Veteran's Cemetery on Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway (between mile markers 88 and 89 on Route19) and ends behind the beach at Kua Bay within the Manini‘owali section of Kekaha Kai State Park. Beach is open 9:00AM - 7:00PM daily, except Wednesdays.