With its white sandy beaches and light blue waters, this is what makes Maniniowali Beach in Kona one of the prettiest beaches on the island. The white sand here gently slopes down into the ocean making the entrance into the water both friendly and simple. Maniniowali Beach is a great beach for both swimming and snorkeling during calm conditions. Facilities here include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and drinking fountains. Be sure to bring the sunblock, a hat, or even an umbrella because there are no trees or shade here at Maniniowali Beach. So come enjoy a day in the full sun and enjoy everything Maniniowali Beach has to offer.
Maniniowali Beach, also known as Kua Bay, never gets too windy because of the rocky and rugged black lava rocks blocking most of the wind. During the wintertime, the waters can get rough, though. But even when this happens, it is still a calm and peaceful place to visit. As previously mentioned, Maniniowali Beach is a nice place to snorkel, but beware when doing so because with the rolling waves and sandy bottom, the underwater visibility can be near zero at times. Swimming and body surfing are other options to enjoy your day here at Maniniowali Beach.
To get to Maniniowali Beach (or Kua Bay), there is a new park entry road that begins just opposite of the West Hawaii Veteran’s Cemetery between mile markers 88 and 89 off of the Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway (Route 19). It ends behind the beach at Kua Bay at the Maniniowali section of the Kekaha Kai State Park. From the parking area, you will have to traverse over the rough lava rocks in order to get to the beach below. Keep in mind that this beach is not stroller accessible. The beach hours are from 9:00am to 7:00pm being open daily, except on Wednesdays.
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