Exploring the Beauty of Kua Bay

Kua Bay

19.8097° N, 156.0114° W

Kua Bay boasts crystal clear turquoise waters and a beach of soft sand.

After a busy day in old town Hilo, we were excited for a lazy beach day! We got up early and made a beeline to Kua Bay (or Manini’owali Beach). There are many, many beautiful beaches to choose from on the Big Island but, there’s something about Kua Bay that speaks to me! I can’t leave the island without spending time here.

Kua Bay is located past Kona on the leeward side. You’ll find it between markers 88 and 89 on Highway 19 — opposite the Hawaii Island Veteran’s Memorial. It can get crowded here so, consider arriving earlier in the day. There is parking as well as restrooms and showers — no shade (you may want to bring an umbrella).

The views are remarkable! Turquoise blue waters that seem to go on forever and then return back to shore as they kiss the lava rock that wraps around the bay.

Kua Bay is a good beach for snorkeling — we often see Hawaiian Honu (Green Sea Turtles) here as well as a variety of fish. Did you know the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle is the last remaining indigenous reptile to Hawaii? To many Hawaiians the Honu is a symbol of good luck. It is a treat every time we find one in the waters close to us —- with their sleepy eyes and flippers they seem to glide through the clear water. If you’re fortunate enough to visit in the Winter, it’s also a great spot to sit and view dolphins and humpback whales.

I prefer mornings here, right when the gate opens —- the surf is calm, there are few people and you get to make the first footprints of the day in the sand! There is no shade at Kua Bay — wear your sunscreen and a hat (and an umbrella if you’re able). There are picnic tables above and behind the beach (and occasionally a food truck), plus outdoor showers and bathroom facilities. We love to pack lunches and snacks…… remember to keep our beaches beautiful and pack out what you bring in.

How can you not smile when you’re standing in this beautiful scenery!

In addition, to the picturesque beach you’ll also find a “field” of white coral scattered across the black lava rocks. Moriah, Elijah and I spent time looking at the different shapes and sizes that nature created and then washed ashore….. some with pinks and rusty reds dotted along the texture of the white coral, some big, some small. This one with rough jagged edges, that one chiseled and rounded by years in the ocean. All much like puzzle pieces washed ashore.

The juxtaposition of colors on Kua Bay seem to accentuate one another against the texture and richness of the black lava. I love the way the shades of blue deepen as the day progresses and the beat of the waves intensifies.

A day at Kua Bay is truly special —- hope you have someone special to share it with!

Happy Travels!