Mauna Kea Beach, also known as Kauna'oa Beach, is one of Hawai'i's most beautiful white sand beaches, located directly in front of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. The family-friendly beach offers public access to visitors for free, though tourists should note that entrance to the beach requires receiving free passes from the nearby resort security office. The half-mile beach is home to two lovely coral reefs on each side of the beach, with gently-sloping sands and shade trees making for great sunbathing conditions. During the summer months, calm waters make for great conditions for swimming and snorkeling, though visitors should note that strong rip currents and high waves during the winter months make water entry dangerous. Visitors can dine or grab drinks at the resort's restaurant or rent boogie boards and snorkeling equipment at a nearby beach concession stand. At night, floodlights are turned on to attract manta rays for nighttime wildlife watching.

Address: Mauna Kea Beach, 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743

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Step 1: Visit the website and book directly and/or call ahead to confirm their hours.
Step 2: If you are spending the night, search for Hotel Deals nearby. Call the hotel directly to book and ask for a romantic, kid-friendly or pet-friendly amenity if you need it.
Step 3: If you are flying, compare Flights. Book directly with the airline, add your frequent flier number and reserve your seat.
Step 4: Estimate your driving time using Google Maps (click the blue 'Directions' arrow in the search box).

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Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.