The Ala Kahakai also provides access to some of the most pristine shoreline remaining in Hawaii, as well as numerous anachialine ponds, which are unique ecosystems given highest protection. Much of the trail receives only limited maintenance and short sections have been eroded by ocean waves. In winter, big waves can splash these ponds, but the shallow pools are generally free of currents and ideal for families with children, especially in the protected inlets at the center of the park.

The peaceful ancient pond which borders the beach was once a spiritual retreat for Hawaiian royalty. Here you can enjoy a sunset cruise, go snorkeling or diving, play in the pristine ocean, take a moonlight stroll, or just relax and get a golden tan. The trail surrounding the fish pond has a number of educational boards which explain what used to happen here.

The snorkeling on the right side of the beach is pretty good. You can rent all sorts of gear on the beach. Ocean Sports operates a beach concession where you can rent snorkel gear, take a glass bottom boat ride, sail or sign up for a dive lesson or a snorkel cruise. During the winter months take a whale watching cruise on the “Sea Smoke”, built for James Arness of “Gunsmoke” fame.

Be sure to walk through the Marriott and Hilton resort properties. The Hilton is built around lagoon and has captive dolphins that can be viewed most anytime. Continue on the highway for approximately 18 miles until you reach The Waikoloa Beach Resort entrance on your left. Continue until the 2nd stop sign.

The resort has its own transportation system, something you won’t find at any other resort in Hawaii. Swift silver-bullet traing or gliding mahogany boat will transport you to any place you want. A narrow path takes you directly to the Resort’s Beach Bar & Grill, which serves sandwiches and plate lunches. Young kids will love to play in the sand and the shallow water as turtles crawl up on the beach next to them. Kolea is situated in spectacular Waikoloa Beach Resort offering two championship golf courses, a sheltered beach at Anaehoomalu Bay, two deluxe resort hotels, and an exciting collection of boutiques, restaurants and galleries at distinctive Kings’ Shops. This two-bedroom villa is exquisitely furnished in refined style.

During the summer, there are many opportunities here for swimming, diving and fishing. But the water gets rougher in the winter, and the leisurely beaches become home to ambitious surfers. There is high surf here most of the time, but good for swimming and snorkeling in the summer months. Usually thought of as the second best beach on the Big Island, the beach at Hapuna is as long as seven football fields and during the summer, can be as wide as seventy yards. In addition to its sheer size, Hapuna boasts superb bodysurfing at the southern end, and spectacular cliffdiving (recommended only for those intimately familiar with the area) from the slick cliffs high above.

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This beach is not protected by any fringing reefs, so big surf is extremely dangerous. Strong currents are also present outside of the bay. The safest time to swim is during the summer and early fall. Closely monitor ocean conditions at all times and don’t be crazy – obey all those postings and warnings.

The south-eastern coast of Maui near Hana has provided creative inspiration for many who have found their way to this unique and powerful place. While completing his 12th book, “Hawaii”, the unspoiled natural beauty led author James A. Michener to call Hamoa Beach the most perfect South Pacific beach.

James A. Michener wrote, “Paradoxically, the only beach I have ever seen that looks like the South Pacific was in the North Pacific. Hamoa Beach on Maui Island in Hawai’i; a beach so perfectly formed that I wonder at its comparative obscurity. Formed into the shape of a half moon, it is rimmed by boulders of lava and guarded by tall volcanic needles. Pandanus [Hala] trees line the shore, which offers a crescent of black and silver sand.”

Musicians, writers and artists continue to be drawn to its shores and mountains.

The beach is a long strand of soft grey sand tucked between lava rock outcroppings. Because the waves break right at the shore, it can be a dangerous beach, especially during high surf. Body surfing and boogie boarding can be difficult here due to the shorebreak.

You KNOW it’s beautiful, but if this is your first trip to Maui, going to Hamoa Beach is going to take some planning. First off, you’re probably going to be staying on the other coast. Maybe near Kihei, along in that area. You’ll have to plan a day to take a trip to the Hana Coast – along the Hana Highway. Hamoa Beach is along that highway. And in there is a problem.

If you’re not careful, you’ll end up spending hours sightseeing along the highway and by the time you get all the way out to Hamoa Beach, well – it will be late in the day and you’ll be driving back in the dark. What I suggest here, is to book a day in a small hotel in Hana, and go all the way there, stopping along the way from Kihei. Then the next day, spend a lot of time exploring the beaches and inlets along the coast. It is really spectacular and you cannot go wrong this way.

If you cannot book a hotel in Hana, and chances are you can if you start early enough, then make the trip directly out there first – explore Hamoa Beach for a bit – then on your way home, explore the coast stopping at the sights that you want to see. And take some snacks! Have fun!

To read more about Hamoa Beach, please visit our main site on Hawaii Beaches.

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