Anaehoomalu Beach, Big Island Hawaii

In times past, Hawaiian royalty chose this special place above others for relaxation and reflection. You, too, can discover its legendary charms. This popular gold-sand beach, fringed by a grove of palms and backed by royal fish ponds still full of mullet, is one of Hawaii’s most beautiful. It fronts the Marriott Waikoloa Beach Resort and is enjoyed by guests and locals alike (it’s busier in summer, but doesn’t ever get truly crowded). In times past, Hawaiian royalty chose this special place above others for relaxation and reflection. You, too, can discover its legendary charms. Leleiwi often attracts endangered sea turtles, making this one of Hawaii’s most popular snorkeling spots.

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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