Anaeho'omalu Beach

Anaeho'omalu Beach is a place of unparalleled beauty, tranquility and charm. Often referred to as A-Bay, the beach is a long crescent of salt and pepper sand that rims Anaeho'omalu Bay. Peaceful and scenic, long rows of palm trees make A-Bay one of the premier places to photograph a Big Island sunset.

Relaxing on the beach at Anaeho'omalu Bay

Named for the historic royal fishponds behind Anaeho'omalu Beach, this is an interesting and very picturesque place to explore. Once a thriving fishing village, today the Anaeho'omalu fishponds are still actively maintained. Along the paved walkway adjacent to the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Hotel are informational signs describing the area. You might spot moray eels lurking in the shallows. The area is rich in history including archaeological sites, heiau (temples) and petroglyphs.

Continue down the pathway past the ancient fishponds to enjoy one of those amazing Hawaii beaches that has it all: sun, sand, surf, shade, swimming, snorkeling, and an amazing story that digs deep into Hawaii's past.

The water in A-Bay, while not as clear as at some beaches, is utterly tranquil, making for excellent swimming. Decent snorkeling can be found along either side of A-Bay, particularly near the northern edge.

A-Bay is a great place to learn stand up paddle boarding. Lessons are available, and kayaks, boogie boards and snorkel gear can be rented at the hut on the north end of Anaeho'omalu Beach. You can also sign up for scuba diving or a guided tour.

Tour boats are always available in Anaeho'omalu Bay

Anaeho'omalu Beach is ideal if you prefer to simply lounge in the sand or under the shade of a coconut palm. And when the breeze picks up, A-Bay is known for some of the best kite surfing on the Big Island.

There are no lifeguards at A-Bay. There are restrooms and outdoor showers near the south end of Anaeho'omalu Beach, and other services are available on the resort grounds.

Kapalaoa Beach and Ala Kahakai Trail

A section of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail crosses the beach, traversing north and south past Anaeho'omalu Bay. Just a short distance to the south, one of the treasures of the area is Kapalaoa Beach.

Walking along the shore between A-Bay and Kapalaoa Beach has a sort of other-world feeling. At times when we've had the entire beach to ourselves, there's a sense of wildness, like being shipwrecked on an island paradise.

It can be so utterly peaceful, sitting there in the sand, alone, mesmerized by the small waves breaking softly across the lava rocks in the center of the cove, with the top of Maui poking through the clouds in the distance.

The walk north from Anaeho'omalu Bay beach is equally scenic, a delightful stroll with magnificent vistas along the coastline trail leading to the Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort.

Directions to Anaeho'omalu Beach

To reach A-Bay, turn off Highway 19 toward the ocean at Waikoloa Beach Drive. When you enter the village, you will pass Queen's Marketplace on your left. Before reaching the Marriott Hotel, turn left at the intersection opposite the Kings Shops, onto Kuualil Place. Follow until you see the public parking lot and walk to the beach.

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