Beach· Hawaii (Big Island)· Hawaii
Anaeho'omalu Bay (A-Bay)
19° 54.9′ N · 155° 53.2′ W
A long reef-protected crescent of white sand and coconut palms fronting the Waikoloa Beach resorts, backed by the royal Ku'uali'i and Kahapapa fishponds that gave it its name, 'restricted mullet'. The gently sloping bottom suits swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing and paddling, and the King's Trail leads to petroglyphs.
Practical
Coordinate from To-Hawaii.com's map pin (on the beach). Restrooms, showers and parking. Protected by an offshore reef; dangerous conditions in storms and high surf. The March 2011 tsunami breached the fishpond wall, since repaired. No cruising source verified for this entry describes anchoring off A-Bay; if you stop, drop only on sand outside the reef, expect afternoon trade gusts on this section of coast (Noodle's Notes notes trades spill through the Mauna Kea-Kohala saddle from Keahole Point north), and observe the 72-hour limit. Malama Kai Foundation day-use dive moorings sit off the bay (A-Bay Arches 19.91532, -155.90002 and Pentagon 19.91567, -155.89900). Lava Lava Beach Club restaurant is on the beach (69-1081 Ku'uali'i Place).
Best for
Resort-side beach with water sports and fishpond history
Season
Calmest in summer