Waialea Beach(Beach 69)

For dining near Waialea Beach, several excellent options are available. Lava Lava Beach Club offers a beachside dining experience with modern cottages and live entertainment, serving a variety of comfort foods and cocktails. Another popular spot is Manuela Malasada Co, known for its casual, trendy atmosphere and delicious malasadas. For a more upscale dining experience, HāLani provides a cozy setting with great cocktails and a focus on healthy options. Napua at Mauna Lani Beach Club offers an open-air setting with locally sourced cuisine, while BROWN'S BEACH HOUSE serves farm-to-table meals in a romantic beach setting.

For accommodations near Waialea Beach, several top-rated hotels are available. The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa offers upscale amenities including golf courses and a spa. The Fairmont Orchid - Hawaii provides a chic getaway with multiple dining options and golf courses. The Hilton Waikoloa Village features a sprawling tropical setting with a lagoon and golf facilities. Lastly, The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort offers an upscale beach experience with an infinity pool and golf course.

Waialea Beach provides basic yet essential amenities for visitors. The beach is equipped with public restrooms and showers, making it convenient for a day-long visit. There are no food vendors or rental equipment available on-site, so visitors typically bring their own supplies. The beach's natural shade from Kiawe trees offers a comfortable spot for picnics and relaxation. The lack of commercial development maintains the beach's natural charm and tranquility.

For those planning a picnic, it's advisable to bring all necessary items, as there are no nearby shops or services directly at the beach. However, the nearby towns offer a range of services and amenities for visitors.

Waialea Beach is renowned for its excellent snorkeling opportunities due to its designation as a Marine Life Conservation District. The bay's reefs are home to a diverse array of marine life, including tropical fish and green sea turtles. During winter, visitors may catch glimpses of humpback whales and dolphins offshore. The beach also offers bodyboarding and surfing on the northern side, where the ocean access is unobstructed. For hikers, the Ala Kahakai Trail passes through the beach, providing access to scenic coastal views and anchialine ponds.

The beach's rugged coastline features tide pools and large rocks, making it an adventurous spot for exploration. However, there are no lifeguards on duty, so visitors must be mindful of their own safety.

Waialea Beach does not have specific disability access features like ramps or wheelchair rentals. However, the parking area is relatively close to the beach, and the flat terrain near the beach might be accessible for some mobility devices. Visitors with disabilities may need to plan ahead and bring necessary equipment or assistance to fully enjoy the beach.

Parking at Waialea Beach is available in a large lot near the beach entrance. For non-island residents, a parking fee of $5 is collected via an honor box to support beach maintenance. It is advisable to arrive early, as the parking area can become crowded in the afternoon. The proximity of the parking lot to the beach makes it convenient for visitors to access the beach with their gear.

Waialea Beach is historically significant due to its designation as a Marine Life Conservation District, which protects its rich marine ecosystem. The beach's nickname 'Beach 69' comes from the utility pole number near its entrance, a common way to identify secluded beaches in Hawaii. During winter, the beach's sand erodes, but it replenishes during the summer months, making it a seasonal gem for beachgoers. The area is also known for its ancient Kiawe trees, which provide shade and divide the beach into secluded alcoves.

One of the main attractions near Waialea Beach is the Ala Kahakai Trail, a 15.4-mile coastal path that offers stunning views of the coastline and access to remote areas. The trail passes through Waialea Beach, making it a great spot for hikers to stop and enjoy the bay. Additionally, the nearby Puako area offers historical sites and scenic drives along the Kohala Coast. Visitors can also explore other beaches like Hapuna and Mauna Kea Beach, which are known for their pristine conditions and amenities.