Mauna Lani Beach, also known as Makaiwa Bay or Makai Beach, curves along a picturesque white sand cove within the Mauna Lani Auberge Resort on the Kohala Coast, offering one of the Big Island's most beautiful swimming and snorkeling beaches with the added distinction of oceanfront dining at the historic CanoeHouse restaurant. The palm-fringed shoreline features soft imported white sand against a backdrop of black lava fields and the ancient Kalahuipuaa fishponds, traditional Hawaiian aquaculture systems that provided fish to coastal communities for centuries before resort development. Public beach access is carefully protected by law despite the exclusive resort setting, though reaching the beach requires navigating resort security gates, limited parking with only 25 public spaces, and a three-quarter-mile walk along the scenic Kalahuipuaa Trail through lava fields and past historic fishponds. Resort guests and condo owners enjoy privileged access via the Beach Club parking lot directly adjacent to the sand, while public visitors must park at the shoreline access lot behind the Mauna Lani Sports and Fitness Club and make the 15-minute trek carrying beach gear across hot lava terrain before reaching the shaded areas near the fishponds. The combination of excellent snorkeling conditions, resort amenities including equipment rentals and dining, and the dramatic setting between ancient lava flows and turquoise waters makes Mauna Lani Beach worth the access challenges for beachgoers seeking Kohala Coast beauty without resort room rates.
Swimming and snorkeling conditions at Mauna Lani Beach rank among the finest on the Kohala Coast, with a labyrinth of coral reefs creating protected areas where gentle waves and calm waters prevail throughout most of the year. The clear waters and extensive coral formations make this an ideal spot for snorkelers of all experience levels, from beginners learning basic skills to advanced snorkelers photographing rare fish species. Vibrant coral gardens shelter dazzling schools of yellow tang, striking Moorish idols with their distinctive elongated dorsal fins, colorful butterflyfish, and occasional Hawaiian green sea turtles gliding through the reef channels. The traditionally calm conditions allow snorkelers to float effortlessly while observing the underwater ecosystem, though winter months can bring larger swells that create stronger currents and reduce visibility temporarily. No lifeguards patrol this beach, requiring swimmers and snorkelers to assess conditions independently and exercise appropriate caution particularly during high surf periods. Mauna Lani Sea Adventures operates from the beach, offering equipment rentals including snorkel gear, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and outrigger canoes, along with guided ocean activities and lessons. The sandy beach provides comfortable sunbathing areas with some natural shade from palm trees, and the Beach Club offers additional resort-style amenities for those willing to pay day-use fees.
Access to Mauna Lani Beach requires stopping at the resort security gate where visitors must request public beach access - guards will provide a pass and direct visitors through winding resort roads to the designated public parking lot behind the Mauna Lani Sports and Fitness Club. The 25 parking spaces fill quickly, particularly on weekends and during peak tourist seasons, and once full, guards turn away additional visitors until someone departs. Arriving before 9 AM significantly improves parking chances. From the parking area, the Kalahuipuaa Trail leads three-quarters of a mile through barren lava fields before reaching the ancient fishponds where the landscape transforms into a lush, shaded oasis with palm trees and interpretive signs explaining traditional Hawaiian aquaculture. The paved trail accommodates wheelchairs and strollers though the distance and heat make this challenging for some visitors. At the beach, public amenities include restrooms, outdoor showers, and drinking water, with additional resort facilities accessible through the Beach Club for day-use fees. The Beach Club parking lot directly adjacent to the sand is reserved exclusively for Mauna Lani Resort guests and condo owners who receive Access Cards as part of their property ownership or hotel stay. The long walk from public parking discourages crowds, creating a relatively uncrowded beach experience compared to easily accessible Kohala Coast beaches, though the effort required means families with small children and visitors with mobility limitations may find alternative beaches more practical.
Dining options at Mauna Lani Beach are exceptional, headlined by CanoeHouse at the Mauna Lani Auberge Resort, a storied oceanfront restaurant that originally stood as a canoe storage site where Duke Kahanamoku and Babe Ruth sought respite before opening as a restaurant in 1989. CanoeHouse features Japanese-inspired seasonal dishes crafted by Executive Chef Rhoda Magbitang, who trained under world-renowned chefs including Jose Andres and Josiah Citrin before joining Mauna Lani, showcasing Hawaiian ingredients from over 160 local farms through oven roasting, flame grilling, and wok firing techniques. The restaurant operates cashless and accepts reservations up to 60 days in advance for non-resort guests, offering stunning sunset views over the Pacific Ocean. HaLani provides al fresco Coastal Mediterranean cuisine with tropical Hawaiian influences beneath swaying palms near the beach, while Ha Bar serves craft cocktails and light bites. For more casual and affordable options, the nearby town of Waikoloa offers Lava Lava Beach Club at Anaehoomalu Bay with beachfront dining and happy hour specials, Island Grill at Kings Shops serving local comfort food, and Waikoloa Shrimp Company for quick seafood meals. The cultural significance of Mauna Lani Beach extends far beyond its resort setting - the name Mauna Lani means mountain reaching heaven, and the ancient Kalahuipuaa fishponds represent sophisticated Hawaiian engineering that sustained communities through sustainable aquaculture for generations. The preservation of these fishponds alongside modern resort development demonstrates possible coexistence between tourism and cultural heritage, while the protected public beach access ensures that this beautiful coastline remains available to all Hawaii residents and visitors regardless of economic status, embodying Hawaiian traditions of shared coastal resources even within exclusive resort communities.
