Beaches Near Mauna Lani Resort

About the Mauna Lani Resort

The Mauna Lani resort sits on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island, surrounded by ancient lava flows, petroglyph fields, and historic Hawaiian fishponds that have been in use for centuries. The resort's beach is one of the most visually striking on the island, with white sand set against jet-black lava rock and crystal-clear turquoise water.

The Kohala Coast is the driest region on the Big Island, averaging under 10 inches of rainfall per year. This means reliably sunny beach days and consistently excellent water quality, as the absence of streams and rivers eliminates the runoff-driven bacteria spikes that affect wetter parts of the island. Public access to the resort beach is limited through a parking pass system, so early arrival is key.

From the Mauna Lani resort, Hapuna Beach is about 10 minutes north on Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway (Hwy 19). Spencer Beach is roughly 15 minutes north near Kawaihae. A-Bay at Waikoloa is about 10 minutes south on the highway. For the Mauna Lani beach itself, public parking passes are distributed at the resort gate — arrive before 8 AM on weekends and holidays. All Kohala Coast beaches are connected by the main highway with clearly marked turnoffs.

Best overall: Hapuna Beach (wide sand, lifeguards, excellent water quality). Most scenic: Mauna Lani Beach (turquoise on black lava). Best for calm swimming: Spencer Beach (reef-protected, shaded). Best for activities: A-Bay at Waikoloa (rentals, fishponds, cultural trails).

After heavy rain, bacteria levels spike at beaches near streams and river mouths. If a brown water advisory is active near Mauna Lani, Kohala Coast:

• Wait 72 hours after rain stops before entering the water
• Avoid brown or murky water regardless of whether an advisory is posted
• Best rain-resistant option: A-Bay (Anaehoomalu) (South) — generally clearer after rain due to geography
• Check the Big Island live advisories page for current conditions