Kua Bay Tours

Kua Bay featuring a sandy beach and tropical scenes
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Get off the beaten track to discover one of Hawaii’s most serene stretches of coast.

This secluded bay, tucked away within the Kekaha Kai State Park, is one of the most picturesque in the region. Once one of Hawaii’s best-kept secrets, today the beach is beginning to rise in popularity, although it remains quieter than most of the beaches along the popular Ali'i Drive. The state park provides excellent hiking and lookouts, while the beach is home to beautiful marine life and great surfing. Come to Kua Bay prepared for the day, as you’ll want to spend several hours and the beach has no facilities. The beach is fairly small but there’s plenty of space to find a quiet patch of sand to settle in. Put on your snorkeling gear and dive into the tranquil water to meet the local sea life. Swim with Hawaiian sea turtles, the majestic creatures that inhabit this stretch of coast. Watch as dolphins play in the surf, and keep your eyes peeled for whales breaching out in the deeper water.In the cooler months the beach is a great spot for surfing as the winter swells roll in. Rent a surfboard from Kailua-Kona, where you’ll also find operators that run beginner surfing classes, when the conditions are right. Hike the trails that surround the beach to reach one of the lookouts above the shoreline. The trails are well maintained, and provide excellent views up and down the coastline. There is no water available at Kua Bay so be sure to bring your own, especially if you intend to hike during summer.Kua Bay can be reached by car via an unpaved road north of Kailua-Kona. Take the second turnoff to the Kekaha Kai State Park when heading north and continue through the park for approximately 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) until you reach the beach. The park is open during daylight hours except for Wednesdays, and there is no entrance fee.

Plan a trip to see Kua Bay

OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa
Kona Reef, A Raintree Vacation Club Resort
Aston Kona by the Sea
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Kua Bay

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
96
" "5 - Excellent 62.745098039215684%
4 - Good
50
" "4 - Good 32.6797385620915%
3 - Okay
5
" "3 - Okay 3.2679738562091503%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.6535947712418301%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.6535947712418301%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 10, 2019

Great for swimming & body surfing

4/5 - Good

Roxanne
Mar 9, 2019

For older people with stiff joints, etc there is a back trail that takes longer but is less likely to result in falls on the uneven lava. There is current legislation to fund a lifeguard position for this beach and it needs it!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Dec 28, 2018

dangerous waves

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 12, 2018

Don't go in the water if you are not a strong swimmer.  Use your heads... The surf can look nice & calm but it can be very dangerous and there is no lifeguard.

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