Kua Bay Tours

Kua Bay featuring a coastal town and a beach
Kua Bay featuring a sandy beach and tropical scenes
Kua Bay which includes a sandy beach, swimming and landscape views


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

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Aston Kona by the Sea
Kona Reef, A Raintree Vacation Club Resort
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

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Reviews of Kua Bay

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
96
5 - Excellent 63%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great for swimming & body surfing

4/5 - Good

Roxanne

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

dangerous waves

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Kua Bay

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

5 out of 5
72-100 Ka'upulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Unmatched location Four Seasons Hualalai  5BR/5BA Ocean Estate 6500sqft 3/4 acre

Unmatched location Four Seasons Hualalai 5BR/5BA Ocean Estate 6500sqft 3/4 acre

Kailua-Kona
Unmatched location Four Seasons Hualalai 5BR/5BA Ocean Estate 6500sqft 3/4 acre
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at 4th Fairway, Ocean View with 2 Golf Carts

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at 4th Fairway, Ocean View with 2 Golf Carts

Kailua-Kona
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at 4th Fairway, Ocean View with 2 Golf Carts
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort

Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort

5 out of 5
72 300 Maheawalu Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort
Charming Kailua-kona Apartment Near Hiking & Golf!

Charming Kailua-kona Apartment Near Hiking & Golf!

3 out of 5
Kailua-Kona
Charming Kailua-kona Apartment Near Hiking & Golf!
Kailua-kona House w/ Balcony & Ocean Views!

Kailua-kona House w/ Balcony & Ocean Views!

3 out of 5
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-kona House w/ Balcony & Ocean Views!
Beautiful, Ocean View Studio- Quiet, Kitchenette, Sleeps 4, Free WiFi & Parking

Beautiful, Ocean View Studio- Quiet, Kitchenette, Sleeps 4, Free WiFi & Parking

Kailua Kona
Beautiful, Ocean View Studio- Quiet, Kitchenette, Sleeps 4, Free WiFi & Parking
Wir sprechen Deutsch. Lovely studio with kitchenette, spacious lanai,TV and WiFi

Wir sprechen Deutsch. Lovely studio with kitchenette, spacious lanai,TV and WiFi

Kailua Kona
Wir sprechen Deutsch. Lovely studio with kitchenette, spacious lanai,TV and WiFi
Charming Pu'ukala Sunset - Near Hiking And Golf 1 Bedroom Home by RedAwning

Charming Pu'ukala Sunset - Near Hiking And Golf 1 Bedroom Home by RedAwning

3 out of 5
72-1025 Pu?ukala St, Kailua-Kona, HI
Charming Pu'ukala Sunset - Near Hiking And Golf 1 Bedroom Home by RedAwning
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Kua Bay

At Kua Bay in Kailua-Kona, enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming in the beautiful sandy beach, hitting the nearby golf courses, or indulging in a relaxing spa day. Explore the scenic hiking trails and embark on thrilling boat tours for water adventures. Don’t forget to bring your beach chairs for a perfect day by the ocean, soaking up the sun and enjoying the stunning surroundings.

Shopping

Kua Bay offers a relaxed shopping experience. The closest spot is Kings Shops, located 11 miles away, featuring entertainment and a variety of shops. If you're up for a drive, visit Kona Farmers Market, 12 miles away, for local goods, or Kona Boys Inc., 21 miles away, for unique surf gear.

Recreation

Experience the Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course, a stunning 18-hole course set against the backdrop of Hawaii's natural beauty, perfect for golf enthusiasts. For family fun, visit the Kona Community Aquatic Center, offering refreshing pools and recreational activities. Enjoy the Francis H.I'i Brown North Golf Course for a challenging game in a scenic environment.

Adventure

The Vanillerie, located 6 miles from Kua Bay, offers an engaging experience with tropical flavors and local agriculture. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Waipio Na'alapa Trail, 25 miles away, provides stunning vistas and lush landscapes. Meanwhile, the Holua Tennis Center, 18 miles from Kua Bay, delivers an adventurous vibe for sports lovers.

Nightlife

Kua Bay's nightlife offers a variety of experiences. The Great 4-D Movie Ride, 13 miles away, immerses you in thrilling entertainment. Aloha Theatre, 20 miles away, showcases cultural performances perfect for families. For a unique twist, the WM Keck Observatory Office, 27 miles away, combines entertainment with stargazing.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Kua Bay

In Kua Bay, Kailua-Kona, visitors can enjoy stunning beaches and outdoor adventures. Explore the pristine Manini'owali Beach and the scenic Kaunaʻoa Beach, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. For those seeking a blend of relaxation and excitement, Anāehoʻomalu Beach offers both calm waters and historic sites nearby. Whether you're looking for beach fun or an adventurous experience, Kua Bay has something to satisfy every traveler.

  • Kailua-Kona Beaches: Experience the classic Hawaiian beach vibes at Kailua-Kona Beaches, located just 2 miles from Kua Bay. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and the stunning ocean views that make this spot a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
  • Makalawena Beach: Discover the unique allure of Makalawena Beach, a nudist beach 2 miles away from Kua Bay. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, this tranquil haven offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking a more liberating beach experience.
  • Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park: Dive into the rich culture of Hawaii at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, located 9 miles from Kua Bay. Explore ancient fishponds, petroglyphs, and learn about the traditional Hawaiian way of life in this historic site.

Best time to go to Kua Bay

The best time to visit Kua Bay can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Kua Bay falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Kua Bay falls in February, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January71.6°F (22.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
February71.2°F (21.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
March71.8°F (22.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April72.5°F (22.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May73.6°F (23.1°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
June74.5°F (23.6°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
July75.7°F (24.3°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August76.3°F (24.6°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
September76.1°F (24.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
October76.1°F (24.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November74.5°F (23.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kua Bay

To save money on your trip to Kua Bay, consider visiting in May, September, or November when rates are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia, especially on Tuesdays for the best rates. You can maximize savings by bundling flights, hotels, and activities through Expedia packages and joining their One Key membership for exclusive discounts. Utilize the price filter on Expedia to find the best deals, and keep an eye out for green banners indicating savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Kua Bay are May, September and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Kua Bay is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Kua Bay is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Kua Bay is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the best prices and deals available, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Kua Bay hotel reservation with your flights and activities by choosing an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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