We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay)

Hwy. 19, dirt road N. of mile marker 88, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI
Update attraction details
Ranked #2 of 40 attractions in Kailua-Kona
Type: Beaches
103 visitor photos
Write a Review

179 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    132
    39
    8
    0
    0
Date Rating
Houston, Texas
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 attraction reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013 NEW

The most beautiful beach with a short drive from Kona. Parking is always a challenge but worth the walk if you need to park up the hill a way

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Larry E for Kailua-Kona
Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013 NEW

Absolutely loved this beach, I think I liked it even better than Hapuna. The water went from azure to aqua to turquoise, just stunning. Swam with a young sea turtle just going about his business.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Lisa C for Kailua-Kona
Sterling, Virginia
Top Contributor
50 reviews 50 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
75 helpful votes 75 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013 NEW

Up until last Thursday afternoon, Hapuna Beach had been my favorite Big Island beach, hands down. Then I took the advice of Megan at Aloha Toe Rings at the Kona Inn Shopping Center, and wandered down the access road directly opposite the sign for the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery out on Hwy 19. Thankfully, this is now a paved road.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by Christine C for Kailua-Kona
Bedminster, New Jersey
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013

next to the Four Seasons Resort where we stayed. Water was crystal blue, calm, clean and beach not overly crowded with ease of access. A good day for surfers which we could see to the left in South direction.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by Jackie M for Kailua-Kona
Flemington, New Jersey
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

We live close to the Jersey shore and have been to beaches in the outer banks, Florida, and on Kaua'i and Maui. This is the best we have seen for swimming (not so great for snorkeling; no reefs). Small beach, but wonderfully soft white sand on beach and on the ocean floor and beautiful clear turquoise water. Go in the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Labans443 for Kailua-Kona
McLean, Virginia
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

This is by far the softest sand of any beach I've ever felt. And the water is so clear and beautiful. Parking, especially on a weekend, is hard, but the beach is well worth it.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Roswell, Georgia
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

Wow. Sparkling turquoise water, soft sandy beach, cool lava cliffs above...What more can you ask for? (Okay, maybe a little bit of shade would be nice.) Easy drive from the main road with lots of little paths off the beach to explore. Flowers everywhere in the green spaces behind the beach. We wanted to try a bit of snorkeling, but... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by nsebastian for Kailua-Kona
Island of Hawaii, Hawaii
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 April 2013

This beach is a bit small and condensed, but the water is beautiful! One of my favorites on the island.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by 8792kan for Kailua-Kona
San Francisco, California
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2013

A very pleasant surprise at the end of this dirt road! Absolutely gorgeous beach with great facilities and a parkng lot not too far from beach area. However, it could prove challenging for someone who has disabilites to get down to the beach because there is an area where you have to do some climbing. Not bad at all for... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Henderson, Nevada
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
22 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 April 2013

This beach is a beautiful little turquoise bay with a lava rock field just to the south of it. Part of the bay is protected with few waves, but another part of the bay had pretty large waves where people were boogie boarding. The sunset here was beautiful. This beach is easily accessible with a parking lot right by the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 5 more reviews by TravelingKatie11 for Kailua-Kona

Travellers who viewed Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay) also viewed

Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii
Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii
 
Hilo, Island of Hawaii
Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii
 

Been to Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay)? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay), register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing