85°
Mostly Sunny
2%
85
Hawaii County, HI · Hawaiian Islands
Kaunaoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach)
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
A quarter-mile arc of fine white sand fronting the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Kohala Coast. Considered one of the Big Island's top swimming and snorkeling beaches — easy slope, clear water, manta rays at night offshore. By state law the beach is public, but the resort caps daily public parking at ~40 spaces.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
8.2ft waves · 79°F water · 85°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. East northeast wind around 10 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 78. East northeast wind 6 to 10 mph.
Weather
- 85°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Water
- 79°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- UV 13 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
- 8.2ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
63 /100
good
45 Swim
78 Sunbathe
86 Walk
81 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
85°F
Clear
Wind
10 mph
ENE
Rain
2%
Today
UV Peak
13 Extreme
High 10 AM–03 PM · burn in ~15m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
85°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
79°F
Swimming weather
Wave Height
8.2 ft
9s · E swell
Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference
No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (HIZ026)
The HFO office's Surf Zone Forecast doesn't cover this beach's forecast zone directly. Nearby coastal zones it does cover are listed below — regional reference only, not a substitute for the conditions at this specific beach.
- HIZ003 Kauai n/a
- HIZ006 Oahu n/a
- HIZ017 Maui n/a
- HIZ052 Big Island Windward and Southeast n/a
- HIZ053 Big Island Windward and Southeast n/a
- HIZ054 Big Island Windward and Southeast n/a
- HIZ023 Big Island Leeward n/a
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
11:53 AM
Sunset
1:05 AM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:33 AM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 7:33 AM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 12:44 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 7:08 PM | High | 2.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:05 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 8:39 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 1:50 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 7:41 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:37 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:50 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 3:19 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 8:14 PM | High | 1.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:11 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 10:59 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 5:42 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 8:50 PM | High | 1.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:50 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 12:00 PM | High | 2.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:37 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 12:52 PM | High | 2.1 ft |
| 9:06 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 11:49 PM | High | 0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:31 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 1:37 PM | High | 2.2 ft |
| 9:33 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 1617433, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
85°
Mostly Sunny
2%
83
85°
Mostly Sunny
9%
83
85°
Partly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers
20%
79
85°
Mostly Sunny
8%
84
85°
Mostly Sunny
3%
85
85°
Mostly Sunny
5%
84
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 13 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 79°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
~40 public spaces released daily at the resort gate — show up early (around 7:30 a.m.) for a pass.
Dogs
Dogs not permitted on the resort beach grounds.
Entry Fee
$20 parking (limited public spaces via Mauna Kea Resort).
Address
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Kaunaoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach) today?
Kaunaoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach) shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Kaunaoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach) dog-friendly?
Dogs not permitted on the resort beach grounds.
Is there an entry fee at Kaunaoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach)?
$20 parking (limited public spaces via Mauna Kea Resort).
Are there lifeguards at Kaunaoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach)?
No lifeguards are stationed at Kaunaoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach). Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Kaunaoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach)?
Amenities at Kaunaoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach) include restrooms, showers, beach paths.
When is the water warmest at Kaunaoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach)?
Hawaiian water is consistently 75-82°F year-round, with the summer peak in August-September. Swimming comfortable every month; rip currents and shore-break hazards drive the safety picture more than temperature.
Where is Kaunaoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach) located?
Kaunaoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach) is in Hawaii County, HI, at 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS