A-Bay Beach: The Kohala Coast's Best Beach
Anaehoomalu Bay — everybody calls it A-Bay — is a crescent of white sand on the Big Island's Kohala Coast, fronting the Waikoloa Beach Resort area. Calm water year-round, sea turtles on the sand, and sunsets that make the entire coast glow.
The beach sits between ancient Hawaiian fishponds and a reef that breaks most wave energy before it reaches shore. A-Bay is the go-to beach for families staying at Waikoloa resorts, but it deserves a visit even if you are based elsewhere on the island.
A-Bay — Quick Facts
- Location: Kohala Coast, Waikoloa Beach Resort — off Waikoloa Beach Drive
- Entry: Free. Large parking lot rarely fills.
- Best for: Swimming (year-round), snorkeling, sea turtles, sunset
- Facilities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, shade trees
- Lifeguards: No. Reef provides natural protection.
- Nearby: Queens' MarketPlace and Kings' Shops within walking distance
Swimming at A-Bay
A-Bay has the most reliably calm water of any beach on the Big Island. The offshore reef absorbs most wave energy, so even when other Kohala Coast beaches have chop, A-Bay stays swimmable. Sandy bottom slopes gradually — safe for kids.
Snorkeling
The reef at the north end of the bay offers the best snorkeling. Swim past the sandy area to coral patches where you will find parrotfish, yellow tang, triggerfish (humuhumunukunukuapua'a), and convict tang. Mornings are clearest before afternoon winds stir sand.
Good for beginners but not at the level of Kealakekua Bay. Full guide: best snorkeling on the Big Island.
Sea Turtles
Green sea turtles (honu) are regulars at A-Bay. They swim near the reef and haul out onto the sand in late afternoon. Keep at least 10 feet away — protected under the Endangered Species Act.
The Fishponds
Behind the beach, two ancient Hawaiian fishponds (Kuualii and Kahapapa) date back centuries. Hawaiians used these brackish-water enclosures to raise fish — aquaculture that predated Western contact. Interpretive signs along the walking path explain the history.
Sunset at A-Bay
A-Bay faces west-northwest with some of the Big Island's best sunsets. Maui's Haleakala visible on clear evenings. Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset.
Parking & Facilities
Free parking in a large lot off Waikoloa Beach Drive. Rarely fills. Restrooms, showers, picnic tables. Queens' MarketPlace and Kings' Shops are a 5-minute walk for food and supplies.
A rental car is essential for the Kohala Coast.
Nearby Beaches
- Mauna Kea Beach — 10 min north. White sand, limited public parking.
- Hapuna Beach — 15 min north. Half-mile of wide sand.
- Kua Bay — 20 min south. Turquoise cove.
Full list: Big Island beaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A-Bay good for swimming?
Yes. Calm, protected water year-round. Sandy bottom, gradual slope — ideal for families.
Can you see sea turtles?
Yes. Green sea turtles regularly rest on the sand. Late afternoon is best. Keep 10 feet away.
Is there parking?
Free parking in a large lot off Waikoloa Beach Drive. Rarely fills.
Best time to visit?
Swimmable year-round. Mornings for snorkeling, late afternoon for sunset and turtles.
