He’eia Bay Beach
Photo Gallery
About He'eia Bay Beach on Kona & West Island, Hawaii
He’eia Bay is a small bay located north of Keauhou Harbor and adjacent to the Kanaloa Resort Property. The public beach on this bay is hidden below homes and a resort so very few people visit it.
The beach on He’eia Bay is made up of smooth black lava rocks and has a steep slope to the water. It’s not great for sunbathing but getting into the water isn’t difficult. Kayaking or SUPing to this location from Keauhou Bay Beach Park is easy if the surf isn’t rough. Snorkeling in Heeia Bay can be pretty good too.
He’eia Bay is a significant location in that the historic Holua Slide ended at the bay. The Holua Slide is an ancient mile-long ramp made of rocks that starts at 600 feet of elevation above sea level. In the past the ramp was made to be slick and it allowed riders to slide down all the way to the bay during competitions with surfers who were racing to the same location. Portions of the slide still remain on the mauka side (toward the mountains), but the area near He’eia Bay is now developed and buildings and roads cover the lower slide portion. None of it is visible at the bayshore unfortunately.
Behind the beach there’s an anchialine pond called Loko Wai Opae. This rock wall-lined pool and all of the land behind the beach are signed “Private Property” and “No Trespassing” so stay close to the beach on your visit.
To find the access to He’eia Bay turn off Alii Highway onto Kamehameha III Road and then turn right onto Manukai Street. Just after passing Heeia Way, look for a walkway on the left before you get to the gated entrance to Kanaloa Resort. This entrance starts between the homes with addresses 78-274 and 78-270 Manukai St. The path is about 150 yards long to the beach.
- Address
- 78-270 Manukai St
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 - Other Names
- Heeia Bay Beach
- Owner
- Public Beach
- Pet Details
- No signs prohibiting dogs
- Fees
- Free street parking
- Activities
- Beach Exploration, Snorkeling
- Amenities
- Anchialine Pool, No Facilities
Nearby Beaches
Keauhou Bay & Harbor
0.2 miles away
Keauhou Bay Beach Park is a modest park on Keauhou Harbor that get’s little attention. It’s a great place...
Outrigger Kona Resort Shoreline Access
0.2 miles away
This little-known shoreline access is a shaded place on the south shore of Keauhou Bay that’s superb for walking....
Makolea Beach
0.7 miles away
Makolea Beach is a hidden beach south of well-known Kahalu’u Beach Park that is worth trying to find. It...
Nearby Attractions
Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
8.1 miles away
Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail is also known as Kawaihae-Anaehoomalu and is often signed Ala Kahakai Trail. This coastal...