Makaiwa Bay at Mauna Lani Beach Club

The beach on Makaiwa Bay is mostly frequented by the members of Mauni Lani Beach Club who can use the lounge chairs behind the beach. But if you want to swim and snorkel in the bay and you are not staying at the beach club, this is still a great place to visit.

The bay is small but it has easy access to the water and coral reefs. Near the beach you will find a shack called The Boathouse that rents kayaks, SUPs, and snorkel gear. They also book all sorts of adventures out in the ocean from their boat which uses the boat ramp there. Contact them if you are in the area and interested in diving, whale watching, special snorkeling spots, or a sunset booze cruise.

To get to Kakaiwa Bay Beach, drive into Mauna Lani Resort and at the roundabout take the second right onto Mauna Lani Drive. Then take your first left onto Pauoa Road and Kalahuipua’a Historic Park will be immediately on your right. This park has a small parking lot and it’s first-come first-served so get there early if you want to visit this beach.

From the parking lot you’ll walk the Kalahuipuaa Trail through the park and the resort grounds for a total of about three-quarters of a mile. Along this trail you’ll see all sorts of lava structures including a large cave that once was an home to Hawaiian families. The trail also passes through the Kalahuipuaa Fishponds which are beautiful and still actively used today. When you get to the ocean go left (right leads to Mauna Lani Beach at the Auberge Resort). On this last segment along the coast you’ll pass over walls of the fishponds and walk by an old cottage and a boat launch before reaching the beach.

Address

Pauoa Rd
Waimea, HI 96743

Park Name

Kalahuipua'a Historic Park, Na Loko I'a O Kalahuipua'a Historic Fishponds

Other Names

Maka'iwa Bay, Waiakumalae Point

Owner

Public

Pet Details

No dogs allowed

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Swimming, Snorkeling, Sightseeing, Kayaking, Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Amenities

Fishponds, Trails, Interpretive Signs, Restrooms, Showers, Restroom, Boat Ramp, Restaurant, Rentals, Ocean Boat Tours, Lava Cave