Pauoa Bay Beach at Fairmont Orchid Resort

Pauoa Bay Beach is the beach next to the Fairmont Orchid Resort on the greater property of Mauna Lani Resort. It’s a superb beach on a small man-made lagoon that is excellent for swimming.

The resort doesn’t recommend swimming in the bay beyond the lagoon but if you are prepared and the conditions are good that’s a great place to be. Snorkelers and swimmers wearing fins can venture out there, but don’t stand on the coral and stay away from sea turtles (honu) if you see them. There are no lifeguards onsite and currents can be strong so be careful and know what you are doing before going too far out.

The back of the beach (beyond the high tide line) is dominated by lounge chairs provided by the Fairmont Orchid for their guests. For that reason this is not the best sunbathing beach for folks who are not staying at the resort and don’t have access to the chairs. The lagoon and the reefs beyond it are the real draw here.

To the west (feels south) there’s another lagoon that’s less frequented because of the lack of a sandy beach. It’s a nice place to swim (although shallow) and it is safe for kids (keikis) in the small areas where there is sand.

The closest parking is at Holoholokai Beach Park. From there it’s about 2/5th of a mile on sand, rocks, grass, and paved paths. Along this walk you’ll pass by a golf course with an island tee box, a picturesque white gazebo with great views, a rock with petroglyphs, and even a lava rock arch. The other alternative is to park at Kalahuipua’a Historic Park and follow it to Mauna Lani Beach and continue to the Fairmont Orchid for around 1.5 miles total. The beach hours for Pauoa Bay are sunrise to sunset.

Address

1 N Kaniku Dr
Waimea, HI 96743

Other Names

Lae o Panipou, Keanapukalua

Owner

Public

Pet Details

No dogs allowed

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Swimming, Snorkeling, Sunbathing

Amenities

Protected Lagoon, Restaurants, Hotel, Restrooms, Showers, Walking Paths, Petroglyphs, Gazebo