Puako Beach Drive Shoreline Accesses

The shore in Puako is ideal for watching sunsets and is rarely crowded. There are nine different public shoreline access points along Puako Beach Drive between Puako Boat Launch and Puako Beach Park at the end of the road. Each one should have a white sign with blue lettering that says “Shoreline Public Access” next to the entrance, but not all do.

There is little sand along this shore – it’s mostly lava rock and loose coral chunks. Access to the water is difficult at most accesses, but the outer edge of the Puako reef is excellent for snorkeling if you can get there, and if the surf is not rough. Tide pools are plentiful at most of the accesses, just explore around if the tide allows. Bring beach chairs or towels to sit on for sunset watching.

If you want sand, the first access (northernmost and closest to the boat ramp) is your best bet. It has the most space, the most sand, and even has a few shade trees. Sunbathing is possible at this access whereas it’s pretty difficult at the others. You’ll find this access just before the large condo building on the inland side of the road. The beach entrance is next to the home at address 69-1630.

If you want the easiest access to the water for snorkeling and diving, try the access across from the Ascension Mission Catholic Church parking lot. This shoreline access has only one off-street parking space, but there are street parking spaces nearby.

Puako Beach Park located at the road’s end has the most parking and has decent water access too (and portable toilets).

Puako General Store has drinks, snacks, deli-type meals and more. It’s open daily 10am to 5pm (closes at 4pm on the weekends). The store address is 69-1649 Puako Beach Dr. if you want to start your day in Puako with a quick stop there.

Sometimes the shoreline access signs disappear so keep your eyes open for places where they should be. Don’t ever cross a private property for access to the shoreline, instead you are looking for designated pathways between properties from the road to the water. Several of them have their own parking areas while others just have road shoulder spots. None of the nine shoreline accesses have any facilities.

Puako Beach Drive starts off Highway 19 in the area between Mauna Lani Resort and Mauna Kea Resort.

Address

69-1630 Puako Beach Dr
Waimea, HI 96743

Park Name

Puako Bay and Puako Reef Fisheries Management Area

Other Names

Puako Point, Waima Point, Kapuniau Point, Puako House 40, Puako Church

Owner

State

Pet Details

Dogs allowed on leash

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Whale Watching, Sunset Watching

Amenities

Tide Pools, General Store, Picnic Tables (at first access)