Puako Beach Park

Puako Beach Park is an under-appreciated shoreline access located at the end of Puako Beach Road. It’s typically used as a place to access the water for scuba divers and expert snorkelers, but it’s also a great place to get outside and explore the shoreline.

The shore here is rugged and the water can be quite shallow especially at low tide. That said, if you are a confident snorkeler and want a new place to explore this could be your spot. The reef edge is about 500 feet offshore and continues all along Puako Beach Drive where there are nine other Puako shoreline accesses. Getting out to the reef’s edge is difficult as the tidepools and shallow reef can be tricky, but it’s possible.

There is little sand at Puako Beach Park – it’s mostly lava with a few gaps where smaller lava rocks and coral chunks gather. In the evenings this beach park will have locals hanging out and waiting for sunset.

If you want to see more of the shoreline on foot, walk south on the Ala Kahakai Trail and you’ll be at Holoholokai Beach Park in just a few minutes. From there you can follow coastal paths to the Fairmont Orchid Beach and other beaches in the Mauna Lani Resort.

Dogs are allowed at Puako Beach Park if they are on a leash. No alcohol, no fires, and no camping allowed.

To get to Puako Beach Park turn onto Puako Beach Drive which is signed “Puako” on Highway 19 between the Mauka Lani and Mauna Kea Resorts. Drive three miles to the end of this road and the park is on the right. There is no official sign for this park other than one of those white and blue Shoreline Public Access signs.

Address

69-1972 Puako Beach Dr
Waimea, HI 96743

Park Name

Puako Bay and Puako Reef Fisheries Management Area

Owner

Public

Pet Details

Dogs allowed on leash

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Walking

Amenities

Tide Pools, Toilets, Trails