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Overview
Located in the town of Waimea, Pauoa Bay has a long, narrow, and crescent-shaped beach that is surrounded by palm trees and rugged greenery on large rocks. Pauoa Bay is an incredible destination for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and rafting because of its calm waters and small waves. Pauoa Bay features one of the best coral reefs in Hawaii where you can find the incredible Hawaiian green sea turtle called Honu, eels, rays, butterfly fish, dolphins, and whales.
Amenities
Although Pauoa Bay does not have lifeguards, the beach offers many amenities including restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and barbecues.
Activities
There are many fun activities at Pauoa Bay including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, whale watching, and beach walking.
Parking
Getting to the beach at Pauoa Bay is very easy – there is a free parking lot at Malama Trailhead at the end of Puako Beach Drive on the north side of the beach. After parking, you will need to walk 10 minutes south to the beach.
Attractions
If you are looking for attractions near Pauoa Bay, you can drive 15 minutes to many nearby options. Kalahuipua'a Historic Park is an awesome fishing spot with petroglyphs, lava tube dwellings, trails, and fishponds from ancient times. Spread across 62 acres, Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area features many beautiful white sand beaches and is great for many water sport activities including swimming, snorkeling, bodyboarding, and whale watching. Dolphin Quest Hawai’i - Swim with Dolphins is located inside Hilton Waikoloa Village – it features dolphin shows, swimming with dolphins, and touch tanks. Another great attraction near Pauoa Bay is Hapuna Golf Course, an 18-hole golf course with beautiful Instagram-worthy views of the Kohala Coast and Pacific Ocean on the front and Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Kohala Mountains in the back.
Restaurants
If you get hungry, there are many restaurants within a three-minute drive of Pauoa Bay. Binchotan Bar & Grill is a barbecue restaurant with a nice menu that includes beef brisket, chicken quarters, kielbasa sausage, beef ribs, and pork ribs. Another good restaurant near Pauoa Bay is the vegetarian-friendly restaurant CanoeHouse which serves seafood, drinks, desserts, and vegan dishes.
Hotels
If you are looking for a hotel near Pauoa Bay, you can drive 30 minutes to many nearby options. The 5-Star Lai Nani Oceanfront Estate offers a pool and three oceanfront villas. The Westin Hapuna Beach Hotel is an upscale 4-Star hotel with many amenities including a beachfront spa, gym, an infinity pool, an 18-hole golf course, and three restaurants. The 3-Star Hale Kukui Orchard and Resort features three cottages, a pool, and a 650-feet-tall waterfall. If you are looking for budget-friendly hotels near Pauoa Bay, the 3-Star Waipiʻo Lodge provides oceanfront rooms and the 2-Star Hotel Honoka’a Club has a nice restaurant.
Basic Details
(808) 885-2000
1000 feet
Entry Fee
Restroom Available
24 / 7
Beige
Parking Available
All Amenities at Pauoa Bay
Amenities
Barbecue
Restrooms
Showers
WiFi
Activities
Snorkeling
Surfing
Volleyball
Rentals
Bikes
Kayaking Canoeing
Mat Rentals
Sailing
Umbrella Rental
Food
Bars
Local Beach Vendor
Restaurants
Access
Car Access
Foot Access
Parking - Free
Features
Pauoa Bay - Beach Map
Top Traveler Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!
Does Pauoa Bay have parking? If so, is it free or paid?
Yes, this Beach provides free parking at the entrance, although spaces are limited. Visitors can also find street parking nearby for easy access to the beach.
Does Pauoa Bay have lifeguards?
No, this Beach does not have lifeguards monitoring the beach - please be careful when swimming on this beach.
Is Pauoa Bay a family-friendly beach?
No, this Beach is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.
Is Pauoa Bay good for swimming?
Yes, this Beach boasts excellent swimming conditions, attracting swimmers of all skill levels with its gentle waves and clear waters.
Does Pauoa Bay have restrooms?
Yes, Restrooms are conveniently available on or adjacent to the beach at this Beach.
Is Pauoa Bay a nude beach?
No, this Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.
Is there food near Pauoa Bay?
Yes, this Beach has multiple food options near or on the beach, including restaurants and beach vendors.
What are the activities at Pauoa Bay?
Yes, this Beach is renowned for its vibrant beach scene, offering various activities for everyone to enjoy Snorkeling, Surfing, Volleyball.
Does Pauoa Bay have accommodations for people with disabilities?
No, this Beach does not have accommodations for people with disabilities.
Is Pauoa Bay a dog-friendly beach?
No, this Beach is not dog-friendly.
Is Pauoa Bay good for surfing?
Yes, surfing is an activity that is frequently enjoyed at this Beach.
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