Our Favorite Places: Kua Bay

Kua Bay is our favorite sand beach.  It is our go-to beach when we have enough time to leave the neighborhood (otherwise we just pop down to Keei Beach).  To get there, you drive north from the Inn on highway 11 to the airport (about thirty minutes), pass the airport and continue on for another ten minutes or so, then look for the sign for West Hawaii Veteran’s Cemetery on your right, and turn left.  The entry road is paved and there is a sign that says Kekaha Kai State Park, Manini'owali Recreation Area.  There’s a parking area, restrooms and showers. 

This beach is fantastic for two reasons.  First, it’s just a beach, there are no resorts or houses near by, so you don’t have to deal with the crush of the resort-crowd.  Second, it’s just freaking gorgeous.  Envision white sugar-sand, soft and feathery, brilliantly clear water than glows green over white sand, and a huge blue sky spanning all around you.  It’s isolated enough that it doesn’t feel that busy, but is easily accessible meaning you can cart in your cooler and umbrella and books and beers and snacks.  It is hot and bright, so wear sunblock, and there’s a great break so it’s perfect for body-surfing and boogie-boarding.  Because it’s sandy it’s not so great for snorkeling (you WANT the rocks and reef for that so wait until you’re back here at Kealakekua Bay), but it’s perfect for swimming and playing in the waves.  For a purely self-indulgent laze in the sun on white sand, go here.