Waialea Bay (Beach 69)

Located on the northwest coast of the Big Island is the ever popular Waialea Bay. Although it isn’t difficult to reach the beach from nearby Puako it still retains a rather secluded feel. There really isn’t much in the way of development here with just a few houses hidden away beyond the kiawe trees that line the beach.

Waialea beach 69 sits in a little bay which is made to feel all the more cosy by a couple of rocky outcrops and several trees effectively dividing the beach up into more intimate little coves.

As you would expect from a Hawaiian beach the sand is soft and powdery and the water clear and turquoise. There’s also plenty of natural shade from the trees. 

Relatively protected from the surf and with offshore reefs Waialea is one of the best places to snorkel on the island. Along with numerous varieties of coral and colorful fish you may well spot green turtles here too. During the winter months you could be lucky enough to spot dolphins and humpback whales breaching just off the coast.

In terms of amenities there isn’t anything beyond the basics, i.e. showers, a restroom and a few picnic tables. There are no lifeguards.

Waialea is also known as Beach 69 which comes from an old Big Island naming convention. In the old days lesser known beaches were named after the nearest utility pole number - Waialea happened to be next to number 69.