Hawaii - Kuana'oa Beach

Samuel emerging from the turquoise waters of Kuana'Oa Beach,
with Benjamin behind him 

One of the quintessial beaches on the Big Island is Kuana'Oa Beach, home of Rockefeller's Muana Kea Resort.   You may remember that beach name (if your Hawaian is good) from my posting on our manta rays.  There is where manta rays congregate at night, and people during the day.  One of my guidebooks describes it as "the most beautiful beach in the world."  Hyperbole? Maybe.  But also not far off the mark.  It contains a long stretch of fine sand followed by turquoise and blue waters.  It is so pretty in fact, that when we arrived at the beach, a gentleman had set up an easel to paint it.

There are two ways to enjoy this beach.  The first is to book a stay at Muana Kea resort at $400-$700 per room, or to drive to the free public access parking.  We tried the latter, after the gate attendant warned us there might be no spots left.  We had left early (for us Chesslers) just for that reason, arriving at 9:10 a.m.  You drive for several  miles through a lush golf course to the hidden FREE public access parking at the end.  Steven managed to wedge our ginormous Ford Explorer rental into a spot, and off we went to enjoy the beach. 

Steven at the Mauna Kea's Hau Tree Cafe,
with a view of the  hotel's beach chairs and ocean beyond 

After some snorkeling and just sitting around, Steven and I left the boys to frolic in the surf while we bought a Mai Tai and a famous Fredrico drink at the Hau Tree Cafe on the beach.  kWith a Poke appetizer, it was excellent but expensive, at $52 for three items.  But the view was priceless.