Mauna Kea Beach Free Public Parking Lot Island of Hawai’i, Hawaii 96743, Hawaii, USA

Overview & Location
Our research indicates that parking for Kauna’oa Beach, more commonly known as Mauna Kea Beach, is located on the Island of Hawai’i within the exclusive Mauna Kea Resort. For satellite navigation purposes, the coordinates are approximately 20.0075925, -155.8251308. This idyllic beach is a public space, but its primary access point and car park are managed by the private resort, creating a unique access arrangement. The beach itself is a stunning half-mile crescent of white sand lapped by typically calm, clear blue waters, making it one of the most sought-after coastal destinations on the island. Consequently, securing a parking space requires planning. Travellers will find two options: a very small number of free, unofficial spaces along the nearby highway, and the main, managed resort car park.

Pricing & How to Pay
Access to the beach itself is free of charge for all visitors. The fee pertains strictly to the use of the Mauna Kea Resort car park and its associated facilities. As of our latest update in May 2024, the cost for parking is $21 for visitors who are not registered guests of the resort or residents of Hawaii. Guests staying at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel receive complimentary parking.

To park, visitors must stop at the security gate at the main entrance to the resort. Here, an attendant will issue a public beach access parking pass if any are available. Payment, typically via credit or debit card, is handled at this point. The free roadside parking along the highway carries no fee but is extremely limited and not guaranteed.

Features & Accessibility
The designated public car park is a formal, surfaced lot that is well-maintained as part of the resort infrastructure. The resort allocates a finite number of parking passes for the public each day, estimated to be between 30 and 40 spaces, to manage capacity and maintain the area’s tranquil atmosphere. Once these passes are distributed, no further public vehicles are admitted.

From the car park, a paved path of approximately a quarter of a mile leads visitors directly to the northern end of the beach. This paved surface makes the journey manageable for families with pushchairs. Upon reaching the end of the path, beachgoers have access to excellent public amenities, including:
– Showers
– Changing rooms
– Restrooms
– A concession stand offering beach equipment rentals
– A beach bar and the acclaimed Manta Restaurant for refreshments and dining

What’s Nearby
The car park provides direct access to Mauna Kea Beach and its many attractions. The calm bay is ideal for swimming and boogie boarding. For those interested in marine life, the rocky outcrops at the north and south ends of the beach offer superb snorkeling opportunities, with coral reefs and an abundance of fish. Surfing can occasionally be enjoyed at the north end when conditions permit.

For evening visitors, the Turtle Lookout point, situated above the northern end of the beach, is a renowned spot for viewing manta rays as they feed in the illuminated waters after sunset. Beyond the beach, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel itself is the central feature of the area. Should parking be unavailable, the expansive Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area is a short drive away and serves as an excellent alternative, with its own large, paid car park.

Expert Tips & Things to Know
– We recommend arriving early to secure a parking pass. On sunny days and during peak holiday seasons, it is advisable to be at the resort entrance gate before 9 a.m., as passes are often gone by 10 a.m.
– The parking pass system is strictly first-come, first-served. When you arrive at the security gate, you will either be granted a pass or politely turned away if the daily quota has been met.
– Visitor safety is paramount. It is critical to note that there are no lifeguards on duty at Mauna Kea Beach. Swimmers should be cautious of potential rip currents and always check ocean conditions before entering the water.
– Have a backup plan. Due to the limited number of passes, having an alternative destination in mind is wise. Nearby Hapuna Beach is a reliable second choice.
– While the beach is public, the access is through private property. We advise visitors to be respectful, stick to the designated public paths, and adhere to any posted resort rules.
– For the best wildlife viewing, plan a visit between December and March when humpback whales can often be spotted from the shoreline.