Mau'umae Beach
A secluded white-sand haven on the Kohala Coast, offering calm waters, decent snorkeling, and stunning sunset views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For ultimate tranquility
Mau'umae Beach
Best Time
For ultimate tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded white-sand haven on the Kohala Coast, offering calm waters, decent snorkeling, and stunning sunset views.
"This is a bit of a hidden gem. The couple of times I've been here, there have been only a few other people or families. "
🚶♀️ Easy Hike Access
Park at Spencer Beach Park and take the 10-15 min flat hike. Easy in flip-flops!
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Direct resort access may be restricted. Spencer Beach parking is your best bet.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pristine White Sands
The main stretch of the beach
Sink your toes into soft, fine white sand, perfect for lounging and soaking up the Hawaiian sun.
Calm Waters for Swimming
Near the shore
Protected by its coastal location, the waters are generally calm, ideal for swimming and family fun.
Snorkeling Opportunities
South end of the beach
Discover underwater life in the moderately good snorkeling spots, especially around the southern end.
Spectacular Sunset Views
Overlooking the ocean
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors, a perfect end to a beach day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Mau'umae Beach
Best Time for Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy Hike Access
Park at Spencer Beach Park and take the 10-15 min flat hike. Easy in flip-flops!
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Direct resort access may be restricted. Spencer Beach parking is your best bet.
☀️ Pack Sun Essentials
Bring plenty of sunscreen, hats, and water for a comfortable day.
📸 Perfect Photoshoot Spot
Ideal for photography, especially when fewer people are around.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Hike Access
Park at Spencer Beach Park and take the 10-15 min flat hike. Easy in flip-flops!
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Direct resort access may be restricted. Spencer Beach parking is your best bet.
☀️ Pack Sun Essentials
Bring plenty of sunscreen, hats, and water for a comfortable day.
📸 Perfect Photoshoot Spot
Ideal for photography, especially when fewer people are around.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Path
The trail from Spencer Beach Park is dog-friendly, making it great for pet owners.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mau'umae Beach is lauded as a hidden gem offering a peaceful escape with beautiful white sands and calm waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing. While snorkeling is decent, it's not the main draw. The easy hike from Spencer Beach Park is a highlight, ensuring a less crowded experience.
"This is a bit of a hidden gem. The couple of times I've been here, there have been only a few other people or families. The beach is accessed by parking at Spencer beach (no parking fee) and taking about a .4 mile hike. The path is pretty good, we had no problem walking it in sandals and flip flops. It is basically flat with no hills, a very easy walk. You used to be able to get here by getting a parking pass at the Mauna Kea guardhouse and driving down. I heard that Mauna Kea was no longer giving access, but I have not verified that. The beach has beautiful fine sand and seems to be fairly sheltered from the shore break. There is moderately good snorkeling around the beach. I would say that it's a great beach to relax and have a good time without a lot of other people. There is probably better snorkeling and boogie boarding at other places. It is certainly worth checking out to see if it fits what you're looking for."
Matt Boron
"Secluded beach, only a 15-minute hike south from Spence Beach. Totally worth the effort."
Clive Bayliss
"We really enjoyed this beach! Park at Spencer Beach park. There is a footpath to the south of the bathrooms. 10-15 minute walk. We went to this beach several times and it was never crowded.
South end of the beach has decent snorkeling as well."
Madison Dulworth
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common and recommended way to reach Mau'umae Beach is by parking at Spencer Beach Park and taking a short, easy hike (about 0.4 miles or 10-15 minutes) along the King's Trail. Some sources mention potential access through Mauna Kea Resort, but this may be restricted.
Direct parking at Mau'umae Beach is very limited or non-existent. The best strategy is to utilize the ample and free parking at Spencer Beach Park and then hike to Mau'umae Beach.
No, the hike from Spencer Beach Park is generally considered easy. It's a flat, well-maintained path that can be comfortably walked in sandals or flip-flops.
Historically, it was possible to get a parking pass for Mauna Kea Resort and drive closer, but this access is reportedly no longer available. The hike from Spencer Beach Park is the primary method.
Yes, the beach itself and the path leading to it are very walkable. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll along the coast.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mau'umae Beach does not require any tickets or admission fees. Access is free, especially when utilizing Spencer Beach Park.
As a natural beach, Mau'umae Beach does not have set opening or closing hours. It is accessible during daylight hours.
There is no entrance fee for Mau'umae Beach itself. Parking at Spencer Beach Park is also free.
While technically accessible, it's generally recommended to visit Mau'umae Beach during daylight hours for safety and to fully enjoy its beauty.
The main restriction is regarding direct vehicle access, which is often limited. The hike from Spencer Beach Park is the most reliable way to enter.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming in the calm waters, relaxing on the white sand, snorkeling, and photography. It's also a great spot for a peaceful walk.
Yes, the south end of the beach offers moderately good snorkeling opportunities, with calm waters making it enjoyable.
Mau'umae Beach is known for being less crowded than other popular beaches, offering a more secluded experience.
The beach is generally sheltered from large waves, making the waters calm and safe for swimming, especially for families.
While some TikToks mention camping in the general area of Kiholo Bay, Mau'umae Beach itself is not typically designated for camping.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light for photography, and sunsets are particularly stunning.
Absolutely! The white sand, calm turquoise waters, and potential for dramatic sunsets make it a fantastic spot for photos.
Drone photography is possible, offering unique aerial perspectives of the coastline and beach. Always check local drone regulations.
While it's less crowded, you might still encounter a few people. Early mornings or weekdays offer the best chance for secluded, pristine shots.
Landscape, sunset, and portrait photography all work well here due to the beautiful natural scenery and lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The easy, flat hike from Spencer Beach Park is manageable even with little ones, and the soft white sand is perfect for building sandcastles. 📸 Photographers and Content Creators
The beach is particularly renowned for its spectacular sunsets, offering incredible opportunities for golden hour and twilight shots. Its relatively secluded nature means you're more likely to capture unobstructed views and serene compositions, making it ideal for landscape, portrait, and even drone photography. +1🧘♀️ Peace Seekers and Relaxation Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Mau'umae Beach: The Hike from Spencer Beach Park
While direct vehicle access through the Mauna Kea Resort was once an option, it's now largely restricted. This shift has helped preserve the secluded nature of Mau'umae Beach. The hike ensures that visitors who make the effort are rewarded with a less crowded and more tranquil experience compared to easily accessible beaches. It’s a small effort for a significant gain in serenity.
Key Takeaway: Plan to park at Spencer Beach Park and enjoy a short, easy hike to reach Mau'umae Beach. This approach guarantees access and enhances the feeling of discovering a hidden gem.
The Allure of Mau'umae Beach: Seclusion and Natural Beauty
The beach's unique location, nestled in a bend of the coastline, provides a natural shield against larger waves, resulting in calm and protected waters. This makes it particularly suitable for swimming and wading, even for families with children. While it might not be the prime spot for advanced surfing or boogie boarding, the gentle conditions are perfect for a leisurely dip.
Beyond swimming, Mau'umae Beach offers moderately good snorkeling opportunities, especially on the southern end. Visitors can explore the underwater world and spot local marine life. The beach is also a photographer's delight, with its picturesque scenery, especially during the golden hour and sunsets, which are often described as spectacular.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit