Waialea Bay Beach 69
Waialea Bay, known as Beach 69, offers a unique shaded shoreline, calm waters for swimming, and excellent snorkeling with abundant marine life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calmer waters, clearer snorkeling
Waialea Bay Beach 69
Best Time
Calmer waters, clearer snorkeling
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Waialea Bay, known as Beach 69, offers a unique shaded shoreline, calm waters for swimming, and excellent snorkeling with abundant marine life.
"This beach was AMAZING! Definitely a highlight of our trip."
🚗 Parking & Fees
Ample parking available. Non-residents pay $10/vehicle + $5/person (2024). :moneybag:
☀️ Shade is Key
Bring beach chairs and lunch to enjoy under the abundant trees. :palm_tree:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 1,559 reviews
Type
Beach
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shaded Shoreline
Along the entire beach
Relax under the shade of trees, a welcome respite from the Hawaiian sun. Perfect for picnics and lazy beach days.
Abundant Marine Life
Near the rocks and coral
Snorkel or scuba dive to discover a variety of reef fish, and keep an eye out for sea turtles!
Calm Cove Waters
Waialea Bay
The cove-like nature of the bay creates calm waters ideal for swimming and bodyboarding, even for kids.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Shade and Arrive Early
Snorkeling Savvy: Conditions Matter
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking & Fees
Ample parking available. Non-residents pay $10/vehicle + $5/person (2024). :moneybag:
☀️ Shade is Key
Bring beach chairs and lunch to enjoy under the abundant trees. :palm_tree:
🐢 Turtle Spotting
You might spot sea turtles while snorkeling! Remember to give them space. 🐢
🐠 Snorkel Smart
Early mornings offer best visibility. Use mineral sunscreen to protect reefs. 🌊
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Fees
Ample parking available. Non-residents pay $10/vehicle + $5/person (2024). :moneybag:
☀️ Shade is Key
Bring beach chairs and lunch to enjoy under the abundant trees. :palm_tree:
🐢 Turtle Spotting
You might spot sea turtles while snorkeling! Remember to give them space. 🐢
🐠 Snorkel Smart
Early mornings offer best visibility. Use mineral sunscreen to protect reefs. 🌊
📱 Beach 69 Nickname
Locals call it 'Beach 69' after an old utility pole number. ☎️
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Waialea Bay Beach 69 for its abundant natural shade, calm waters ideal for swimming, and excellent snorkeling opportunities with diverse marine life. The convenience of restrooms and showers adds to its appeal, though some note that snorkeling visibility can be poor when conditions are rough.
"My 92 year old mom really loves this place. Good sandy beach for snorkeling, swimming, and body boarding for the kids. There is ample parking with shower and restroom facilities. For snorkelers, the water has an abundant and varied species of reef fish BUT the visibility can be poor when the waves and currents kick up. Kids will enjoy playing in the sand and looking in the tidepools. Bring beach chairs and lunch to enjoy under the shade of trees dotting the shoreline."
D J
"This beach was AMAZING! Definitely a highlight of our trip.
VISITORS here are some things to know:
- $10 per vehicle + $5 per person. you pay at the meter.
- if you’re looking for some easy access snorkelling, this is fantastic! easy to access, not overcrowded, and saw lovely sea life (we saw 2 sea turtles as well) !
- use mineral sunscreen so you don’t hurt the reefs, keep the waters from chemicals!
HIGHLY recommend. totally worth it."
Anna & Steven
"Gorgeous beach with beautiful, clean sand and crystal blue ocean. It's somewhat of a cove—not sure if I'm using the word correctly—so the water is calm and easy to swim in. There are some nice rocks to snorkel around if you're into that, as well. The beach has many trees that provide excellent cover from the shade. We arrived at around 10 am and there was still space on the beach; arriving later may have made that more difficult. Such a good beach to visit."
Jacob Kenison
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Waialea Bay Beach 69 is located on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. Look for the turnoff marked by a utility pole with the number 69. There is a parking area available.
Yes, there is a fairly spacious parking lot available at Waialea Bay Beach 69. It can fill up, especially during peak times.
The beach is officially known as Waialea Bay, but locals affectionately call it Beach 69. The turnoff is often indicated by a utility pole numbered 69, making it a unique landmark.
The beach is generally easy to access from the parking lot. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking for a beautiful Big Island beach experience.
From the north or south on Highway 270, look for the turnoff marked by the number 69 on a utility pole. This will lead you to the parking area for Waialea Bay Beach 69.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, non-residents are required to pay a fee. As of 2024, it's $10 per vehicle plus $5 per person. Payment is typically made at a meter.
While there are no official posted hours, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment. Early mornings are recommended for the best experience.
There's no need to book tickets in advance for Waialea Bay Beach 69. You pay the entrance fee upon arrival at the parking area.
The fee structure is generally per vehicle and per person for non-residents. It's advisable to check for any updated pricing or resident discounts upon arrival.
The fee covers access to the beach, parking, and use of facilities like restrooms and showers. It's a reasonable price for a beautiful and well-equipped beach.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Waialea Bay Beach 69 is great for snorkeling, swimming, and bodyboarding. Kids can enjoy playing in the sand and exploring tide pools. The shaded areas are perfect for relaxing.
Yes, it's a popular snorkeling spot with abundant reef fish. However, visibility can be poor when waves and currents pick up, especially in the afternoon. Early mornings are best.
Yes, the beach is equipped with public showers and restroom facilities, making it convenient for a full day of enjoyment.
The beach features beautiful, clean white sand. Unlike some other beaches, trees grow close to the water's edge, providing natural shade.
It can get busy, especially later in the day. Arriving by 10 am is recommended to find a good spot. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or food vendors directly at Waialea Bay Beach 69. It's recommended to bring your own lunch and snacks.
Pack a picnic lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. The shaded areas are perfect for enjoying a meal with a view.
The nearest dining options will be in the towns of Kawaihae or Waikoloa Village, which are a short drive away from Waialea Bay Beach 69.
There are no specific mentions of BBQ facilities. It's best to check local regulations or stick to bringing pre-prepared food.
You'll find a range of Hawaiian cuisine, fresh seafood, and local favorites in the nearby towns. Consider trying poke or plate lunches.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique shaded shoreline, the crystal-clear waters, and the diverse marine life. The natural beauty of the bay offers endless photographic possibilities.
Early morning light is ideal for soft, beautiful photos. The golden hour before sunset can also provide stunning shots, though the beach may be less crowded earlier.
The distinctive trees growing right up to the water's edge are a signature feature. The rocky outcrops also provide interesting foreground elements for your shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and bay. If you plan on snorkeling, a waterproof camera or housing is a must for underwater shots.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's always best to check with the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources or local authorities before flying a drone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit